[kubstix]

2008 Corolla S
243K Miles (All Highway)

Did the whole dye test and confirmed the car is leaking from the actual timing cover. I can't seem to find anything on this. I could of sworn I saw a youtube video of it being done on a matrix a year or so ago, but can't find it. I work at a tech school and the automotive program instructor/kids are willing to re-gasket it up so I am willing to get the parts. From the amount of driving I do daily my leak isn't major, but is getting rather annoying on my garage flooring and if I park in someones concrete driveway (I put cardboard underneath). Is there any information on this, part list of gaskets (besides gasket sealer), how to, procedure, some kind of instructions on this? The teacher also can't really find anything on the sites they use at the dealerships for this on my car either. I think he just wants to brief himself on what he is getting into. Like if the engine/trans need to be unbolted and lifted a bit or can everything be done from the wheel/lift? Thank you everyone.

 

[kevcules46]

I found this at Rock auto. Timing cover gasket

2008 TOYOTA COROLLA 1.8L L4 Timing Cover Gasket | RockAuto

RockAuto ships auto parts and body parts from over 300 manufacturers to customers' doors worldwide, all at warehouse prices. Easy to use parts catalog.

www.rockauto.com

Never changed one though......good luck.

 

[John Anthony]

The engine and tranny don't need to be unbolted. You'll be doing a valve cover and chain tensioner at the same time, so might as well replace the valve cover gasket and the chain tensioner o-ring while doing this job. Be careful on the bolts for the timing cover. You don't need to tighten them too tight, or you will break the bolts in the engine and be in a lot of trouble. M6 bolts torqued to only 10 ft lbs. M8 bolts torqued only to 14 ft lbs.

 

[John Anthony]

Oh, and it would be an opportunity to change your water pump (or just reinstall it with a new FIPG "gasket"). If you've neglected regular coolant flushes, then I would replace the water pump with an Aisin unit. If you've had regular maintenance of the P-HOAT coolant, then you can reuse your water pump (although many would disagree with me).

 

[kubstix]

Oh, and it would be an opportunity to change your water pump (or just reinstall it with a new gasket). If you've neglected regular coolant flushes, then I would replace the water pump with an Aisin unit. If you've had regular maintenance of the P-HOAT coolant, then you can reuse your water pump.

Really appreciate all of your replies. Should I get the gasket set as well from Rock Auto? So far we are doing the following.

Accessory Belt
Oil Change
Oil Filter
Valve Cover Gasket

Tensioner was just done 3K miles ago. I have had the coolant flushed every 90K miles so I have done it twice so far. I will take your opinion though on what to do here. Thanks.

 

[John Anthony]

Yes, you can get the Mahle or Fel-Pro set; doesn't matter. You'll need two kinds of FIPG for the timing cover and for the water pump. Replace the tensioner o-ring again with the OE o-ring, since you're in there. If you've ever put tap water in your system, then I would definitely replace the water pump. Use Aisin only. Some people would say to replace the water pump regardless, especially since pumps aren't terribly expensive. Be slow/gentle when you release the tension on the belt tensioner. If you go too fast or harshly, you'll cause damage to it. I would use a Toyota valve cover gasket or a Stone/Ishino valve cover gasket. I can't really criticize Mahle or Fel-Pro, though.

 

[kubstix]

Yes, you can get the Mahle or Fel-Pro set; doesn't matter. You'll need two kinds of FIPG for the timing cover and for the water pump. Replace the tensioner o-ring again with the OE o-ring, since you're in there. If you've ever put tap water in your system, then I would definitely replace the water pump. Use Aisin only. Some people would say to replace the water pump regardless, especially since pumps aren't terribly expensive. Be slow/gentle when you release the tension on the belt tensioner. If you go too fast or harshly, you'll cause damage to it. I would use a Toyota valve cover gasket or a Stone/Ishino valve cover gasket. I can't really criticize Mahle or Fel-Pro, though.

Okie Dokie, I will send this info to him tomorrow. Very appreciate it all of this. I will get the following (this is the me stuff)

Timing Cover Gasket Set
Accessory Belt
Oil/Filter (need an oil change)
Toyota Tensioner ORing
Toyota Valve Cover Gasket
AISIN Water Pump
FIPG Water Pump
FIPG Timing Cover

Anything else?

 

[John Anthony]

I can't think of anything else. You might need to top off the P-HOAT coolant. If you have tap water and non-P-HOAT coolant in the system, then the replacement of the water pump will be a good reason to flush out with distilled or deionized water and use P-HOAT coolant. My car is proof that never introducing tap water into the system is the reason for longevity of cooling components. At 386K miles I have the original radiator, water pump, thermostat, heater core, hoses, etc. Inspect the passenger motor mount since you're going to be removing it. For that particular mount, if it is needing to be replaced, I would get a Toyota OE mount. You might get a way with a Beck/Arnley mount.

 

[hardtopte72]

You don't need Toyota FIPG. You do need a valve cover gasket set. Like others mentioned, it would be a good idea to get a water pump and drive belt while you are in there. I would also recommend replacing the front crankshaft seal and resealing the oil pan. If the front cover and valve cover are coming off, it's a good time to inspect the timing chain guides for damage of wear and replace spark plugs, and PCV valve if they haven't been done. If you find any, replace those too.

I would suggest the following:

Valve cover gasket - Toyota, Beck Arnley, or Mahle/Victor Reinz (Rockauto)
RTV - Ultra Black RTV, Hondabond, Yamabond, Aisin Black FIPG or Toyota Black FIPG (Local or Online)
Water Pump - Aisin (Rockauto)
Coolant - Beck Arnley Pink or Red (Rockauto)
Front crankshaft seal - Toyota only (Online)
Drive Belt - Continental/Goodyear Gatorback
Crankshaft sensor o-ring - Toyota only (Online)
Timing chain tensioner o-ring - Toyota only (Online)
Timing Chain Guides and Chain (if needed) - Toyota or Cloyes (Rockauto or Online Toyota Dealer)

For Toyota only parts I use Mcgeorge Toyota a lot as they have the best prices on most things.

You do not need to remove the engine, but i believe the alternator, compressor, and power steering pump all bolt to the timing cover. If you need the repair manual, shoot me a PM for the procedures.

 

[kubstix]

You don't need Toyota FIPG. You do need a valve cover gasket set. Like others mentioned, it would be a good idea to get a water pump and drive belt while you are in there. I would also recommend replacing the front crankshaft seal and resealing the oil pan. If the front cover and valve cover are coming off, it's a good time to inspect the timing chain guides for damage of wear and replace spark plugs, and PCV valve if they haven't been done. If you find any, replace those too.

I would suggest the following:

Valve cover gasket - Toyota, Beck Arnley, or Mahle/Victor Reinz (Rockauto)
RTV - Ultra Black RTV, Hondabond, Yamabond, Aisin Black FIPG or Toyota Black FIPG (Local or Online)
Water Pump - Aisin (Rockauto)
Coolant - Beck Arnley Pink or Red (Rockauto)
Front crankshaft seal - Toyota only (Online)
Drive Belt - Continental/Goodyear Gatorback
Crankshaft sensor o-ring - Toyota only (Online)
Timing chain tensioner o-ring - Toyota only (Online)
Timing Chain Guides and Chain (if needed) - Toyota or Cloyes (Rockauto or Online Toyota Dealer)

For Toyota only parts I use Mcgeorge Toyota a lot as they have the best prices on most things.

You do not need to remove the engine, but i believe the alternator, compressor, and power steering pump all bolt to the timing cover. If you need the repair manual, shoot me a PM for the procedures.

Really appreciate the response, thank you.
Do you have a part number for the Crankshaft sensor o-ring? This is the only thing I am having a hard time finding. I called mcgeorge and they said it only comes with the whole crankshaft.

 

[kubstix]

You don't need Toyota FIPG. You do need a valve cover gasket set. Like others mentioned, it would be a good idea to get a water pump and drive belt while you are in there. I would also recommend replacing the front crankshaft seal and resealing the oil pan. If the front cover and valve cover are coming off, it's a good time to inspect the timing chain guides for damage of wear and replace spark plugs, and PCV valve if they haven't been done. If you find any, replace those too.

