Did my Valve Cover Gasket, Finally! Options

[devilsden97]

So the background, for about a year my car has been leaking small amounts of oil. (my garage floor shows it.) When i brought my car in for the inspection in november, the mechanic said i was leaking oil, and he presumes its from the valve cover gasket. So about 2 weeks ago I got a replacement gasket, and today i finally maned up, and put it in.






^top of the motor off.

While I was at AutoZone getting oil and a filter (im also going to do my oil) I picked up some Duplicolor High temp engine paint.




^ its the same color, just ones in the sun, other is in shadow....I masked off the 16valve part, and the oil, and top where the plugs are put in.

REad on for more info.

This post has been edited by devilsden97: Jun 2, 2007 - 3:57 PM

[m0dd3d1]

What all is involved when doing this? I need to do this, I was told mine was leaking as well, and I'm sure it's good to do it for myself for once! I like the paint, nice job!

[presure2]

good job so far migga, be sure to use the FIPG in the humps!

[jcaron9gt4]

looks good! wait till you see mine in a couple weeks....

[devilsden97]

OK, paint is dry...and its on the car!



^i left a tumb print on the 16 valve part..... Ill clean it up a little letter.

Tools:


^pliars for hose clamps


^extentions (i used 2 different ones...)


^12mm and 10mm socket


^Ratchets (again, i used 2 different ones)


^a MONSTER ratchet


^30mm or 1.25 inch socket.


^the 10mm and 12mm against the 1.25inch socket.


^rubber mallet


^gasket maker


^Toyota OEM gasket maker...cuz thats how EC6gc rolls (thanks alltracman)


^duplicolor enamel engine paint, 500°F


^blurry!

so far, all is well. The car isnt buttoned up for 2 reasons. Im gonna let the gasket maker set a little bit, and there was a casualty while removing the cover.


^pcv valve...i pulled a little to hard, and it broke. (look closely, its cracked, its actually in 2 peices...so im making a trip to autozone)

Manny i put the maker on the lobs, and a little on the corners...im not worried. i also observed where it was put on from the factory, and matched those places.

This post has been edited by devilsden97: Jun 2, 2007 - 3:58 PM

[laff09]

I'm about to do this myself, but I have a question. Is it alright to clean the whole cover (Both inside and out) with some simple green? WIll I have to used distilled water to rinse it off, or does it matter? ALSO if anyone has a link or source where I can get all the accessory belts for a 7afe, and timing belt kit while I'm at it, I'd be greatly appreciative

[devilsden97]

i jsut got shafted by autozone....they didnt have a pcv valve in stock...i have to wait till tuesday to get it....

****!

[dennischan0919]

use brake cleaner to clean the valve cover, it works great!

[laff09]

Also, will Permatex Form-A-Gasket #1 Sealant work fine for sealing the VC gasket? or should i pick up some of the Toyota stuff?

[devilsden97]

I got the toyota stuff from Alltracman (on 6gc.net) at the CSP meet. Id check to see how much it costs at a toyota dealer first, because OEM is MUCH better then half assed. One of my photos has the P/N on it.

p/n 00295-00103

This post has been edited by devilsden97: Jun 2, 2007 - 6:33 PM

[RisingSun1]

good work bro-

[6strngs]

do you have to use sealant? I didn't use any when I did mine. But I have to take the valve cover back off to do my injectors for my turbo soo anyway. This time I'm going with a toyota OEM gasket instead of "fel-pro"

[presure2]

do you have to use sealant? I didn't use any when I did mine. But I have to take the valve cover back off to do my injectors for my turbo soo anyway. This time I'm going with a toyota OEM gasket instead of "fel-pro"

yes.
if you dont use sealant at the cam humps, it WILL leak.

GOOD JOB MIGGA!
FIPG FTW, kid!!

[m0dd3d1]

So you should use the gasket and the sealant?

[jcaron9gt4]

i used a gasket, but then a thin layer of FIPG. Seems to be holding up pretty well.

[devilsden97]

So you should use the gasket and the sealant?

i used a felpro gasket, and the FIPG....

[m0dd3d1]

Sorry for all the questions, I figured if you've done it you'd save me some time when I try to do it.

So for taking the head off, you just need to pull the wires out the top, then unscrew the spark plugs? Or no? Then just pull the head off and replace the gasket?

When you apply the sealant you should just put it on over the gasket? And then put the head down on it, like a sandwich (if that makes any sense!)?

Thanks for all the help by the way!

[m0dd3d1]

laff09 or whoever was wondering, found this while searching around today: Toyota Sealant.

