Painting Valve Cover - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Chunky_rolla · 02-06-2010, 03:41 PM

I got one question before i paint my valve cover. When removing my valve cover would i have to replace the gasket before putting the newly painted cover back on?

***Kiwi-Corolla*** · 02-06-2010, 04:36 PM

Nope, valve cover gaskets are reusable. As long as it isn't split, cracked or warped then you can simply reuse it. Just make sure you're careful when you pull it out from the valve cover as they're quite easy to rip/tear if it's old and brittle. Go slowly and always keep your fingers near the part of rubber you're pulling off (sort of like peeling off a sticker from a window).

Chunky_rolla · 02-06-2010, 04:40 PM

sounds good doubt its every been changed since it was made so i guess i just gotta finesse it

Chunky_rolla · 02-12-2010, 04:42 PM

IF anyone can help i have no idea which end is easiest to disconnect this wire from. I looked but no luck, if anyone who know can explain to me which end and how to take it off i would be great full. Oh and i am painting my exhaust manifold heat shield, so i will post pics when done. thanks

***Kiwi-Corolla*** · 02-12-2010, 05:06 PM

I just rolled mine over the cam cover. Just lift and pull to the left. It's tight, but don't worry it won't break. Far easier than stuffing around trying to disconnect it with the radiator in the way.

NDR008 · 02-12-2010, 05:10 PM

I have tried finding a new gasket/seal. On my AW11's 4A-GE it was leaking oil and so I had to replace them.
On my 4E-FTE tho, I took it off twice and resprayed the cover - and the gasket was still fine.

***Kiwi-Corolla*** · 02-12-2010, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NDR008

I have tried finding a new gasket/seal. On my AW11's 4A-GE it was leaking oil and so I had to replace them.
On my 4E-FTE tho, I took it off twice and resprayed the cover - and the gasket was still fine.

The valve cover gasket is pricey. Some places wanted $75 NZD for one when I was phoning around. Easier just to use RTV sealant for any cracks/splits in the existing gasket, or even high temp silicone if you're on a tight budget. Fortunately when I took the valve cover off my new engine the gasket was still mint, but I've used RTV sealant on my previous engines valve cover when it developed a small leak.

Chunky_rolla · 02-12-2010, 06:00 PM

ima be trying to do some wire tucking painting the heat shield, valve cover, and the thing above the valve cover. I already painted the heat shield and its kinda more of a light blue than what i was thinking of. Dunno looks ok i guess lol. All my experience is with interior and electrical stuff in the interior. more or less only things i have done before are subs/speakers, neons, painting dash and interior pieces.

NDR008 · 02-13-2010, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiwi-Corolla

The valve cover gasket is pricey. Some places wanted $75 NZD for one when I was phoning around. Easier just to use RTV sealant for any cracks/splits in the existing gasket, or even high temp silicone if you're on a tight budget. Fortunately when I took the valve cover off my new engine the gasket was still mint, but I've used RTV sealant on my previous engines valve cover when it developed a small leak.

Ouch, the 4A-GE ones where about... £10-12? IIRC. For teh 4A-Ge that is actually 3 seals, 1 for each of the two twinkies and one for the plug panel.

$75NZD is definitely over priced.

Chunky_rolla · 02-13-2010, 01:56 PM

i can get a brand new one for mine for about 35$ at a local auto parts store

NDR008 · 02-13-2010, 02:12 PM

Well as told, if it looks all well and good, just give both surfaces a wipe, and you'be fine.

Chunky_rolla · 02-13-2010, 07:19 PM

good to know i bought the wrong color than i wanted to light blue for me so ima hold off on the valve cover.