1990 3.0 4runner

Sorry if this has been asked a few times but a few months ago I change my valve cover gaskets due to a growing oil leak. I followed the FSM about putting the rtv in the corners and torqued properly. I'm also extremely anal, so i cleaned the valve covers and the mating surface extremely well. The pcv valve was cleaned at the time and i checked it functionality yesterday. So this leaves me to wonder if the oil leak could be coming from the cam plugs ( which seem to be were its leaking). Is this common
Thanks

 

5 months is pretty good. Even if you did everything by the book. IMO, since you own a 3VZ-E, you should just get used to the fact that the valve cover gaskets are always going to leak(to some extent...no matter what you do). If you want to be fussy about it and change them every few months so they don't leak as much...more power to ya.

Anybody that tells you their 3VZ-E's valve cover gaskets don't leak at all, or that they haven't leaked a drop in the last 6 months(or more), is full of their own BS.

 

there was to be a weak link in there, i'm sure once upon a time it didn't leak. plus it leaves a 2-3 inch oil spot at work and home each day.

 

Funny, mine hasn't leaked in many years, I think it's been about 12 years since they were done last.
You can say I'm full of BS all day long and it won't change the facts.

 

I have to disagree with you here, MH.

Ditto. I rebuilt my engine 5 years ago & have put 60,000 miles on it with no valve cover leaks.

easterly81: are you sure it isn't coming from the cam seals?

 

all arguing aside... Anyone one have any feedback on my question?

 

Oops didn't see that.

easterly81: are you sure it isn't coming from the cam seals?[/QUOTE]

how would you tell? i guess that's what i'm assuming going on here. the cam cap is not a seal right? the cam seal should hold the oil in. So if i have oil coming out of the cap is it safe to assume the cam seal might be bad?

 

Cam seals are in the front of the heads, the cam plugs are in back.

My valve covers used to leak, and after changing the gaskets, I still had a leak from the back of both heads. It was the cam plugs, both were seeping, although the driver's side was worse.

It is tight working so close to the firewall, but they can be replaced. It really helps to have the plenum removed.

 

don't you have to pull the valve cover to get to the caps? would it be wroth doing the seals too just to not have to go in there again?

 

Sorry, cam plugs... been a while, however, I don't think you have to remove the valve covers. There is a plate with two bolts on the back of each head that holds the cam plugs in. Access is more difficult though, and it is a PITA to get the old ones out.

The cam seals are not so easy because you have to take the cam sprockets off, which entails removing the timing belt, and so forth. If you don't see oil leaking from the front, I would replace the cam seals the next time the TB is changed.

 

There are cam seals in the rear, too.

 

so are the caps not seals? if there is oil comming out the caps are the oil seals bad?

 

TNRabbit - The FSM shows an "oil seal" at the front of the camshaft, and a "camshaft housing plug" at the rear of the camshaft.



easterly81 - it is likely NOT the cam caps, I misspoke earlier and corrected that. If the leak(s) are at the back of the head, it is likely the "camshaft housing plugs" which is common. Look closely where the leak(s) are coming from to be sure before you waste your time.

 

the oil is coming from the red area pictured so i guess it time to purchase the cam plugs and do it all over again.

Silly question has anyone ever tried replacing the driver side without pulling valve cover? I can only assume this doesn't work because the valve cover gasket sit on the cap. Just wonder if it worth a shot, cause the gaskets are fairly new. Plus it the only side leaking for now. Key word now lol

 

the valve covers themselves need to be replaced . after 20 years these plastic valve covers get warped.. about $135 only Dealer item.
Ask me how I know.