[Daftboy]

nice moves migga ...now you need to see mine...ill post a pic up when its done =p

[devilsden97]

Sorry for all the questions, I figured if you've done it you'd save me some time when I try to do it.

So for taking the head off, you just need to pull the wires out the top, then unscrew the spark plugs? Or no? Then just pull the head off and replace the gasket?

When you apply the sealant you should just put it on over the gasket? And then put the head down on it, like a sandwich (if that makes any sense!)?

Thanks for all the help by the way!

^nah man its allllll good. Questions help u learn. U pull the plug wires, then unscrew the caps the go AROUND the channel were the plugs are. When i applyed the sealent, i looked at where it was orginally (it had some oozed out on the sides, and placed it there, but on the gasket. then i added a little bit more to the corners of the cams (as stated by Presure2) i also put some at the corners of the gasket itself, because its farthest from the presure points that help it seal.

So i went to an autozone near by and got the PCV valve....so its offically done!

PICS!


^complete (the "red" looks more orange....oh well ill deal.)


^new pcv valve


^CLEAN valve cover (sorta)


^5sfe power!





The rest is for lew!






^hood up! cuz its pimpin



This post has been edited by devilsden97: Jun 3, 2007 - 2:12 PM

[lagos]

great job!

[m0dd3d1]

Thanks Devilsden! So has anyone done/thought about painting the intake manifold? Or would it get too hot? It just looks like it'd look really good in your bay if it was red as well!

Hopefully I can accomplish this without any hitches...hopefully. Otherwise I'll be one of the guys on here with a "OH SH**, PLEASE HELP" thread, again.

[devilsden97]

Thanks Devilsden! So has anyone done/thought about painting the intake manifold? Or would it get too hot? It just looks like it'd look really good in your bay if it was red as well!

Hopefully I can accomplish this without any hitches...hopefully. Otherwise I'll be one of the guys on here with a "OH SH**, PLEASE HELP" thread, again.

the manafold is SOOOOO hard to get to, and to unbolt, its easier to remove the engine from the bay, and remove it...the bolts are on the back of the head, so theres little space between the firewall, and the motor. ITs just tuff, thats y most dont bother. If u have your motor pulled, id go for it, if not....dont waste your time.

If u do have any problems, seriously, pm me. ill offer any insight i can.

[CaliJeff]

So it IS totally necessary to get a new gasket when u do this ?

[devilsden97]

So it IS totally necessary to get a new gasket when u do this ?

to paint it? No

i was replacing my gasket fromt he start. (it had a small leak) so while i had it off, i figured y not paint it.


Edit: If i knew so many people woulda been interested in this, i woulda taken more photos of the process, and try to put a DIY/how to, together.

This post has been edited by devilsden97: Jun 3, 2007 - 10:44 PM

[bufferdan]

You can paint anything on the engine... The valve cover gets hotter than the intake plenum. Its not THAT hard to remove either. I even paint the exhaust manifold heat shields with the 1200?degree paint and it holds up fine

[CaliJeff]

Sounds good. So for the valve cover i should just clean it first, then perhaps sand it with 400 grit? then spray it ?

[devilsden97]

i cleaned mine with some engine degreaser, let it dry, then just sprayed it, the cover is pretty course, so it should stick fine.

[6strngs]

i cleaned mine with some engine degreaser, let it dry, then just sprayed it, the cover is pretty course, so it should stick fine.

when I did mine, I also cleaned it with engine degreaser, but then I sprayed it with duplicolor engine primer before the color spray. It ended up coming out alot better than my friend's valve cover we did the day before using only a color coat.

[Defgeph]

Good job Miguel. I happy to see you working on the car. The valve cover looks great, you should paint the heat shield hi temp black. That valve cover looks a little lonely now.

[Sinyk]

Now some red calipers to go with that shiny red car?

[devilsden97]

The valve cover looks great, you should paint the heat shield hi temp black. That valve cover looks a little lonely now.

I think i have my next project...lol

the 5sfe's exaust manifold doesnt get hotter then 1200°F right? Also, i didnt clear coat my valve cover, and ive heard some people say its going to start chipping..any insight on that? Should i clear cloat the exaust manifold heat shield then?

[laff09]

Anyone elses valve cover a SOB to get off? I removed the acorn nuts, and the manual says to "remove" the valve cover. Easier said than done, I don't want to pry it off and damage the head/cover mating surface, and i punctured the seal, theres got to be something im missing? Any tips for removing teh actual valve cover?? 7afe btw

[Valo666]

Migga, b4 u did the valve cover gasket, did you have any oil coming into your sparkplug tubes or on your plugs?? Im trying to figure out where i got a leak from and i think it might be from the cover or the tube seals.

