yotatech_warrior

Hey, im a long time lurker first time poster
there is an oil leak from my valve cover gaskets and was wondering what could cause this issue. i replaced the gaskets on both of them only about 1k kilometers ago.it only started leaking about a week ago and since then i have had to put in about a litre and half since then, is there anything else i could list as a suspect for this other than tired old gaskets?

by the way i have a 95 3-vze with 282,xxxk


thanks

abecedarian

PCV valve may be an issue, allowing too much pressure to build in the crank case. Or maybe they just need some sealant.

yotatech_warrior

im a noob, but mechanicaly inclind. how would i go about checking to see ifthere is to much pressure being built up?

abecedarian

Depends on which way you want to go about it.
You could replace the PCV valve and see if the leak stops...
... you could pull the covers, clean and apply sealant according to the directions including set-up and cure times...
... you could do compression tests on all 6 cylinders and compare that to factory specs...
... or you could remove the oil cap and see how much of what comes out, but in that case we'd need pictures in order to help diagnose.

(I'm just kind of jerking your chain on the last one, but pictures would be cool. )

yotatech_warrior

ok ill try the compression test tomorrow, id try to get you pictures now but its a little dark out at the moment

abecedarian

For the amount of work involved, I'd change the PCV valve first and see if that fixes it. If not, I'd pull the valve covers and clean, prep gaskets with sealant and re-install, but considering they're leaking, maybe do both the PCV valve and clean up the gaskets, then see if that fixes it.
If that doesn't help, then I'd do the compression test- last ditch effort, if you know what I mean.

Sorry, I like to joke a bit at times.

PCE91V64x4

Did you apply FIPG or black RTV to the surface under the gasket in the corners (sometimes called the half-moons)?

If not you could take it all apart and clean it and add the black RTV and give it a try. Definately do the PCV while you are in there.

nobrainsd

I had allsorts of trouble with leaking valve covers on my 91 3vze. The OEM gaskets are adequate, but the gasket mating surface needs to be really clean (wipe with acetone), the gasket should be new and the hold down bolts should not be overtorqued. Even with the proper sealant I had issues with the covers leaking. Drove me nuts. I recently replaced the gaskets with a new set from FelPro. Nice blue gasket with a larger surface area that sealed easily and hasn't leaked a drop. The new design of the FelPro valve cover gasket is a definite improvement on the original style. You might consider trying them out.

I would never reuse an old gasket unless it is very clean and pliable. It's just too much of a pain to get to the gaskets if they need replacing.

Blurr

x2 on perpetually leaking valve covers. i have replaced mine 3 times in the 4 years i have owned my 4runner and my conclusion is that the plastic valve covers just can't keep a straight mating surface. if i ever have to take the intake plenum off again i'd be seriously tempted to replace both valve covers.

Squiddy

x3. Overtorque and lack of FIPG seem to be the main culprits