Valve cover is dirty
 

I just replaced my PCV valve and grommet on my 98 4Runner. I noticed (after having to pull out some pieces of the grommet that dropped into the valve cover) that it was extremely dirty in there. Any way of cleaning it without having to pull it?

Not really.

:wabbit2:

Substitute a quart of oil with ATF next oil change. The detergents will clean out the varnish and gunk. If your valve cover is that dirty, the rest of the motor is probably just as bad.

Could give seafoam a try. Probably won't help if it's that bad.

Pull it off and clean!!

Install new gaskets with new 1/2 moons also

Does not hurt to replace the grommets on the top as well.:camp:

Seafoam and synthetic oil. I rec car quest house synthetic, its valvoline with a different sticker and cheaper. When I bought my girlfriends car I did a valve cover gasket and everything was covered sludge. Changed the oil 3 times in 2 month intervals and everything was clean