[OOBE]

Good job, brother. Hey, why does the 5S lean back like a gangsta?

[6strngs]

Good job, brother. Hey, why does the 5S lean back like a gangsta?

because it's too big to fit in the bay otherwise.

[devilsden97]

Anyone elses valve cover a SOB to get off? I removed the acorn nuts, and the manual says to "remove" the valve cover. Easier said than done, I don't want to pry it off and damage the head/cover mating surface, and i punctured the seal, theres got to be something im missing? Any tips for removing teh actual valve cover?? 7afe btw

that where the rubber mallet came into play. I beat it a little bit, and it should break loose.

Migga, b4 u did the valve cover gasket, did you have any oil coming into your sparkplug tubes or on your plugs?? Im trying to figure out where i got a leak from and i think it might be from the cover or the tube seals.

it was leaking on the passengerside/down the side facing the firewall (that corner) i did have oil in my #3 cylinder, it was VERY slight, i figure someone spilled some oil on the top, and it just pooled there. The valvecover doesnt seal the tubes that connect the spark plug wires to the spark plug to the cylinder itself (if that made sense. I can show u at DWG if ud like.

[laff09]

Thanks, I *forgot* to take off the washers..thatd appeared to be part of the valve cover itself LOL, after that it came off pretty easily. Waiting for the paint to dry now ebfore i put her back in.

[Celicav]

Alright, so I finally decide to take this painting project on today and replace the valve cover gasket. BUT one SOB step I don't think has been mentioned (unless I missed it!) is that you have to unfasten that damn black plastic cover that sits between the timing belt cover and the left edge of the valve cover. This plastic cover sits over the bottom lip of the valve cover and it took me quite a while to figure out the right screws (there are two) to unhatch to loosen that plastic cover up in order to get the valve cover lip to clear (the screw closer to the fire wall is harder to get to). There are two screws you just have to loosen up on the black plastic cover, then you have to take off two other bracket screws associated with the tube that connects between this cover and the alternator.

I will post pics up later this week when I am all finished. My valve cover is drying at the moment...I painted it the high gloss black

[6strngs]

Alright, so I finally decide to take this painting project on today and replace the valve cover gasket. BUT one SOB step I don't think has been mentioned (unless I missed it!) is that you have to unfasten that damn black plastic cover that sits between the timing belt cover and the left edge of the valve cover. This plastic cover sits over the bottom lip of the valve cover and it took me quite a while to figure out the right screws (there are two) to unhatch to loosen that plastic cover up in order to get the valve cover lip to clear (the screw closer to the fire wall is harder to get to). There are two screws you just have to loosen up on the black plastic cover, then you have to take off two other bracket screws associated with the tube that connects between this cover and the alternator.

I will post pics up later this week when I am all finished. My valve cover is drying at the moment...I painted it the high gloss black

for some reason, it seems some celicas have these screws and others don't. mine didn't.

[hurley97]

you're burning oil

[Celicav]

So, I finished up painting my valve cover, put the new gasket in, applied the Toyota FIPG in the correct spots (according to your advice, Haynes manual, and residue of original FIPG), set the cover on without pinching any cords, and tightened everything else up (used 17 ft/lbs on the spark plug hole nuts). Then, I let the car sit cold for 2 hours (the FIPG instructions say you can start car 1-2 hrs after application) before starting. I ran the car in place for 10 minutes, and lo and behold, I've got a leak...about a 3-inch wide puddle on the passenger side. I must be leaking on the back side of the valve cover.

Advice?
Just get it redone at Toyota and avoid hassle of redoing it? Or, try the car out again tomorrow to give FIPG more time to harden? Or, the leak is not that bad and just keep adding oil?

The purpose of replacing the gasket was to stop leaks, and I obviously don't have a perfect seal. I'm thinking it is not good to keep having a leaky engine, but appreciate your advice. I'm afraid to see how much Toyota or any other shop charges to have this gasket replaced!

[6strngs]

1: you might have just spilled some oil if you drained and refilled while doing this.

2: you might be leaking from somewhere else.

3: is that the torque spec? I always thought they needed to be tighter than that.

4: for sure do it yourself if you verify that that is where it's leaking from. just remove it again (won't be stuck on there this time around) clean up all the FIPG and clean the mating surface nice and good and make sure there's no oil on it. also make sure to put FIPG between the valve cover and the gasket as well as between the gasket and the head. since the gasket is only a day old I'm sure you won't need to buy another and can just re-use it.

good luck and post pics!

