These 4 big-a** bolts on top of head. Wat are they?

[swordofdoom]

I'm trying to change out my super awesome valve cover gaskets and discovered that the spark plugs have oil all over them where the wires supposed to go and there are these 4 huge bolts on top of the head that is holding down a plate where the spark plug wires sit.

Now my question is: Is it ok to remove these 4 huge bolts to get down to the plugs and clean them or am I risking on a new head gasket?
And what is the required tool by the way if anyone knows to remove these. Looks like a huge star bit.

 

[Clint]

This might shed some light for you...

 

[toyotanos]

I think he's dealing with the spark plug valley cover bolts. They are a 14mm inverted hex- and yes, you can pull them without touching the HG. Just be sure to put sealer on the threads before you torque it back down or they can leak oil.

Edit: just for clarification, this pic has one of the plugs visible on the very far left, right under the bolt hole in the coil. OP: Is that what you're talking about?

 

[crisp]

I replaced the "#3 Cylinder Head Cover" (that strip in the middle) AND the sealing bolts (I ordered NEW from Toyota, and I THINK they already had "patch" or "seal" on them, possibly 3-bond MEC (Micro EnCapsulation) which is like Lock-tite... but better.)

More likely than not, that oil down in the galley and spark plug pits is from spilling when adding oil and having it trickle down past the plug boot. You will likely find most in the first and second pit... that will be a good indication that's what happened or not. It may also be pretty "clear" or "clean" looking oil.

G/L!


PS: It's a BIG-ASS HEX (ALLEN) WRENCH or SOCKET!


-crisp

 

[fixitman04]

just a further clarification....they are 14mm not 12, just had mine out friday and had to buy a socket for them

 

[IJ.]

They're the secret Ninja Power Up bolts, turn at your own risk.....

 

[toyotanos]

^This

 

[swordofdoom]

I think he's dealing with the spark plug valley cover bolts. They are a 14mm inverted hex- and yes, you can pull them without touching the HG. Just be sure to put sealer on the threads before you torque it back down or they can leak oil.

Edit: just for clarification, this pic has one of the plugs visible on the very far left, right under the bolt hole in the coil. OP: Is that what you're talking about?

Ah yeah...Those are the bolts I'm referring too.

 

[hvyman]

They can leak oil.

The ones at the bottom of the valley inbetween spark plugs are for coolant.

 

[RazoE]

I made my own tightening and loosening tool by using a 14mm nut and tightening it down with 2 ratchets on a 14mm shallow bolt with a washer in the middle.., then used a ratchet to loosen/tighten

worked like a charm when changing out my coils for VVTi's..