I would suggest the following:

Valve cover gasket - Toyota, Beck Arnley, or Mahle/Victor Reinz (Rockauto)
RTV - Ultra Black RTV, Hondabond, Yamabond, Aisin Black FIPG or Toyota Black FIPG (Local or Online)
Water Pump - Aisin (Rockauto)
Coolant - Beck Arnley Pink or Red (Rockauto)
Front crankshaft seal - Toyota only (Online)
Drive Belt - Continental/Goodyear Gatorback
Crankshaft sensor o-ring - Toyota only (Online)
Timing chain tensioner o-ring - Toyota only (Online)
Timing Chain Guides and Chain (if needed) - Toyota or Cloyes (Rockauto or Online Toyota Dealer)

For Toyota only parts I use Mcgeorge Toyota a lot as they have the best prices on most things.

You do not need to remove the engine, but i believe the alternator, compressor, and power steering pump all bolt to the timing cover. If you need the repair manual, shoot me a PM for the procedures.

Here is my current shopping cart. Minus the Crankshaft sensor O-Ring I can't find. Amazon has a good price for the water pump, gasket sealant, plugs, ect.

.

 

[kubstix]

I can't think of anything else. You might need to top off the P-HOAT coolant. If you have tap water and non-P-HOAT coolant in the system, then the replacement of the water pump will be a good reason to flush out with distilled or deionized water and use P-HOAT coolant. My car is proof that never introducing tap water into the system is the reason for longevity of cooling components. At 386K miles I have the original radiator, water pump, thermostat, heater core, hoses, etc. Inspect the passenger motor mount since you're going to be removing it. For that particular mount, if it is needing to be replaced, I would get a Toyota OE mount. You might get a way with a Beck/Arnley mount.

You got a part number for the motor mount? If all this stuff is disconnected, I may as well replace it all for the long haul. I love this car.

 

[hardtopte72]

You can buy Aisin thermostats on Rockauto. I would save the money and buy there since it's the same exact OE Toyota part.

As for the o-ring, it does appear to be part of the sensor. I would disregard it and just remember to lube it will upon installation. The Aisin pump from Rockauto comes with the gasket so you don't need to buy that. Everything else looks good.

 

[John Anthony]

I purchased Aisin FIPG (black) at the local Napa store. IIRC it was cheaper or the same price as online. I believe this Aisin FIPG is the same black compound in the Toyota FIPG tube. One thing positive I noticed about this product is that it has lasted for years in my baking hot south Texas garage, while other brands of RTV/FIPG go bad (solid). Really good stuff.

You don't need Toyota FIPG.
RTV - Ultra Black RTV, Hondabond, Yamabond, Aisin Black FIPG or Toyota Black FIPG (Local or Online)

The Toyota directions show to use two kinds of FIPG, one for the timing cover, another type of FIPG for the water pump. Do you just use the black FIPG for both? As is sometimes the case, the Toyota directions don't always show the best (or most practical/efficient) way to do things, like recommending to drain coolant when replacing/servicing certain parts, which isn't always necessary, and having parts (ECM) installed upside down from what Toyota diagram shows, etc. I'm sure you have plenty of other examples!

For Toyota only parts I use Mcgeorge Toyota a lot as they have the best prices on most things.

Good to know. Thanks, I will check out McGeorge Toyota.

 

[John Anthony]

You got a part number for the motor mount? If all this stuff is disconnected, I may as well replace it all for the long haul. I love this car.

Sorry, I thought I responded to this.....unless I posted it in another forum by mistake. Anway, here is the info below, but I'm not implying that you should replace that engine mount. What I mean is that you should inspect it to see if it needs replacing. If it's fine, there's no need to spend the money to replace it. It's not a hard job anyway.

Toyota 12305-0D023 Toyota retail price $190.78. I've seen online prices as low as $125 plus shipping.
Beck/Arnley 104-1736 Online Amazon Prime $64.98 (price has gone up recently). Delivered in one day. Made in Taiwan, not China. Seems to me to be of good/acceptable quality, but the OE would be more long lasting. So far my B/A mount is doing fine.