Valve cover gasket replacement??

[96AvalonOwner]

Folks,

Any experience with valve cover gasket replacement? Also I want to know what material to use for the mating surfaces to "seal" it properly and where should it be applied. Haynes manual says to apply it only at 3 places.

Please share your experiences. I need to replace it both on the left and right side.

[Qslim]

Originally Posted by 96AvalonOwner

Folks,

Any experience with valve cover gasket replacement? Also I want to know what material to use for the mating surfaces to "seal" it properly and where should it be applied. Haynes manual says to apply it only at 3 places.

Please share your experiences. I need to replace it both on the left and right side.

It's a pain in the ass, but pretty straightforward. Just go step by step and organize all the bolts so you have them all when you're done. As far as the sealant, the haynes manual has it right. We use a stuff from Toyota called FIPG (form in place gasket), but you can also just pick up a tube of black RTV (room temperature vulcanizing) sealant from any parts store.

[toyomoho]

Most auto stores sell a FIPG product. Would throughly clean the gasket contact area on the head then apply a thin coat to the sealing area.

Be sure to torque down the spark plug tube nuts in stages to pull the gasket down firmly. Once at the specified torque, wait a few minutes and retorque.

[96AvalonOwner]

As a maintenance issue, should anything else be replaced (other gaskets) when I have the things out to replace the valve cover gaskets?

Thanks.

[Qslim]

Well, changing the spark plugs would certainly be easier with the intake off.