Replacing valve cover gasket

logsurfer · 11-14-2009, 07:36 PM

Bought my 4runner 3 months ago and loving it.. but it gave me a check engine light this morning. So i took it to the dealer for inspection and they said that the code is for the o2 sensor (bank 1 sensor 1). They also said that i have more issues to fix. Here is the estimate:

o2 sensor (bank 1 sensor 1) = $362.00
front brakes = $250.00
valve cover gasket = $642.00

drive belts = $220.00
fuel induction service =$150.00

Now, i've searched this thread and found how to replace the two 02 sensors, and the front brakes. (Bookmarked!)

How hard will it be to replace the valve cover gaskets (passenger and drivers side) for a 98, 3.4L 4runner?
How much time will it take?

Thank you in advance!

Yotatech rocks!

Btw, i've attached pics of the leaks on the valve covers.
How serious are these leaks?

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Nuthuts96 · 11-15-2009, 09:38 AM

yikes! $220 for drive belts. ouch. try ~$40...

Tubbyfatty · 11-15-2009, 10:10 AM

x2 about them drive belts...

Remember, the dealer will always find something that "needs" to be replaced just to get you back in there,

The O2 sensor is like 90$ or so. NGK or Denso works well.

Midget96 · 11-15-2009, 10:21 AM

$362 for an O2 sensor? Are you kidding me? Replacing mine was the easiest O2 sensor job ever. Just two easy to remove bolts and then undo the harness. About $90 from Rock Auto.

Valve cover gaskets are a pain, but it's certainly worth the 2-3 hours to remove your intake manifold to get to them if it means saving $550 over the dealer's quote.

Front brake pads are about $80 for quality Hawk replacements, and removing and replacing pads in fixed calipers is literally 10 min. per side. You'll spend more time jacking it up and taking the wheels off than doing the pads.

What is a "Fuel Induction Service"? Sounds like a complete waste of money that isn't necessary at all.

Gnarly4X · 11-15-2009, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midget96

$362 for an O2 sensor? Are you kidding me? Replacing mine was the easiest O2 sensor job ever. Just two easy to remove bolts and then undo the harness. About $90 from Rock Auto.

Valve cover gaskets are a pain, but it's certainly worth the 2-3 hours to remove your intake manifold to get to them if it means saving $550 over the dealer's quote.

Front brake pads are about $80 for quality Hawk replacements, and removing and replacing pads in fixed calipers is literally 10 min. per side. You'll spend more time jacking it up and taking the wheels off than doing the pads.

What is a "Fuel Induction Service"? Sounds like a complete waste of money that isn't necessary at all.

Yeah.... wow.... if you go to the dealer for the work.... you'd better bring a big jar of KY!!!!

gNARLS.

toyospearo · 11-15-2009, 11:03 AM

Am I missing something???
What I call the Valve cover gasket is the jenky, long, rectangular rubber gasket that fits into the little slot around the outside of the valve cover and costs $20 and takes 15 min. to change. If that is not the valve cover gasket would someone please clue me in!!

thanks

logsurfer · 11-15-2009, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Yeah.... wow.... if you go to the dealer for the work.... you'd better bring a big jar of KY!!!!

--Haha! Right on! Thats why i went to Yotatech first, I know i'll get some honest opinions. Seriously, we should start our own auto repair shop.

Quote:

What I call the Valve cover gasket is the jenky, long, rectangular rubber gasket that fits into the little slot around the outside of the valve cover and costs $20 and takes 15 min. to change.

-- I think you're right. It only takes 15 min to change? Can you pls elaborate.. Im going to try to do this myself and make a writeup to contribute to Yotatech.

I will be replacing my o2 sensors, brake pads, and bleed my brakes (look at how dark the fluid in my reservoir) this weekend, still in the process of building my own one-man brake bleeding kit. I will keep this updated with pics and cost of how much ive spent.

Thank you guys for your opinions!

SC4Runner · 11-15-2009, 12:34 PM

Where the turf meets the surf... Del Mar? I'm in Solana Beach.

toyospearo · 11-15-2009, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by logsurfer

"Yeah.... wow.... if you go to the dealer for the work.... you'd better bring a big jar of KY!!!! "

--Haha! Right on! Thats why i went to Yotatech first, I know i'll get some honest opinions. Seriously, we should start our own auto repair shop.

"What I call the Valve cover gasket is the jenky, long, rectangular rubber gasket that fits into the little slot around the outside of the valve cover and costs $20 and takes 15 min. to change."

-- I think you're right. It only takes 15 min to change? Can you pls elaborate.. Im going to try to do this myself and make a writeup to contribute to Yotatech.

I will be replacing my o2 sensors, brake pads, and bleed my brakes (look at how dark the fluid in my reservoir) this weekend, still in the process of building my own one-man brake bleeding kit. I will keep this updated with pics and cost of how much ive spent.

Thank you guys for your opinions!

ahhaha damn dude !!
so sorry! I didn't see your pictures. I mistakenly assumed (bias) you were talking about a 22 RE valve cover.
yea your valve cover(s) are a bit more complicated.

logsurfer · 11-15-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SC4Runner

Where the turf meets the surf... Del Mar? I'm in Solana Beach.