[GriffGirl]

I have 2 questions, as I intend to undertake this endeavor myself in the not-too-distant-future. 1) what is FIPG? and 2) when the valve cover is off, if what's underneath looks like devilsden's, should one clean up the motor? If so, with what? What would the proper procedure be for this?

Thanks!

[Batman722]

I have 2 questions, as I intend to undertake this endeavor myself in the not-too-distant-future. 1) what is FIPG? and 2) when the valve cover is off, if what's underneath looks like devilsden's, should one clean up the motor? If so, with what? What would the proper procedure be for this?

Thanks!

FIPG
Form In Place Gasket

when the cover is off (very easy to do on an ST) don't put anything in there, and don't let anything fall in there either. The best way to clean up the inside of the motor (other than taking it all apart) is to use seafoam and follow the instructions.

[thespacepanda]

I was wondering, if anyone has taken the valve cover off their ST can someone post pics of the bolts that need to be removed. I need to do a new gasket and I want to paint it too and I've never removed one. If not pics just tell me how many have to come off. And did you have to pry the cover off or does it lift off?

[Rook]

nice job on the valve cover man! now i'm wanting to do that. lol. So...you think doing that would be hard for a 17 year old Rook?

[Rook]

Did my valve cover gasket! now i got a new problem: i broke a hose:( i'm guessing its the PCV Hose?? I'd put a pic but idk how. Ugh. Today= horrible day. I went to the auto parts stores and no one has it. Should i head out to Toyota or wat?

[6strngs]

nice job on the valve cover man! now i'm wanting to do that. lol. So...you think doing that would be hard for a 17 year old Rook?

nah, go back to the parts store and tell them you want a foot of 3/8 hose. take it home, cut it to length, and voila... if possible, take the broken hose with you to compare for size. If it is the PCV though, should be 3/8

[Rook]

oh...well i already put one on...but im not sure wat size it is. It sounds really bad though. i cut it to size and put it on as tight as it could go. The engine sounds rough at idle though...and i feel some of my power missing...

[6strngs]

oh...well i already put one on...but im not sure wat size it is. It sounds really bad though. i cut it to size and put it on as tight as it could go. The engine sounds rough at idle though...and i feel some of my power missing...

sounds like a vacuum leak. are you sure you have the right size hose, and/or you didn't forget to hook any other hoses up that you took off.

[Rook]

yeah i got 3/8 hose from oreilly's. i spent about an hour checking all the hoses and everything.....

[6strngs]

can you describe the noise it makes?

also, you're using hose clamps on the hose, right?

[Rook]

ah...engine almost sounds like it rattles. yeah im using the clamps. i just went out there to look for any air leaks. idk. Is there supposed to be a certain torque on the valve cover..? could that even be it?

[6strngs]

ah...engine almost sounds like it rattles. yeah im using the clamps. i just went out there to look for any air leaks. idk. Is there supposed to be a certain torque on the valve cover..? could that even be it?

you didn't drop anything into the engine while you had the valve cover off, did you?

[Rook]

ah...engine almost sounds like it rattles. yeah im using the clamps. i just went out there to look for any air leaks. idk. Is there supposed to be a certain torque on the valve cover..? could that even be it?

you didn't drop anything into the engine while you had the valve cover off, did you?

...a piece of silicon or watever was on there from the old gasket might've fallen into the head...but i seriously doubt that does anything. right? it was a tiny piece...it would just melt.

Another thing i could throw out there is the fact that it puts out less speed at the normal rpm..

[6strngs]

unless the gearing in the transmission changed, or your clutch is slipping, the rpm/speed relationship shouldn't have changed. I honestly don't think I can help you without hearing or seeing the engine, at least not without a better description of the symptoms.

Is it more of a rattling, knocking, or ticking noise? Does the speed of the noise increase with the speed of the engine? Does the volume of the noise increase with the speed of the engine? What area of the engine bay does the sound sound like it's coming from? How loud is it, barely noticable, noticable, or absolutley obnoxiously loud? And, you're positive it didn't make this noise before?

This post has been edited by 6strngs: Nov 29, 2008 - 1:31 AM

[Rook]

unless the gearing in the transmission changed, or your clutch is slipping, the rpm/speed relationship shouldn't have changed. I honestly don't think I can help you without hearing or seeing the engine, at least not without a better description of the symptoms.

