GASKET question "not a head gasket dont worry" lol

[DETONATION666]

Changing the valve cover gaskets because theyre leaking..My question is you all know that annoying center gasket thing prob to well "Most say its useless" ?? I want to remove it and put some Ultra grey under it because my plugs were swimming in oil pretty bad.

Problem is Those hexes with elephantitis what size are they? biggest I see around in most places is 10mm?? I got a 12mm from sears and they said that was the biggest they have...looks like it could be a 13 or 14mm?? If you know what size it is where could I get it?

The Toyota manual says the dreaded "SST" but in the sst index it just says hexagon tool...Locall toyota was no help either they told me that toyota doesnt sell special service tools and to go to pepboys...lol I hate pepboys

 

[trydrew]

Its a 14... Good Luck.

 

[themadhatter]

check your local hardware stores i've found them in there before

 

[mrnickleye]

You could always buy tools with cash, from the pro trucks (ie: snap-on, Mac) if you see one parked at a repair shop.

14mm x 3/8 dr socket.

Most auto parts stores, and Lowe's, Ace, Home Depot, etc.

By the way....that center gasket (not really a gasket) does not prevent any oil leakage. Its ONLY purpose is to help keep dirt and debri out of the spark plug holes.

When it was a new car, and with factory plug wires that fit nice and snug, it did a good job. My after-market wires don't seal tight on it, so water could get in.

If you ever wash your motor with water (which I don't recommend), it will get down in there anyway and short the spark out, and cause a miss-fire.:icon_sad:

Some people leave it off, but I don't recommend that, either.

 

[Superjustin13]

you taking about the spark plug valley?


cheap easiest way

Find a bolt that fits in the hole. and vise grips

FTW

 

[Josh Sulsberger]

I used three 7mm allens together, fits nice. Check out the pics for some illustration of how I did it...
First pic has the wrenches in a 14mm socket, second is how they should be configured.

 

[arz]

use one of these their called a coupling nut



go to www.Mcmaster.com look for this one 90565A320 they are 9/16's inch hex which is very close to 14mm then you can use a conventional socket on it.

You dont need the cover at all. If you have an air compressor and a nozzel just spray a little brake cleaner in there and sop up what you can with a strong paper shop towel. I wrap one around an old screw driver and dig at the dirty spots and mine looks clean as new. Blow the compressed air in there and all the debris and dirt will come flying out. Use a fresh shop towel if your concerned with the dirt landing on your clean motor. And make sure to protect your eyes.

just ditch that piece of crap cover.

 

[johnathan1]

I found a 14mm hex at Autozone...it came in a set with two others.

 

[DETONATION666]

You guys kick ass!! this is def the best MK3 source yet!

"I didnt want to be an idiot noob and not search 1st but when I did I couldnt find any threads about this hex"

Its like a couple of stupid little things that are keeping me from getting her on the road...you guys know the drill

 

[starscream5000]

I used three 7mm allens together, fits nice. Check out the pics for some illustration of how I did it...
First pic has the wrenches in a 14mm socket, second is how they should be configured.

That's fucking hilarious! I'm glad it works for you though . +1 for compromising!

 

[DETONATION666]

3 Autozones later I found the 14mm and it did the job..Thanks again

 

[87targa]

i'll tell you what i used even though u found one.

a 14mm bolt

 

[DETONATION666]

yeah I looked through the junk draw and no bolts anywhere near that size

ofcourse

 

[arz]

14mm is pretty close to 9/16inch.

A standard SAE 3/8-16 nut and bolt usually has a 9/16" hex head