Valve cover gaskets

Just changed our my plugs and found some oil in the wells. Are fel pro gaskets good or should I stay with Toyota gaskets?

 

Felpro is hit and miss. Lots like it. I hate them, working professionally we always try to avoid them.

This is my choice if I had your truck.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=11470225&cc=1441488&pt=10710&jsn=443

You also need intake plenum gaskets. They aren't as critical as the valve cover gaskets.

 

Thanks

 

@chop

I'm in the process of doing this work on my '06 with the 4.0L. Be aware. A couple of cautions Murphy has taught me.

Corrosion is a bitch. The lower bolt and nuts are more exposed to exhaust heat and splash from the front wheels. This helps corrosion on these 3 fasteners. In my case, both the clearance holes around the studs were filled with corrosion, essentially locking the valve cover. The bolt between the studs, snapped off with a small amount of removal torque. You can see more details in my thread. In all, it took nearly 7 hours to remove the valve cover and the broken bolt.

The cautions. On the passenger side, there is wiring mounted to the fender well. Disconnect the battery negative post. Open the connectors, remove the anchors from the fender. Push wiring harness out of the way and tie it down.

I ended up breaking one of the wires for the RH Front Speed Sensor. This is an additional repair that was not anticipated.

When doing the driver's side.....you will need an Intake Plenum gasket.

Last tip. Spend $20 at Toyota to get a new set of bolts and nuts for the valve covers.

BTW, I purchased Fel-Pro gaskets from RockAuto. Can't speak for how long they will last, but the appearance, quality and fit are good.

I begin work on the Driver's side on Monday. My hands are really bunged up from the efforts to remove the broken bolt. Ribs and sternum are sore from leaning on the edge of the fender. Using today as a healing day and to help LOML with some landscaping chores around our castle.

 

Wow, I didn't know I needed to replace the intake plen gasket. What else will I need?

 

Assuming you have the 4.0L.

You will need a small tube of RTV gasket material. There is a funky T joint where the head, timing cover and valve cover meet.

Yes, the intake plenum needs to be removed. This will disturb the gasket. Don't fret, the gasket only costs about $6 USD.

During reassembly, I'm using a touch of anti-seize on bolt threads and some grease in the clearance holes around the studs. Steel + aluminum + brine + heat = galvanic corrosion. The aluminum engine is held together with steel bolts & nuts.

Be patient. Plan a couple of days for the task. You just can't predict what Mr. Murphy will offer as a challenge.