Seeping/Leaking Rear Valve Covers!

[ricamryman]

Has anybody here replaced the gaskets for leaks/seeping on the 3VZ-FE 1993 V6 Camry? My rear valve cover is leaking/seeping a bit. 111,000K miles.
I'm not at the point where I have to add oil between changes, nor do I see any oil on the driveway as of yet. Toyota dealer quoted me a price of $600.00 to do the job since the intake had to be removed to do both. I think that is quite expensive especially since I am not at the point of leaving an oil slick anywhere as of yet........

[JohnGD]

Pay $31+shipping for a valve cover set:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=128821

Shouldn't cost $600 at all. What were they thinking?

Originally Posted by ricamryman

Has anybody here replaced the gaskets for leaks/seeping on the 3VZ-FE 1993 V6 Camry? My rear valve cover is leaking/seeping a bit. 111,000K miles.
I'm not at the point where I have to add oil between changes, nor do I see any oil on the driveway as of yet. Toyota dealer quoted me a price of $600.00 to do the job since the intake had to be removed to do both. I think that is quite expensive especially since I am not at the point of leaving an oil slick anywhere as of yet........

[ricamryman]

After doing a search on here, I have found that it is common for the rear valve cover seal to leak over time......When the problem gets worse, I will have both seals replaced by somebody who charges a reasonable fee.....No stealerships for me!...........

[whitefamily]

Originally Posted by ricamryman

Has anybody here replaced the gaskets for leaks/seeping on the 3VZ-FE 1993 V6 Camry? My rear valve cover is leaking/seeping a bit. 111,000K miles.
I'm not at the point where I have to add oil between changes, nor do I see any oil on the driveway as of yet. Toyota dealer quoted me a price of $600.00 to do the job since the intake had to be removed to do both. I think that is quite expensive especially since I am not at the point of leaving an oil slick anywhere as of yet........

Yes, twice!! 170000 Km. I'm in Australia so can't comment on the costs, but here, it was wise to use genuine Toyota seals. The aftermarket ones failed the first time round. The plenum chamber has to come off, but not the air intake manifold. However it is common to see a small water leak from the manifold gasket as well, once you get in there.

I was forced to do it because the oil dripped on the exhaust pipes and caused smoke and a dreadful smell.

[ricamryman]

When I start to get the smell from the oil dripping on the exhaust pipes, I'll take the plunge!.....