Valve cover gasket replacement, How to? Options

[GotToyota]

I'm pretty sure I need to replace the gasket on my valve cover, as there is a slight amount of oil on the #2 and #3 spark plug, plus I have a small leak. Is there a how-to on how to do it? I'm gonna try to tackle it this week since I'm off for spring break. This is for a 5S.

-Matt

[_mikeE]

Yeah should be the same.
First you unplug the spark plug wires but make sure you remember which one went into which, and then u unscrew this washer-like thing, and ur gonna have to unplug ur PCV, and ur other vac tube (i forgot the name but its on the right side of the valve cover) and then take off the plastic case thing that pretty much covers ur wire harness, and pretty much take a rubber mallet and hit around to loosen it up and then take a bar with a flat head to pry it out, then u paint, and scrape off the old RTV, then you gotta get some new RTV and fill it in the areas that are like corners kinda where its a 90 degree because when u replace put back on the valve cover, the gasket might not seal that little area, and replace ur gasket too.
I had to replace my pcv tube and valve, and that one vac line that's on the side of ur engine and put everything back.
*edit* you'll have to take ur oil cap too hahah, and also you should replace your spark plug seals.

This post has been edited by _mikeE: Mar 15, 2008 - 10:47 PM