Is it more of a rattling, knocking, or ticking noise? Does the speed of the noise increase with the speed of the engine? Does the volume of the noise increase with the speed of the engine? What area of the engine bay does the sound sound like it's coming from? How loud is it, barely noticable, noticable, or absolutley obnoxiously loud? And, you're positive it didn't make this noise before?

lol. yeah i was sure. thanks alot for your help man. We found the problem turned out the temperature sensor or watever was broken. the reciept for the part says Switch Radiator Fan BWD I'm not sure if my bud might've broken it while we were taking off the valve cover since he was on that side or wat. But i got it replaced today and everythings fine...

so now to paint the valve cover The problem now is whether i should take it back off or not. My dad said i probably shouldn't since the new gasket's been set and all, but i should just paint it while its on the engine. idk...good idea??

[6strngs]

was it the oil pressure sensor that's right below the valve cover on the right (driver's) side?

I'm a little confused, so you took the valve cover off, put it back on, and now want to take it off again to paint it? I thought the whole purpose of taking it off was to paint it! lol. But yeah, you technically shouldn't re-use gaskets ever, but I've done it in the past if the gasket was only a day or two old. except hard to get at things like the oil pan... anyways, I wouldn't recommend painting it while it's still on the car, you'll end up painting everything around it and it'll look unproffesional

[Rook]

haha...well i think i'm just gonna go for it. i'll mask stuff off and hopefully it'll look good. I'm not wanting to end up messing somthing else up and ending up back on here asking for more mechanical help. lol.

[Lil-Joe101]

Yeah painted valve covers are a nice touch to the engine bay. I had a buddy powder coat mine. Came out really well.




Here's a close up of the pearl.

[Rook]

I painted my Valve cover red Looks good. I took it and off and masked it. Like i figured...i'm back on here with a problem. Except this time the symptom is way easier to describe. As soon as i turn the key (dont even have to start the engine,) both of my fans turn on. Everything else is normal. Check engine light didn't turn on or anything..

[6strngs]

I painted my Valve cover red Looks good. I took it and off and masked it. Like i figured...i'm back on here with a problem. Except this time the symptom is way easier to describe. As soon as i turn the key (dont even have to start the engine,) both of my fans turn on. Everything else is normal. Check engine light didn't turn on or anything..

the problem isn't that radiator fan switch again?

my fans come on all the time in my other car if certain A/C sensors are unplugged/disconnected... don't know why you would've unplugged any of them to take off the valve cover though

[Rook]

nah i didn't. this time i did everything myself so i'm pretty sure of wat was moved. It quit doing it after i drove it to school today though. lol. Its weird. ...but thanks again. Appreciate it

This post has been edited by Rook: Dec 4, 2008 - 6:06 PM

[stephen_lee]

was it hot when you turned the key on?

[Rook]

was it hot when you turned the key on?

no i had just put everything back together and was gona turn it on to make sure everything was good to go for school the next day. Like i said, everything was normal except both fans went on. It quit doing it. lol.

[schmooot]

the fans will run constantly if the coolant temp sensor is unplugged. Its a failsafe built in, maybe you accidentally unplugged the sensor (I'm assuming it is on the waterneck but I've never seen this engine so I don't know for sure)

[trdproven]

just for accuracy and correction, if you are using SAE socket it is not a 1 1/4 or 1.25, that is too big. 30mm converts to 1 3/16 at the closest measurement.

I read through quick on this thread but did not see a correction. I may be wrong but I just tried a 1 1/4 and that shiets is loose as hell. I use metric tools so I just wanted to try out the SAE socket for verification.

This post has been edited by trdproven: Jun 20, 2011 - 4:16 AM

[Arsaces]

How hot does the valve cover get? Would 500 temp paint work well?

[RabidTRD]

i jsut got shafted by autozone....they didnt have a pcv valve in stock...i have to wait till tuesday to get it....

****!

Shoulda shopped at Advance Auto Parts

Looking good. That paint is terrific.

[RabidTRD]

How hot does the valve cover get? Would 500 temp paint work well?

That paint is designed to be used for valve covers and engine heads. If your cover gets over 500 degrees... you've got a serious problem.

[Arsaces]

How hot does the valve cover get? Would 500 temp paint work well?

That paint is designed to be used for valve covers and engine heads. If your cover gets over 500 degrees... you've got a serious problem.

Sweet thanks!

[xXZunGPhunGXx]

what you use the 1 1/4 socket for?

[Special_Edy]

what you use the 1 1/4 socket for?

Dude this topic has been dead for almost a year.
That said you need a 30mm socket to remove the 4 nuts on the spark plug tubes that hold the valve cover down.
Here is a video that will explain-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DFhHncL8l8...be_gdata_player