Valve cover gaskets - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

rshep · 12-25-2007, 10:19 AM

1998. Are thier any special tools I need to change these? And, Is there any other gaskets needed besides valve cover and intake?

Thanks

96AvalonOwner · 12-26-2007, 09:26 AM

No special tools required. You did not mention if it is 4 or 6 cylinder. I assume it is 6 cylinder. Just tried the the replacement recently and it can be a pain. be careful not to over tighten the bolts, they will snap right in the engine body otherwise. Be sure to get a entire new set of spare bolts from the dealer for the valve cover. These bolts with repeated heating and cooling tend to get brittle and hence easily snap. This is a very minor expense and will save you a lot of headache. Btw, if you are following Haynes manual, note that you should not have to remove the timing belt cover to get the electrical harness out. Also you need to get the semi-circular parts out as well and fill the gap with FIPG apart from what Haynes manual says. Replace the spark plug gaskets as well if you are going to get this out. Check the spark plugs too.

Good luck. You will need it.

rshep · 12-26-2007, 10:18 AM

Thanks, About how long is this going to take?

96AvalonOwner · 12-26-2007, 10:33 AM

About 10 hours. that is because I labeled all the fittings (rubber, metal connections) as I took them off. Lay on the ground all the parts you remove in sequential order and do not forget to label. Otherwise, you may get a check engine light if you do not label things and make wrong hose attachments.

rshep · 12-26-2007, 10:42 AM

Thanks for your help. It sounds like I'm in for a long haul. The dealer wants 600.oo for this. I can't afford it with Chistmas and everything else in life.

Thanks again.