To replace 5VZ-FE valve cover gaskets - or leave them original? Gotta decide ASAP.

I'm in the middle of fuel injector cleaning & rebuilding right now, and I remembered the leaking valve cover issue I've read about. I'm right at the valve covers now, but I don't have any of the gaskets to do them.

Inspecting the area, there's plenty of black grime all around, but nothing I wouldn't expect from a '98 engine. There are no obvious messy leaks, and I never have oil on the ground below it. I know that now would be the time to do them, but know equally well that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I really want to get it back together today, both to know how much better it runs (1st time cleaning & rebuilding the injectors, and I seriously neglected the fuel filter for many years), but also because I hate leaving an engine in this condition in my driveway for very long. I could have the gaskets within a week.

How many years and how many miles are some of you getting before having to replace OEM valve cover gaskets? ~170K on mine.

 

Dude just do it.

 

the original gaskets on my 5VZFE started weeping at 115k
replaced...
they are now starting to be weepy again at 358k

so almost got 1/4 million miles out of that where i need to get them redone

yota indy shop quoted me recently it is 900$ to do them this time around

 

170k is well beyond when they usually start leaking. You’re already in there, just do them

 

Replace them. I had to at 297,061 mi.

 

I’d do em. Parts are cheap and easy while you’re there. I just did them on my 4Runner. But that thing has many more leaks with 320k miles lol.

 

the 4cylinder gasket lasted that many miles
impressive!

 

Alright, I'll do them.

I know there are cheap options, but I'm not going with the $20 sets off Amazon. OEM sets were ~$250. I found a set online for ~$70 made by Stone, which is claimed to be made in Japan.

Any experience with this company? Ain't no Japanese sounding name....

 

what Oem set was $250 ?
what did that include besides just the gaskets

 

IIRC, that set included the throttle body and intake manifold gaskets. Basically everything that gets removed to get down to the valve covers, including spark plug tubes, gaskets for all of the VC bolts, PCV seal (, etc. The Stone kit was didn't have the intake or throttle body gaskets, but did all the other stuff, so not quite apples-apples, but still....

 

Does the set include the round cam plugs too? Mandatory replacement when opened. Mine were leaking.

 

OP, go yo YouTube and find Timmy the Toolman's video on how to do the valve covers. It has a part list with all the parts/part #'s needed for the valve cover gasket job (gaskets, plug tube seals, PVC valve, throttle body gasket, intake plenum gaskets). Then go to Ourisman Toyota's website and add all those parts to a cart. Take that info to your local Toyota Dealer Parts counter and ask them to price match Ourisman. This strategy works for many and your dealer oughta be able to source the parts by Monday or Tuesday at the latest.

 

Timmy's video is primarily what I relied on. He explains the job more thoroughly than anyone.

 

Yea his videos are great and sometimes I refer back to them just for parts lists and part #'s

 

Thanks all for the recommendations and pointers.

 

yes. Kit includes:

• 1 PCV Grommet
• 16 Valve Cover Bolt Seals
• 2 Cam Plugs
• 6 Spark Plug Seals
• 2 Valve Cover Gaskets

 

Buying those parts individually from your local dealer or a dealer that sells/ships online will cost way less than the $250 that kit costs. I'd bet you save at least $100. Make sure to get a tube of Toyota FIPG (black) too

 

No, that was the $70 kit mentioned above. I got some of that FIPG on order. thanks.

 

Definitely do them. Buy the felpro or mahle kit that includes the spark plug tube seals. Remove, clean and apply RTV to the half moons. Also the cam plugs on the back should really be replaced. They will leak if you don't replace, or at minimum clean and rtv them.

 

I did the seals for the spark plugs too, mine were so dry and leaking that the plug shafts were pooling oil.