playswithfire

I'm going to be replacing the valve cover gaskets on my 96 3.4 4runner. My Haynes manual is a little unclear on where to put the rtv sealant, especially in relation to the little "1/2 moon cam plugs" (I tried the search feature, but couldn't find any info on this).

Has anyone replaced their valve covers on their 3.4 before. If so, any advice on how much rtv sealant to use and where to put it would be much appreciated.

OK, thanks, John

playswithfire

BUMP BUMP

Anyone ever replace their valve cover gaskets on their 3.4? Anyone?
Thanks, John

gtaSR5

I don't have an answer for you but I'm curious to find out too since I'll be doing this on mine soon.

Anyone have a writeup on this for a 2nd gen?

foxtrapper

This isn't specific to your engine, but I've done a number of valve covers with the pesky half moon rubber cam seals.

Generally, with a good (new) valve cover gasket you don't need to use any sealant. If the gasket is old, there is damage to the valve cover and such, then a gasket sealant or liquid gasket is helpfull. Sticky gasket sealants make it very difficult to remove the valve cover gasket in the future, and can damage the gasket.

If the rubber cam plug stayed in the head, and is good shape, and didn't leak before, you often times don't need to apply any sealant.

If you are determined to apply sealant, you only need to apply it to the top in the above case.

If on the other hand the plug came out, or leaked (should be replaced then), you need to apply sealant completely around the plug.