1MZFE Valve Cover Bolts - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Chris Crash · 06-24-2011, 12:13 PM

I remember a very long time ago reading about how on the V6 camry, one or two of the valve cover bolts wasn't able to be fully torqued due to it bottoming out, so there was always oil leaking. The solution said was washers. I'm now doing rear valve covers and notice tons of oil leaking everywhere, and after searching and checking the stickies, I can't find the post!

Does anyone know which bolt or bolts needed washers? I don't want to add washers to the wrong bolt and have it not thread in enough...

***projektvertx*** · 06-24-2011, 12:19 PM

Chris, I never had to add washers, I bought new, OEM washers. Those are crush washers. I think Toyota calls them washer plates? The P/N is 90902-02001. Also, be very careful about torquing the bolts. I've heard of people breaking the bolt heads off trying to torque them to factory specs. You might want to order a few just to have them on hand!

I replaced the gaskets in february and no oil leaks

ajkalian · 06-24-2011, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Crash

I remember a very long time ago reading about how on the V6 camry, one or two of the valve cover bolts wasn't able to be fully torqued due to it bottoming out, so there was always oil leaking. The solution said was washers. I'm now doing rear valve covers and notice tons of oil leaking everywhere, and after searching and checking the stickies, I can't find the post!

Does anyone know which bolt or bolts needed washers? I don't want to add washers to the wrong bolt and have it not thread in enough...

I just added 2 washers to all the old bolts and torqued them to specs, 72 in/lbs or 6 ft/lbs IRRC. It wouldn't hurt to pick up some spare bolts next time you are at Pick-N-Pull. Or you can get them new, at like $2.30 each. Way too much for a bolt, if you ask me. They are real easy to break, once they have been overtorqued.

Plus I smeared gasket sealer on all the surfaces, not just a few as the FSM says to do.

Here's a couple of the threads, there's probably more though.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...63#post2612663

OEM VS Felpro Valve cover gasket

***JohnGD*** · 06-25-2011, 01:36 PM

It's either new OEM bolts with wavy washers or just put a regular Home Depot washer on there. One should do fine, but Ajkalian used two. Just add a washer to each bolt. To all of them, including those that don't leak, yet.

And make sure to properly torque down the bolts in a star pattern. And recheck after 15 minutes. HF has those 1/4" torque wrenches on sale often ($12.99 or so with mailer coupon).

I'd also change out the PCV valve/grommet and reseal the semicircular plugs while you have things apart. Permatex Ultra Copper or Ultra Black are fine. Just make sure the surfaces and clean and free of oil (otherwise RTV won't stick).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Crash

I remember a very long time ago reading about how on the V6 camry, one or two of the valve cover bolts wasn't able to be fully torqued due to it bottoming out, so there was always oil leaking. The solution said was washers. I'm now doing rear valve covers and notice tons of oil leaking everywhere, and after searching and checking the stickies, I can't find the post!

Does anyone know which bolt or bolts needed washers? I don't want to add washers to the wrong bolt and have it not thread in enough...

Chris Crash · 06-25-2011, 01:46 PM

Yup just picked up some flat washers at lowes for 60 cents. The PCV valve was completely missing, well, half was in the valve cover but I was able to extract it.

Just waiting on my next day at work to get my parts!

***fenixus*** · 06-25-2011, 04:51 PM

Chris if you want OEM crush washers for VC bolts, then let me know I have 8 extra on me. Ordered them on top of new OEM bolts, but wasn't aware that new bolts come with new washers.

flat washers will work only if you stack them like 2-4 of them at once. OEM crush washers are one time use only. torque them to specs.

pmesfun · 06-25-2011, 05:10 PM

When I bought some, the bolts came with the washers so its one part.

***fenixus*** · 06-25-2011, 06:05 PM

^ok, all clear, thanks.

***lemegacool*** · 06-25-2011, 09:42 PM

i'm doing the vc gasket on mine soon and i will be adding 2 stainless washers to each bolt before torquing it down... i think thats what the guy did so the bolts doesnt bottom out and snap before reaching proper torque

optimist81 · 09-05-2011, 04:15 PM

May I ask a silly question? So in order to change the new bolts for the rear valve cover gasket for "V6" camry solara, I need to remove the manifold over the it, right? It seems hard for beginners. :P

Chris Crash · 09-05-2011, 04:35 PM

Yup. It's a pain.

optimist81 · 09-05-2011, 04:42 PM

Thanks. Chris. Then, I'll bring the new OEM bolts to the autoshop.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Crash

Yup. It's a pain.

***fenixus*** · 09-05-2011, 04:50 PM

yeah, I would just get new OEM bolts (they come with new crush washers), don't re-use the old ones, they are brittle and may shear off, same about crush washers, don't re-use, you need new ones every time.