Valve Covers Leaking: What else to do?

I've got a 2001 5vzfe V6 3.4L with 165k and recently noticed some oil leaking/seeping from the engine and it took me awhile to figure out where it was coming from. After looking at the various threads here I'm confident that the valve cover gaskets are my problem. Seems straight forward enough so using this fantastic writeup and Timmy the Toolman's video I think I'll manage. Any other recommendations or things to look out for?

I am unfortunately going to be losing access to a lot of tools and the space to do at home maintenance for awhile, so I'd like to knock out as much as I can while I'm able to. What other maintenance should I do, or issues to look for while I'm in there?

Also looking to address the infamous startup squeal from the serpentine belt. Straight to replacement or are there other things to do before that?

 

replace all the vacuum hoses while you're at it. Might also want to replace the knock sensor harness. The knock sensors should be fine, but if you change it know you won't have to take the plenum off later if you have a knock sensor issue. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

3.4 Liter?

 

Excellent I'll look into those. This is the exact stuff I'm looking for suggestion on, things I wouldn't think to consider. Any suggestions for brands or ones to specifically avoid?

 

I just had mine done at Toyota for $1050. This included the VC gaskets, cam seal half-moons, bolt grommets, spark plug tube seals, 16 washer seals and air surge gaskets. I know it's a lot of money, but I am pretty happy with the job.

 

Ahaha, oops, definitely got the 1 of 1 factory 3.5 L

 

had a timing belt..Water pump?

 

That's heavy but the work does take quite a bit of time to do well.

 

So you paid for a head gasket job but got a valve cover gasket job

 

Honestly, it's such a straightforward and quick job the only other thing I would consider are the spark plugs and/or wires. You don't even have to remove anything else but the air intake hose if you're good.

 

I would consider checking valve clearances and adjusting them if they're out of spec. Timmy has a phenomenal video on how to do that to (on the 5vz-fe).

 

I was hoping others would chime in here, but I'd suggest spending the money and getting a genuine Toyota Knock Sensor harness. Tacoma's can be quite finicky with some aftermarket parts.

 

I'll have to check if I can read the faded sticker on the cover, but I believe the timing belt was serviced just before we got the truck. We got it at ~130k, and I believe it was serviced ~100-120k.

I thought that writeup touched on that as well but I guess I'm thinking of a different one. Been doing a lot of browsing lately so I'll see if I can find it again. Gotta go for genuine OEM for the sparkplugs right?

Ahaha, "if you're good" is very subjective. I replaced the JBA UCA bushings few months ago, and figured while its on the stands I'd replace the LCA bushings too. The lowers are factory still and the couple hour job became a multi day job, using the neighbors torch and hydraulic jack press. Next time those need work, I'm just upgrading the full LCA.

Thank you! I'll look for the video!

So I've heard, I'll do some more digging and see what other information I can find.

 

Timmy's 4runner didn't have an EGR system, and you'll need to remove all that including the exhaust-EGR pipe at both ends. I numbered all my hoses and wires like he did.

Here were my steps
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ide-valve-cover-replacement-on-5vz-fe.785660/