valve cover?

Yes, you do need to replace the gasket. When you remove the covers, the gaskets will tear, or stick to the heads. You'll have to scrape them off. If you use the same gasket, it will break when you re-torque it.

You will also have to block sand the gasket surface. And don't just use sand paper, you will get an uneven surface. And that will cause major leaks. Go out (if you don't already have one) and buy a block sander. They're pretty cheap.

The torque will depend on your engine. Best bet is to go buy a Chilton manual when you go get your other stuff.

Good luck,
Mike

he's talking about valve cover gaskets, not head gaskets...
dammit noob! ~{[(inside joke everyone)]}~

i say reuse the old ones... especially if its relatively new. its only rubber anyways... just make sure to definitely put down some rtv on the gasket surfaces before you put the gasket in.

i believe the nuts should be torqued to 29 ft.lbs. it doesnt say too clearly in the haynes manual... ill check the toyota manual tomorrow... its in my garage.

Valve cover gaskets are more likely to leak than head gaskets. And a common mistake is not sanding the surface. And if you have the stock rubber gasket, I suggest upgrading to a coark or metal one while your at it. They are longer lasting, and much better quality.

I don't know which engine you have but as far as I am concerned I have already re-used the same valve cover gasket on my 5sfe several times without any problems. Oil leaks are not that common on Toyotas...

you cant get a cork or metal valve cover gasket... and you dont need it.

Zoni_Camry said:

you cant get a cork or metal valve cover gasket... and you dont need it.

Click to expand...

Dave is right, you con't get a metal valve cover gasket, you're thinking about the headgasket.

SmokingTiresV6 said:

Valve cover gaskets are more likely to leak than head gaskets. And a common mistake is not sanding the surface.

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The valve cover gasket fits inside a groove on the valve cover.

Theres nothing to sand.

rtv is a must :thumbup: ...just a thin coat and just reuse the old gasket so long as it comes off in one piece and its not hard as rock.

Thanks alot for the helpful information. The little project turned out great and I was able to reuse the gasket along with a little rtv. I am pleased with the appearance and it has a stock look to it! Once again thanks for the help!

-Blake
----THE ONE AND ONLY RIPPED SOLARA---

I will post a pic of it soon

Wheres the pic? :lol:

quit editing your post, I cant keep up! :lol:

what'd i tell you smokey? wned: haha

yeah lets check it out....need pics

i trying to decide whether i should get a JDM red valve cover or not. I might just end up getting it powdercoated red instead.

JDM valvecover.... does it add power? improve oil flow? improve anything? or is it just COOL cause it is JDM???

theres your answer... get your powdercoated... or find a spare from a junkyard or wherever, and get that powdercoated...

here at toyotanation.com, most of us dont fuck around with ricey shit. some do... they are beaten with the air tools, ratchets and wrenches that we (the people that do real work on our cars) use to improve performance.

but i see you have real performance parts, so i wonder, does this JDM valvecover do anything for you?

Duh... red is faster than... ...not red. :

ToxicVTEC said:

yeah lets check it out....need pics

i trying to decide whether i should get a JDM red valve cover or not. I might just end up getting it powdercoated red instead.

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How much does it cost to powdercoat a bumper? any idea?

albertcua said:

How much does it cost to powdercoat a bumper? any idea?

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powdercoat a bumper ?????

yeah you paint bumpers... you powercoat metal engine parts...