Valve Cover Gasket -How To Video - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

shooter250 · 09-21-2011, 04:20 PM

I made a how to video when I changed my valve cover gasket on my 97 Camry with the 2.2L.

I hope this is helpful.

You Tube

***Mister_Perkins*** · 09-21-2011, 06:52 PM

Stickied

Nice video

***Zembonez*** · 09-21-2011, 07:21 PM

Good job posting up a video. What seems elementary to some is a big task to others.

shooter250 · 09-21-2011, 09:35 PM

This may be easy to some, but this was my most involve car repair ever. I've just recently started doing my own maintenance and it has been a learning experience. I hope I can share what I have learned to save others time and frustration that I edited out of the video.

FishyMan · 10-23-2011, 03:51 PM

Hi,

First of all, thanks for the video. I just had a few questions. The only sealant you've applied were the 4 corners on the mating surface right? You didn't put any between the cover and gasket?

Where did you buy the valve cover kit?

It seems like the cover is held down by the 30MM nuts right? I think this gasket is causing leaks.

Thanks

camrynoob · 11-19-2011, 03:42 PM

Awesome video, I was going to try this today, but I found out I don't have a 30mm socket, so I may not get to it, but when I do, I'll surely watch this again prior to the attempt. Thank you!

nathanours · 11-19-2011, 09:24 PM

Thanks for the vid, I've got the parts ordered from Auto Zone that should get here Wednesday. I'll let you know how it goes and use the video as a guide.

redgtxdi · 11-19-2011, 11:49 PM

Thanks for the vid. I really need to do this too. I haven't changed my own yet, but I've changed other cars' before & the principle is the same.

However..........I will say this.......I had my valve cover first changed at around 90,000 miles on my '98 and it's been changed 3 different times (and needs it again) in the 90,000 miles SINCE!!

Mine likes to sneak a leak in the back side so you don't know it's there til you start seeing oil on the garage/driveway. I found my spark plug tube nuts loose this last time so I snugged them up, but the valve cover won't stop leaking. TRULY frustrating.....especially when you've paid someone that you assumed did it right.

nathanours · 11-24-2011, 03:49 PM

Thanks again, I finished mine last night. I painted it with a nice bright red engine paint too, so it'll be easier to see future leaks. Mine looked pretty nasty with the stains from previous leaks.

camrynoob · 11-25-2011, 04:17 PM

OK, I did this today, and not sure if I used enough RTV or not, but i kind of smeared it along the sides. I torqued the tube nuts to 17 ft-lbs per another thread on here (revised spec?). I also broke the PCV valve removing it, so I just replaced it. I heard you should do it every 50,000 miles anyway.

One question, how long do I need to wait before starting the engine (to let the RTV dry)?

shooter250 · 11-25-2011, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camrynoob

OK, I did this today, and not sure if I used enough RTV or not, but i kind of smeared it along the sides. I torqued the tube nuts to 17 ft-lbs per another thread on here (revised spec?). I also broke the PCV valve removing it, so I just replaced it. I heard you should do it every 50,000 miles anyway.

One question, how long do I need to wait before starting the engine (to let the RTV dry)?

The package for the RTV I used said to wait 24 hours before starting your car. I would check the recommendation on the RTV you used.

shooter250 · 11-25-2011, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nathanours

Thanks again, I finished mine last night. I painted it with a nice bright red engine paint too, so it'll be easier to see future leaks. Mine looked pretty nasty with the stains from previous leaks.

The inside of my valve cover was stained also. I tried cleaning the inside, but I didn't give it much effort.

I like the red paint, great job.

shooter250 · 11-25-2011, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishyMan

Hi,

First of all, thanks for the video. I just had a few questions. The only sealant you've applied were the 4 corners on the mating surface right? You didn't put any between the cover and gasket?

Where did you buy the valve cover kit?

It seems like the cover is held down by the 30MM nuts right? I think this gasket is causing leaks.

Thanks

Sorry for the late reply.

I bought the valve cover kit at Advance Auto Parts online using a coupon code.

Yes, the cover is held down by the 30MM nuts.

I applied the sealant to eight locations total. There are 4 on the right, and 4 on the left. I don't have a picture showing this, but there is a picture in the Haynes manual. I did not put any sealant between the cover and gasket. I hope this helps.