1999 Camry valve cover torque specs and procedure

[steppinthrax]

I had a leak on the corner of my valve cover for my 1999. I purchased a new gasket and replaced it. Within a few weeks I still see a "seepage" leak around the corner. I was told that the valve covers for this line of camry is tricky and there are things where owners use RTV only or RTV + the gasket. What's the best way and the proper torque?

[Mister_Perkins]

I put rtv silicone on the bottom of the cover, and push the gasket into the cover. Torquing, not sure on spec. Just torque it evenly. In a cross hatch way. Like cylindr 1, 4,2,3.

Make it fairly tight. U may just need to retorque them

[fenixus]

RTV is needed at all semi-circular bends and where different metals join (semi-circular plugs), I think there was a total of 8 spots where you put a dab of RTV. I usually use red heat-resistant RTV from Harbor Freight. never a problem.

replacing the rubber tube nut seals at same time is a good idea.

torque the 30mm nuts down in 3 phases of 7, 13 and finally 17ft-lbs and do it evenly each time starting with middle ones (2,3) and then outer ones (1,4).

make sure the nuts turn no more at steady final 17ft-lbs, then put wires together, start the car and drive it for 30 mins and re-torque the nuts to 17ft-lbs again.