This is my first or second post...
I'm in the process of replacing the head gaskets on my daughter's 1996 SR5 4X4 Runner... I've got everything removed and the head gaskets replaced, installed the heads after having them re-built but I CANNOT get the damn spark plug gaskets out of the valve covers! The FelPro kit came with them so I might as well replace... they will not budge...

I'm new to the whole 'Yota scene, but am in no way a noob to working on my cars and trucks...

ANY tips would be great!

I've tried to pry them, needle nose them, dental pick, even a small and large screwdriver with out ANY success!

PLEASE Help!

 

I've also searched here and other forums, Google searched, youtube... nothing on this part of it...

 

I thought i saw someone said to use a socket and a hammer. Let me see what i can find.

 

Did you bend the tab that holds them in? Should come out fairly easy if youve done that.

 

I don't bend the tab up. I can generally just grab the gasket opposite the tab with a good needle nose pliers and pop the gasket out.

Here is how the FSM shows to remove them on EM-49, step 2:
http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/2000/Repa...nical/repl.pdf

 

I used a hammer and a small screwdriver to bend the edge of the old seal in and then drove it out from the top. They come out pretty easy, were more of a pain to put back in. Be sure to put them in the right way, I put them in upside down the first time. Be careful not to over tighten the valve cover bolts either, I cracked an ear off of mine and had to buy a replacement drivers side valve cover.

 

thanks for the quick responses! I got 'em with a bigger hammer and screw-driver!
these were a pita. i inspected the other cover and elected to fore go changing the rest. They were in good pliable condition and just as stuck!

LarsW900T

 

ScottD - that's exactly how I did it too. I put them in the right way first time and tightened V.C. down to torque spec then turned an extra 90.

 

With my 40-something bad vision, I failed to see that the ring just had to be pushed in away from the edge of the hole with a mallet and flat head screw driver. I wasted couple hours torching off the inside of each ring.