Oil in plug valley, replacing hex bolts

[Tae361]

I read http://www.toyota-supra.info/forums/mkiii-supra/7527-got-oil-on-top-of-your-spark-plugs.html after finding large quantities of oil on my #1 and #2 cylinder spark plugs when I was pulling them yesterday and decided to get rid of the #3 cylinder head cover and convert the hex bolts into using a simple oil drain plug gasket.

I was wondering if anyone has done this and what size oil drain plug gasket were used. The reason I am asking this instead of going to size up the bolts with the plugs at the auto store is I want to order them before I do the conversion to save some time. Motor is a 7MGE but I am assuming the bolts are the same size as the GTE model as well. Thank You-

 

[gaboonviper85]

You should have never touched those bolts!!! They serve no purpose other than to plug holes left behind while the heads are cast....that oil is from you valve covers and there is no such thing as a 3rd valve cover.

If those bolts were leaking they would leak coolant not oil.

 

[Clip]

3rd cover is just referred to as a cyl head cover, but then the two valve covers are also called that
http://www.cygnusx1.net/Supra/Library/TSRM/MK3/manual.aspx?Section=EM&P=32

 

[gaboonviper85]

3rd cover is just referred to as a cyl head cover, but then the two valve covers are also called that
http://www.cygnusx1.net/Supra/Library/TSRM/MK3/manual.aspx?Section=EM&P=32

Odd

Either way those 14mm hex plugs should never be touched...generally they are installed while the head is hot and the aluminum contracts around them to form a badass seal....if they leaked they would leak coolant.

 

[Poodles]

gab: there are the ones in the wells that go to the coolant, the ones on top go to oil and hold the third valve cover gasket in place

 

[*james*]

I had oil in my spark plug valley too and I just replaced the valve cover gaskets and it doesn't leak there anymore. I've never taken those hex bolts out, I didn't know what they were too so I didn't mess with them.

 

[deabionni]

I tossed my 3rd cover, and replaced them with the oil plug gaskets from NAPA. The NAPA part # is 704-1076.

As stated earlier, the four bolts that hold the 3rd cover on do seal oil passages and need a gasket to seal back up after the 3rd cover has been removed. The three bolts at the bottom of the spark plug galley with arrows pointing to them seal the coolant passages, and should not be touched.

 

[Tae361]

I tossed my 3rd cover, and replaced them with the oil plug gaskets from NAPA. The NAPA part # is 704-1076.

As stated earlier, the four bolts that hold the 3rd cover on do seal oil passages and need a gasket to seal back up after the 3rd cover has been removed. The three bolts at the bottom of the spark plug galley with arrows pointing to them seal the coolant passages, and should not be touched.

thank you.

as for everyone else that replied, my valve covers aren't leaking, they have fresh gaskets in them, its the most obvious first place to look and i'm sick of smelling oil burning off of my block while driving my car.

 

[SySt]

Correct me if i'm wrong but doesn't the "3rd valve cover gasket" help keep the spark plug valley dry? You really don't want anything such as water getting down there, it could cause a miss.

 

[gaboonviper85]

gab: there are the ones in the wells that go to the coolant, the ones on top go to oil and hold the third valve cover gasket in place

I see arrows pointing to the ones that go to the coolant jackets...those should never be touched.

 

[Poodles]

I didn't make that picture LOL

Yes, the arrows go to coolant (and yes, if the head is worked on a lot they should be removed as they like to leak after headwork is done...), The yellow circles is what everyone's talking about.

 

[deabionni]

Correct me if i'm wrong but doesn't the "3rd valve cover gasket" help keep the spark plug valley dry? You really don't want anything such as water getting down there, it could cause a miss.

It may help keep leaves and other big things out, but not water. Take a look around the 3rd cover, and you'll see space around the edge of it. (Especially at the front & back of the cover).

I prefer my engine with it off. It's much easier to see if I do have anything in my spark plug galley, and it's worlds easier to clean if or when I do have something in there.

 

[T4Turtle]

Do as Debionni says, it works better than the stock expensive gasket. I feel it will also hold up longer. And his part numbers he gave you will work. Also you will be able to "see" any leaks if it does start leaking in the future.

Just do not over torque, about 10-15 lbs/ft of torque will do.

 

[Poodles]

A new 3rd valve cover gasket does seal quite well actually...

 

[T4Turtle]

A new 3rd valve cover gasket does seal quite well actually...

Just as well as 4 oil plug gaskets at .64 cents each. But if you are restoring your car to make it all original, then get the OEM gasket.

 

[mkiii222]

A new 3rd valve cover gasket does seal quite well actually...

What I did to mine. No leaks 1 year and ~12000 miles later.

Just as well as 4 oil plug gaskets at .64 cents each. But if you are restoring your car to make it all original, then get the OEM gasket.

What I plan on later. Looks better and makes it easier to do the COP switch. :naughty: