Valve Cover gaskets V6

[wags1797]

I have a 1992 Camry SE V6 5speed with 176k. I have been smelling oil burning and have been diagosed with leaky valve cover gaskets. Quotes range from $325-$350. I would like to tackle this myself. Any tips on what's involved appreciated. I am a longtime Ford guy who has really taken to Toyota's. BTW, this is my first post, glad to be here.

[amerikim]

Welcome.

There have been numerous posts her on the subject.
Use the search because there's lots of info including the famous 'Buy a Chiltons Manual'. Not trying to be a wiseass but read it all, lots of useful info and tips that I couldnt possibly cover in a single reply. I do recommend getting a manual of some sort though.

I am planning on doing the samething, so far I bought a bunch of other crap so I can do it at the same time. Sparkplugs, PCV, etc. Thinking of doing the o2. Waiting on plug wires and the dang PCV gasket now.

[zoni]

valve cover gaskets are easy. buy a haynes manual, buy some gaskets, and you are around what 50 bucks? i dunno. i dont know the going rate on the book, or the gaskets... lol
i know its nowhere near 300 bucks, that is WAY expensive.

[StockSolara]

I just changed my valve cover gasket on the front head. . . It's really quite simple if you can turn the wrench and just remove anything that maybe in the way. . .The gasket was $10 from the Toyota Dealership. . . Took me 15-20 mins while taking my time

[foompla]

to do the rear you have to remove the upper plenum stocksolara. the labor rate is 5 hours. its not bad, just be sure to label where all the vacuum hoses for the vsvs go. youll need an 8mm hex bit (i wouldnt reccomend an allen key, to remove the intake. thats the only "special" tool.

[zoni]

for more info... check page 64 of this 1mz engine manual...
http://camry.**********s.com/eg2.pdf

it is a 1mz and not a 3vz, but the procedure is roughly the same.

just make sure you make a note of where all your vac hoses go...

[ruoknow]

be sure to make the mating surface really clean before you put the valve cover back on. tighten the bolts on the valve covers really evenly.

[wags1797]

Thanks to all. The front was easy, however the rear is the one that is leaking most (of course). Still gonna try to do it this weekend.

[BlueFusion6851]

Keep us all posted... Good Luck!

[zoni]

damn that rear side! lol intake manifold takes like 2 seconds to get off... dont worry about it, just go balls to the wall and get it done!

[OMNI]

balls to the wall, is there any other way?

[V6LE_CAMRY]

Im going to do the same on my cam this weekend, is the oil pan easy enought to do? And i do have a torque wrench.

[zoni]

why do you need to take the oil pan off?