Just like the title says. It's the drivers side valve cover gasket on my v6 leaking oil onto, and into the alternator on my 1996 3rd generation 4runner. It is causing the lights in my dash to freak out randomly. The Abs, airbag, and battery lights will stay on for a whole trip some times. I am sure pretty sure that is whats causing it all. That is what my Toyota mechanic says anyway...

Some one else HAS to have had the same problem...yes I know replacing the gasket would fix the problem and that will happen in due time. But for know I have tried to build a little "roof" of sorts to help the oil run off instead of into the alternator out of alluminum foil but that is sure to blow away soon from the turbulance under the hood...

Please help if you have any ideas or have had the same problem...thanks!

 

Sounds like normal wear and tear...just get it fixed.

 

I have noticed that sometimes the valve cover bolts get a little loose. Try to tighten them up a bit and see if that stops it.

 

Well I tightened the bolts on the valve cover that it seems to be leaking around, and the tin foil roof I made for the alternator seems to actually be working so I am going to push my luck for awhile longer...

 

A new alternator has to cost more than fixing the valve cover gasket.

Having said that- you seem determined to prove us wrong. Get to know the great guys down here at Irbis Off Road. Definitely cheaper than a stealership.

 

Yeah I made the mistake of giving the stealership over $1000 repairs.

Now I have a Toyota mechanic in my math class so he only charges me parts plus $30 for labor and hour...my rig will be in the shop getting these things fixed as soon as my student loans come in!

 

I guess you have no tools? Its a simple repair. Do it yourself.

 

I don't really want to get into taking off the intake manifold, tb, and all the crap on top of the valve covers or I would...I try to do as much on my own vehicles as is possible.

I replaced the valvecover gasket and a few other gaskets on my Integra and the valve cover gasket still leaks so I would probably mess up this one too...

 

Well my luck ran out...my alternator finally went completely out...

To top it all off I had to drive my summer toy, my Integra Gs-r to work and wrecked it!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME!!

 

Put new brushes in the alt and it will probly work.
Bigblock

 

You pushed your luck a bit too far.

The hardest part of doing the VC gasket is torquing the bolts down. Everything else is easy. I'd help you out myself, but I dont exactly live too close!

 

Remeber not to wrench down to tight on the VC bolts--i think the torque rating is really low on them. Like 10 ft Lbs.

Sorry to hear about your rides and know the feeling when you are going to school and having car problems......

Are you full Irish by chance HAHAHAAAAaaaa.... JK