mine are leaking is this a common problem for the 7mgte any special gasket or sealer i should use for these ?
valve cover gaskets
- Thread starter hunka13
- Start date
Yeah, common problem. Most of the time you can just tighten down the screws/bolts and it might solve it. You can buy new gaskets if they are all old and dried up. If they are leaking up near the front of the engine, you might just put a couple dabs of RTV sealant where the gasket makes a sharp corner over the cam shafts.
Yep couple dabs of RTV on the front corners, tighten down (after you have already cleaned then up really good) Some people like them some dont, but also using allen head screws is easer to get the correct torque. (22 inch pounds NOT ft. lbs. big differance) If they are still leaking, looks like you are going to need to spend $20-30 on some new ones, then repeat the above process.
Good luck
Good luck
If you are going to go through the hassle of removing the VC , why not spend the extra money and get new VC gaskets and grommets? If they have been on for any lenght of time they probably need replacing anyway. I dont recomend using hex bolts however. Toyota used the Phillips head screws to keep the over enthused from over torqueing them down. Have seen more than my share of heads borked in this fashion.
yea be extra careful not to over tighten the valve cover bolts. I know someone that cracked their valve cover Also make sure the gaskets sit properly when you install them or they just going to keep leaking.
I am currently in the process of replacing the VC gaskets. I found some different hardware to replace the phillips screws, and seals. I will be using SS button head cap screws, and neoprene backed sealing washers. This hardware can be purchased from McMaster Carr, (mcmaster.com) The sealing washers will require some modification. Using a sharp blade, remove some of the sealing material from the hole, so the bolt will fit.
These are the part numbers from McMaster.
M6X1.0 x 30 mm long button head cap screw, 91239A328, $8.20, 50 pk.
#12, 18-8 SS sealing washer, 94709A316, $8.80, 50 pk.
These are the part numbers from McMaster.
M6X1.0 x 30 mm long button head cap screw, 91239A328, $8.20, 50 pk.
#12, 18-8 SS sealing washer, 94709A316, $8.80, 50 pk.
Attachments
^^^ Lol I got the exact same thing from McMaster. I just pushed the bolt throu the hole that was already in the washer. (ya it was TIGHT) They are 10x easer to toruqe down CORRECTLY then the phillips screw head, and look alot better. Hold on I think I hear IJ and others coming to chue our ass for using them.:nono:
Actually, I'm using the same bolts...mine are stainless. I didn't use the neoprene backed washers though...just used the stock metal backed grommets with an internal star washer between the grommet and bolt head.
Dont over torque these...the TSRM spec is in/lbs NOT ft/lbs
Dont over torque these...the TSRM spec is in/lbs NOT ft/lbs
Stainless looks so nice, add black powder coated cam covers FTW I do have a extra set of 12 if some one wants some. I had to buy in bulk so I have extra screws and TONS (100) of S.S. washers with the neo. backing
I do have a extra set of 12 if some one wants some. I had to buy in bulk so I have extra screws and TONS (100) of S.S. washers with the neo. backing 
I use regular bolts. it's all i could find at the time but they work great. I used a washer or two on top of the grommets to bridge the gap since the bolts are kinda long, but its not an issue. If anything it allows for less friction so i get correct torque readings.
I like my regular bolts because I can easily use a socket and a torque wrench. hex fittings are a little more difficult to find in the average tool kit and most don't adapt to torque wrenches.
New grommets and seals are a good idea because the stock ones will most likely be rock-hard and smashed.
Use a good torque wrench with high sensitivity in the in/lbs range, and there shouldn't be risk of breakage... just make sure you aren't careless and set it to ft/lbs like has been said. i did that once and 1/3 of the way in i realized how badly i could have screwed up. :biglaugh: i think new seals are worth it. but if your old seals are not rock hard and they aren't pinched oddly anywhere... i suppose that's fine, in the worst case you'd just have to pull them and go again with new seals.
I like my regular bolts because I can easily use a socket and a torque wrench. hex fittings are a little more difficult to find in the average tool kit and most don't adapt to torque wrenches.
New grommets and seals are a good idea because the stock ones will most likely be rock-hard and smashed.
Use a good torque wrench with high sensitivity in the in/lbs range, and there shouldn't be risk of breakage... just make sure you aren't careless and set it to ft/lbs like has been said. i did that once and 1/3 of the way in i realized how badly i could have screwed up. :biglaugh: i think new seals are worth it. but if your old seals are not rock hard and they aren't pinched oddly anywhere... i suppose that's fine, in the worst case you'd just have to pull them and go again with new seals.
craigh310;1062496 said:
I tried those, they last about 6 months, and the rubber fails
(cracks, and starts falling off).
Their bolts are fine though........
But I would stick with the Toyota washers,
or just use a flat washer & lock washer as I do.
gofastgeorge;1062638 said:
Thanks for info, I had some doubts about the neoprene washers. I might try silicone backed washers, but the flat and lock washer should be fine. The SS button head cap screws look great though.