(1GR-FE) Anyone else's motor looking like this?

It's been this way for a while, but I always seemed to skim over it whilst in the engine bay.
The valve cover gasket on both sides appear to be leaking, one side more than the other. I've been on other forums but alas, came to no decisive answer. Is it a sign of impending disaster or nothing I should be too worried about? Again, I've read on other forums with people saying it's perfectly normal for the 4.0L to do this, while I've seen others say you should go ahead and replace the valve cover gasket. I've also seen people say that they've replaced theirs and it started to leak again. Just hoping for a decisive answer instead of mechanics arguing whether it's of no concern or not.

 

Your engine isn't going to blow up if you don't fix it as long as you keep your oil level correct if that's what your asking.
That being said I would address it if it was mine, valve cover gaskets are relatively easy and inexpensive to replace if you DIY as long as the bolts arent seized in the valve cover.

 

Seems actually pretty light for a 15 year old vehicle.

 

It might start to stink if the oil gets on the exhaust manifolds

 

My motor has been like this for literally like 100K, never smelled oil not even once even with a leaking rear main seal. The trick is to dip your truck into mud up to the headlights. Seals itself up pretty nicely.

 

Same on my 09 at 180k and no problems so just run it. If you want spray some cleaner on it when cold and wipe off - solved.
I'd only change it if you see it actively running/dripping out.

 

It's your truck. Do what you want. Doesn't come from the factory leaking, with new seals. If those are original seals, then they are going to be harder (and possibly brittle), than a fresh set. They'll thus not seal as well, which means leaks.

If you plan on replacing aged gaskets.* During the re-installation of new gaskets, at the 4 points where the timing cover mates to the heads, add a small smear of silicone/rtv/similar, for added leak protection.

 

FWIW. That looks like normal seepage over 15+ years. My engine looks the same.

I just replaced the valve cover gaskets on my '06 1GR-FE. The reason for the task was a bit of oil in the spark plug wells. The gasket replacement is not difficult. I had some difficulty due to a bolt that snapped to remain stuck in the head. Also, the valve cover was locked to the studs with corrosion. Many blue words, heat, prying, blood sacrifice, penetrant to coerce the cover to let go. Then the arduous removal of the broken bolt.

This is a doable DIY task, there are step by step instructions. Be aware, you will need an intake plenum gasket too.

Suggest to pull a few spark plugs to check for oil in the plug well. This is the only area where the valve cover gasket seepage may cause an issue. otherwise.....the seepage just makes for a grimy engine.

 

Mines been a light weep for years along with timing cover but also light weeping only on passenger side. Timing cover is too much for me to do. Valve I might tackle in spring all depends on how back surgery comes out. Loved my first profession as landscape contractor but I was stupid with how much I pushed my body. Live and learn

 

Mine looks about like yours, I just check my oil levels periodically like I should. I figure my head gaskets are going to fail at some point and they'll get changed then.

 

Instead of writing that paragraph, you could have gone and quickly replaced your valve cover gaskets for cheap.

To rule that out of the equation.
If you do spark plugs or cam gear upgrade you're in that area anyway.

Don't worry. The power steering line will also leak.