Valve Cover Gasket Question, Toyota vs. Aftermarket

[suprageezer]

I need to replace my valve cover gaskets and wondered to myself, if I buy Toyota Gaskets were they manufactured many years ago? So maybe by going with an aftermarket gasket I would be getting a gasket maufactured recently. Anyone have any thoughts or experience on the age of a Toyota gaskets.
Thanks
Geezer

 

[zby67]

Driftmotion, thats ware i got mine.

 

[Orion ZyGarian]

Cant comment on the Toyota gasket, but that is a good point. I think they stay sealed and in great shape for their age.

Usually people go Felpro. I bought a set a long time ago, put it on not too long ago. Try not to lose the grommets for the bolts themselves...I did. I used some Ultra Black, so I get to find out when it runs again if that is enough

 

[Cyrus]

yea all those rubber gaskets are hermetically sealed. that must prolong their shelf life

and with toyotas strict quality policies, i wouldnt be surprised if they have in-house expiration dates for their rubber parts. or at least a high enough turnover that nothing sits on the shelf for THAT long. especially with their Just-In-Time manufacturing policies.

 

[Dan_Gyoba]

I don't think that the age of the rubber is a big factor in how long the gaskets last. It's the exposure to oil, plus heat cycles under pressure which age the gaskets. I've had factory gaskets which were really old, but were still supple and soft when they went in. Lasted just fine.

Valve cover gaskets seems to be a weak spot for about any engine. It's always a place where there's not a lot of torque holding things together, always loose specs for how well fitted things are, with bolts relatively distant spaced over thin material, which has a wide thermal range, and often right on the border between hot (cylinder head) and cold (wintertime air) to boot. Really, it's a wonder that they last as long as they do.

I've long accepted that valve cover gaskets leak, and are a regular replacement item.

 

[Orion ZyGarian]

I don't think that the age of the rubber is a big factor in how long the gaskets last. It's the exposure to oil, plus heat cycles under pressure which age the gaskets. I've had factory gaskets which were really old, but were still supple and soft when they went in. Lasted just fine.

Valve cover gaskets seems to be a weak spot for about any engine. It's always a place where there's not a lot of torque holding things together, always loose specs for how well fitted things are, with bolts relatively distant spaced over thin material, which has a wide thermal range, and often right on the border between hot (cylinder head) and cold (wintertime air) to boot. Really, it's a wonder that they last as long as they do.

I've long accepted that valve cover gaskets leak, and are a regular replacement item.

This guy knows what's up. I'm working on an easy vented hood design just to lower underhood temps and prolong the life of stuff like VCGs, radiator hoses, spark plug wires, etc. but I cant imagine it being ready any time soon

 

[connor.stephens]

just replaced mine with toyota ones two weeks ago

 

[te72]

UV exposure has a nasty habit of aging rubber prematurely as well. Living at this altitude, you're lucky if your wiper blades last more than a year if you park outside. When I bought my house, and started parking in a garage, I started to notice that 2+ year old wiper blades are still nice and soft, working like they should.

Moral of the story? if your valve covers are aging due to UV exposure, DRIVE your car for a change.

 

[Orion ZyGarian]

If your valve covers are getting UV exposure, you probably just need to get a hood

 

[suprageezer]

Thanks for the all the responses, I think I'll go Toyota, and use Loctite 222 to make sure once I torque the bolts they won't come loose unless I remove them.
AND I'm with Orion on the UV exposure, gotta have a hood
Geezer

 

[Orion ZyGarian]

Not a bad idea. I'm a big fan of Permatex products personally (same company) after some hands-on demonstration. Never knew I could be excited about threadlockers and gasket maker, but it's really great stuff!

 

[te72]

If your valve covers are getting UV exposure, you probably just need to get a hood

Was just poking fun at the people who only show their cars, but rarely ever drive them.

 

[suprageezer]

^5s te I know what you mean there, I'm a gonna drive mine no matter what it is, lifes way to short to stare at possesions for me.

Ordered everything from Champion today should all be here by the end of next week.