2.2L I4 Valve Cover Leaking - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

anttarz · 01-14-2010, 01:40 PM

I have had an on issue (over a year) with my 2000 2.2L I4 Camry (105K) valve cover leaking. I have replaced the gasket several times w/ RTV sealant and torqued to OEM specs. I have also added Lucas Oil which has helped a few times. This month it started to leak again, quite a bit. This could be due to the cold weather. The only thing I could think of is that the valve cover is warped. Any thoughts/ideas???

AlmightyCamry777 · 01-14-2010, 01:58 PM

Isn't the valve cover on your engine an aluminum casting? Castings generally don't warp, not cast valve covers anyway.

Examine the engine closely and find out exactly where the leak is coming from. Then remove the valve cover again and inspect the sealing areas closely. You may find a crack or chip in the valve cover sealing area - if so, you might need a new-to-you junkyard one. Also, don't over-torque the valve cover bolts, (note that the torque measurement is given in INCH pounds - a little loose is better than too tight because the gasket and sealer can be squeezed out - nothing to keep the oil inside if this happens.)

You're on the right track but since silicone isn't working, try some other sealer instead! Use the brown permatex or even gascacinch next time, these products seal pretty good. Also surface preparation and setting time is crucial, the sealer needs a dry clean surface to stick to - if any oil is on the sealing surface the gasket sealer can't seal. I'd roughen the sealing surface with medium emery cloth to give the sealer more tooth. (Clean well afterwards with brake cleaner or carb cleaner to not get more grit in the engine).

The tube of sealer also has instructions on how much time to allow it to set before using the engine again, its better not to start the engine up too early or again, it may not seal.

bronzemaxell · 01-14-2010, 03:55 PM

where is the leak? front, rear, left side, right side, or all over?

gen 4 has a plastic plug where the distributor used to be, that need to be resealed, and also the half moons in additional to the rubber valve cover gasket.