Yes, SC4runner! but I'm in LJ most of the time. Glad to know there's a member of Yotatech nearby. Your 4runner looks mean, mine is bone stock except for the air filter and some polybushings.

WEINERDOGBONE · 11-15-2009, 04:01 PM

It doesn't surprise me one bit that the Dealer wants $600 to do the valve cover gaskets. They are a bear IMO. It is not complicated to replace them but you have to remove the intake and everyting to get to them.

You can do it but it's not a walk in the park.

TC4RNR · 11-15-2009, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by logsurfer

o2 sensor (bank 1 sensor 1) = $362.00
front brakes = $250.00
valve cover gasket = $642.00

drive belts = $220.00
fuel induction service =$150.00

Difficulty levels(1-5, 5 being the most difficult):

O2 sensor: Caveman, you would be no long welcome here if you pay someone to change it.

Front brakes: 2.

Valve cover: 2.

Drive belt: 1

Fuel Induction(injection) service: totally bull crap. don't do it.

as for the valve cover, I found it's very common among the 3.4L that the bolts got loose, mine were finger tight. get a small 10mm wrench, see if you can turn the passenger side ones fairly easily. if so, it's time to a lot of work.
a.) change the spark plugs and wire.
b.) you need to remove whole lot stuff before you can reach the valve cover gaskets. so you will need new: throttle body gasket, intake plenum gasket(x2, one top, one bottom), 2 valve cover gaskets.
c.) if a few days of down time is ok for you, while doing the valve covers, take the fuel injectors out and send to Witch Hunter to have them serviced, for real. I've only heard good things about them.
http://www.witchhunter.com/

http://www.yotatech.com/f105/props-w...eaning-159750/

as for the parts, there are few dealerships sells parts at discounted prices to few Toyota related internet forum members. I've dealt with Champion Toyota in TX and Northridge Toyota in CA, both gave me 25% discount and shipping is dirt cheap, no tax. I think I paid $55 for a complete set of OEM spark plugs and wire to my door. so it pays to shop around.

logsurfer · 11-15-2009, 08:58 PM

Quote:

O2 sensor: Caveman, you would be no long welcome here if you pay someone to change it.

LoL. I'm going to replace it myself so I can go back here and post again. As for the valve cover bolts, I actually tightened all of them this afternoon. Yeah, they were a little loose. I also cleaned the leaks around the cover and will monitor for any sign of leakage.

Thank you for the very informative reply.

LanceN · 11-16-2009, 12:33 PM

For now, I've re-tightened my valve cover gaskets every six months (owned the truck for about two years) and it's kept them from leaking too badly. But soon enough I plan on tackling the job of replacing them. Just too many other things to worry about first.

On a side note: I just got a front end alignment and the shop that did it quoted me ~$350 for replacing the valve cover gaskets.

logsurfer · 11-17-2009, 10:13 PM

Replaced the oxygen sensor 1 today. Bought the parts a the dealer for $110 (part # 89465-39835 came w/ gasket).

PB blasted the nuts the day before. You guys are right fiddling with the harness took more time. Here's a tip: Undo the two bolts (12mm) first and get a (-) screwdriver to pop the lock on the harness then pull it out.

I disconnected the battery for 15 mins, CEL gone and will update if it comes back. Let's see if this also improves my MPG.

Money saved:$362-$110 = $252
Thanks Yotatech!

98runner210 · 11-18-2009, 12:15 AM

As for just tightening the valve cover, don't torque it down too much or you will warp it.

Quick tip when doing the valve cover. On the driver's side there is a plastic housing that has a harness running through it that sits on the edge of the cover. Before taking the cover off, wrap that plastic housing in electrical tape. It becomes very brittle from the repeated heat cycles and will shatter when lifting it out of the way. Wrapping it first will keep you from fishing shards of plastic out of the head.

LanceN · 11-18-2009, 08:57 AM

^^^ Good tips!

I agree about the torque on the valve cover gaskets, I didn't even use a ratchet when tightening mine down, just an extension on a socket and hand tighten to really snug.

Ironmike4x4 · 11-18-2009, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midget96

What is a "Fuel Induction Service"? Sounds like a complete waste of money that isn't necessary at all.

Not really.... it IS an extra incentive for us to upsell the flush kits as we get both extra labor time and the person that sells the flush kits give us money for each stickers we give him. An induction service is basically the same things you can do at home. First you put the additive in the fuel tank. Next, you fill a cannister with the induction cleaner and have the engine running. Put the "spray nozzle" either into the air intake close to the throttle blade (I prefer to do mine through the PCV system or the brake booster). Finall you clean the throttle blade out really good. Basically you can do the same things at home with an old toothbrush and rags.

