Hey guys,
I recently picked up a 1991 v6 5 speed, and after driving it for the weekend I've noticed that its leaking oil on the driver side. After looking at it I am thinking its the valve cover gasket. Their is oil all around the edges of the gasket, all on my upper and lower control arms, even made it over to the shock.

One of my buddies told me its going to be like 450$ for a shop to replace it. After looking online it only costs roughly 50$ for the gasket, meaning I would pay through the ass for labor.

Is it that hard to change one of these out? It looks like its tucked up under a fair amount of stuff, is it possible to safely do it yourself?

also, could it permenantly damage my truck if i drive it like this? obviously keep the oil topped up.

 

In my sig is a link to factory service manuals. This way you can decide if you want to do it or not.

 

At a quick glance their is no 1991 manual?

 

While you are there, don't forget the cam cap at the rear of the head. I've seen those leak plenty of times too.

Use caution when tightening down the valve cover too, if they are not torqued properly, it can cause the V/C to tweak a bit.

 

So I am unsure of the Headgasket has been done in the truck as of yet, so I was going to go check at the Toyota dealership today. Possibly going to suggest getting the valve cover gasket done at the same time to see additional costs.

I will look into that as well, thanks for the heads up!

Heres a picture of the beast for you guys too!

 

the 3vz-e valve cover gaskets are notorious for leaking. i told myself if i ever get in there to replace them again that i will replace both valve covers. i'm convinced that they warp over time.

 

Yeah, i heard that once I had bought one, DOH! Whatever, im happier with it over the 22RE, power wise anyways. Didn't think it would pop this fast, but could have been done when i got it really...

Is it just as easy to replace both if you do 1?

 

yep, you will need to remove the intake plenum (the big silver thing on the top of the engine), replace both gaskets. also with the plenum off it would be wise to inspect the many coolant hoses towards the rear, those are a PAIN to replace with the plenum installed. also, check the PCV valve which is on the passenger side valve cover.

good luck! nice truck, BTW.

 

Quick question,
To limit leaking would It be ok to go and re-torque the bolts down?
Just make sure they are all tight in the hopes of limiting oil squirt

 

I tried that but it didn't work...........Ended up biting the bullet and paying to have them both replaced. The mechanic told me that it was a pretty big job. Now it does not leak a drop!

 

Understandable,
And could it hurt my truck to drive it like this?
Not for an extended period of time, but until i get some cash behind me so I can afford it.

 

do NOT overtorque the valve cover bolts! driving with this leak is no problem, just be sure you keep an eye on your oil level.

 

Exactly the answer i was looking for, thanks!
+1

 

http://ncttora.com/fsm/1993/index.html
3VZ-E is the V6