94 4 runner 3vze 5spd

My valve covers have been leaking like hell since i bought the truck.
Today i decided to start fixing them, i have the drivers side done, so far it appears fine, it is dripping a little still but i believe(well, praying) its from an old puddle of oil.
I did RTV the front and rear corners of the Cam Bearing caps.

As for the passenger side, any tips on the removal and installaton of the plentum?
What do i need/not need to remove?

Also the old valve cover gasket was hard as a rock and somewhat brittle, what might cause this?

Thanks for any help.

 

Age. I have had the best success in sealing my valve covers by running a bead of RTV along the entire gasket. Top and bottom (between the gasket and the valve cover AND between the gasket and the head).

 

truly you dont need RTV but only if your that good........to all those who question me did they come OE with rtv? but also its all in prep of cover and head some will argue though

 

they did come OE with rtv in the same places i used it.

 

I do the same and very seldom have a problem, be sure and don't over tighten them