11-15-2009, 09:38 AM	#2 (permalink)
Nuthuts96 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Burlington, VT previous: Everett, WA; Bellingham, WA Posts: 290	r yikes! $220 for drive belts. ouch. try ~$40... __________________ Scott 1996 White 4Runner-4x4-SR5-5 speed-gold trim 140k-265/75/16 Yokohama Geolander AT/S Cupholder Mod- Overhead Console Mod

11-15-2009, 10:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
Tubbyfatty Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Hillsboro, OR Posts: 1,600	x2 about them drive belts... Remember, the dealer will always find something that "needs" to be replaced just to get you back in there, The O2 sensor is like 90$ or so. NGK or Denso works well. __________________ 94 4runner / SR5 / 3vz-e / 5spd / 4x4 (duh) / Mudcat EXT 30x 9.5R15s / Marlin Crawler HD Clutch / ISR / Hella 700FFs 100w bulbs / 2 10'' JBL subs / ported sub box / kicker mono amp / Pioneer DEH-P490IB / sitting 1-1.5'' below factory, thanks butt sag...

11-15-2009, 11:03 AM	#6 (permalink)
toyospearo Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: way way nor cal Posts: 1,576	Am I missing something??? What I call the Valve cover gasket is the jenky, long, rectangular rubber gasket that fits into the little slot around the outside of the valve cover and costs $20 and takes 15 min. to change. If that is not the valve cover gasket would someone please clue me in!! thanks __________________ 94 Ext. cab 22re Aussied, 4.88's, SAS,ed, FLATBED, Old Man Emu rear leafs w/TG 5.5" shackles, TG sliders, LC Header, Marlin super HD clutch, 32's- Swamper TSL's- RC rims, Badland Bumper, lifted, lighted, LED'ed, Warned, alternatored (LC High ouput), Hammed, gusseted, trussed, etc, etc... My build thread http://www.yotatech.com/f152/great-w...ck-sas-164531/ My Flatbed build thread http://www.yotatech.com/f88/toyospea...-build-191787/

11-15-2009, 12:34 PM	#8 (permalink)
SC4Runner Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 5th Gen San Diegan, California Posts: 5,885	Where the turf meets the surf... Del Mar? I'm in Solana Beach. __________________ 1996 4x4 3.4L 4Runner on 35's - 6" of lift, MTR's, E-locked, ARB Tacoma Bumper, Sliders and a cut off tail pipe. 1966 FJ40 - SOA with stock springs, stock 1F motor, and a smelly tailpipe.

11-17-2009, 10:13 PM	#15 (permalink)
logsurfer Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: So Cal (where the turf meets the surf) Posts: 6	Update: oxygen sensor 1 replaced Replaced the oxygen sensor 1 today. Bought the parts a the dealer for $110 (part # 89465-39835 came w/ gasket). PB blasted the nuts the day before. You guys are right fiddling with the harness took more time. Here's a tip: Undo the two bolts (12mm) first and get a (-) screwdriver to pop the lock on the harness then pull it out. I disconnected the battery for 15 mins, CEL gone and will update if it comes back. Let's see if this also improves my MPG. Money saved:$362-$110 = $252 Thanks Yotatech! Last edited by logsurfer; 11-17-2009 at 10:16 PM.

11-15-2009, 10:21 AM	#4 (permalink)
Midget96 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 325	$362 for an O2 sensor? Are you kidding me? Replacing mine was the easiest O2 sensor job ever. Just two easy to remove bolts and then undo the harness. About $90 from Rock Auto. Valve cover gaskets are a pain, but it's certainly worth the 2-3 hours to remove your intake manifold to get to them if it means saving $550 over the dealer's quote. Front brake pads are about $80 for quality Hawk replacements, and removing and replacing pads in fixed calipers is literally 10 min. per side. You'll spend more time jacking it up and taking the wheels off than doing the pads. What is a "Fuel Induction Service"? Sounds like a complete waste of money that isn't necessary at all.

11-15-2009, 04:01 PM	#11 (permalink)
WEINERDOGBONE Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 85	It doesn't surprise me one bit that the Dealer wants $600 to do the valve cover gaskets. They are a bear IMO. It is not complicated to replace them but you have to remove the intake and everyting to get to them. You can do it but it's not a walk in the park.

11-16-2009, 12:33 PM	#14 (permalink)
LanceN Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 14	For now, I've re-tightened my valve cover gaskets every six months (owned the truck for about two years) and it's kept them from leaking too badly. But soon enough I plan on tackling the job of replacing them. Just too many other things to worry about first. On a side note: I just got a front end alignment and the shop that did it quoted me ~$350 for replacing the valve cover gaskets.

11-18-2009, 12:15 AM	#16 (permalink)
98runner210 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 778	As for just tightening the valve cover, don't torque it down too much or you will warp it. Quick tip when doing the valve cover. On the driver's side there is a plastic housing that has a harness running through it that sits on the edge of the cover. Before taking the cover off, wrap that plastic housing in electrical tape. It becomes very brittle from the repeated heat cycles and will shatter when lifting it out of the way. Wrapping it first will keep you from fishing shards of plastic out of the head. __________________ '98 4Runner Limited White w/ silver flares Last edited by 98runner210; 11-18-2009 at 12:36 AM.

11-18-2009, 08:57 AM	#17 (permalink)
LanceN Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 14	^^^ Good tips! I agree about the torque on the valve cover gaskets, I didn't even use a ratchet when tightening mine down, just an extension on a socket and hand tighten to really snug.

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