I've decided to replace my leaky valve cover gasket and fix the error code "71" by replacing the egr vsv, since this requires removal of the intake plenum is there anything that I should replace while I am into it? I was thinking the PCV would be good to replace as well.

Also, should I use any type of sealant on any part of the fix, or just bare stick the gaskets? I like some type of sealant on valve cover gaskets, which one is the most compatible with the O2 sensor etc...

Chilton's doesn't list a torque sequence for the intake is there one? It has torque rates but I can't recall them now as I don't have my book here w/ me.

Thanks

 

I also have a leaky valve cover gasket and I too was going to work on it soon, and I too was wondering the same thing. Isn't there an old saysing...kill 2 leaky engines with 1 post. Or something like that.

 

Well.. there is no sequence in the FSM either.. I would crisscross from the center out. BTW, FSM said 13ft/lbs

You have to do the PCV while you are there (stupid not to) I would personaly pull the lower intake off and replace the knock sensor harness.. They are prone to failure and are not a lot of $ or much more work while you are down that far. (BTW, I have 2 brand new, left over, Toyota valve cover gaskets for cheap if you want them) Also, the gaskts have a 90 corner at each end (FT/R) This is where the front and rear cam bearing caps bolt to the head, you want to just dab them with some FIPG or RTV at these corners. You do not seal the whole gasket.. just a dab at these 2 points.

Any more ?? just ask away..

 

Get gasketsnich, white bottle, small is plenty follow the direction on the bottle. Its name says it all.
Nathan

 

IMO.. you do not use gasket cement except where you are supposed to. The valve cover gasket on the 3.0 is a rubber rope gasket. Sometimes sealing these kind of gaskets can cause them to leak. Just go for the corners where Toyota tells yo to, and let the rubber gasket seal itself dry... I have had mine off 3 times with new gaskets and never had one leak.

 

By lower manifold youmean the piece between the heads, right?
thanks for the offer on the gaskets but I got new 'em already.


Oh and thanks for the info.

 

Right.. the real "intake manifoild" You must pull it off when you replace the knock sensor wire.. The wire is about $10.00 and I forget who it was that did the motor rebuild and didn't replace it like I suggested ("Oldsub" or something was his screen name).. But he ended up going back in to replace it if I am correct. The problem is I am pretty sure you must unplug it to get the plenum off and there is a very good chance of breaking the wire inside.. I would highly recomend replacing it.. All it will cost you is the cost of the intake gaskets and the part... And trust me, it is a pain to get it down to that point just to do is some other time..

 

I've had my upper plenem off 3 times and havn't had a single leak without gasket cement. Just follow the toyota directions and you'll do fine. I also second replacing the PCV valve while your there. To cheap of insurance not to.