2003 Toyota Camry valve cover gasket and spark plug replacement

[@sammyelliott5554]

Great video. Just did my 2004 Camry with 211,000 miles. Gasket was the same condition. Your son should have been there learning from you.

[@JoDaddysGarage]

H doesn't have my schedule. Easier for me to do it.

[@billmcpheeters1888]

I have the same car with the same oil leak issue. I was searching youtube on how to change the spark plugs and came across this video that addressed both issues. Great job.

[@MrGonzo1910]

Easy peezy lemon squeezy. Great video. My son also has a 2003 Camry ( from g'ma) and I'm teaching him the ways around this car. I tell him the same thing, take care of it and it will run for almost ever! Thanks for the video.

[@CJ-if1ry]

Thank you for the post. My blue gasket was flopping all around and when I flipped the cover to install it, and apparently it didn't sit properly (larger oil leak). Now I have to take it off and probably buy a different gasket since it's been a week or so.

[@1div2agent74]

You’re a brave man hammering that screwdriver

[@fuhuxia9432]

My 06 Camry 140k is doing the same thing today. Burning smell, a little puddle on the pipe cover. Will follow your instructions and diy it. Thank you sir.

[@tectalabyss]

Hi . One thing I always use is neverseize/ antiseize it keeps the plug threads from sticking in the head. Steel and Aluminum doesn't play well together. Glad you didn't find a wet plug from a blown head gasket. Had to help my Son In-law fix his car for that a month ago.

[@daphlavor]

I just did this to my fathers 02 Camry, a tip for spark plugs: use a magnet to pick up the plugs, use a section of 1/4” fuel hose to start them, finish with ratchet. Thanks

[@chukwuemekaonyema2716]

I just did this on my daughters 02 camry. The spark plug closest to passenger side was soaked but looked ok. The gapping was bad though @ around .50-.60. I plan to replace them soon. Install went exactly like yours did for the most part. Upon removal, I seen that the valve cover was installed very loosely. I could pretty much loosen all bolts by hand. I guess the previous installer didnt keep going back after installing the middle bolts. Everytime I made my rounds, the bolts could be tightened more. I think its important to start in the middle and tighten outwards but remember to keep going back to the middle and tighten outwards as when some get tight, others can get tighter.

[@52772]

Thank you. I just bought a 2003 Toyota Camry, and it leaks oil. Will be changing the casket soon. You now have a new subscriber. Thank you again

[@George-mk7lp]

Did you do that afterwards? I'm planning to replace also could u share experience

[@jjohn713]

It was easier to remove the valve cover for me when I disconnected all the connections to the alternator that and other connections as part of that left side harness. Cover came off just fine. Easy to put back up too. RTV too. But I got my stuff from Toyota for gasket and sealant.

[@babybird1696]

Thank you. Know it passed smog. You saved me $ 800.00. Cuz the Cadillac poped up but it was the valve cover. It was easy to do. The mechanic before put glue which was the issue😕. I am glad I did it myself.

[@rogerthat6221]

Good work cutie pie. It solved my oil consumption issue

[@rahlquist]

Thank you sir. I used your fine instructions to do just the same on my wifes car today.

[@ryanyang1234]

You are amazing. Just changed the gasket after watching your video. Thank you so much.

[@billiebobbienorton2556]

One point you may have overlooked ...I would recommend replacing that PCV valve (located on the rear left side of the valve cover where a rubber hose went on it). Also, noticed @ 13:50 it looks like a washer or stopper fell off the corner of the front left side of the valve cover. It's resting on the bolt under the valve cover. It's probably the kind of piece you are referring to @ 16:30

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Good idea to replace the PCV. The piece that fell off at 13:50 was some black tape from the wire loom.

[@TLSRiderGaming]

I'm in the process of doing this exact project on my 03 Camry. I used a little L shaped hook to get those ring seals from the spark plug area out. Easy peasy.

[@DougHinVA]

A PCV valve is very cheap to buy and replace. And if it is filthy and/or clogged it can cost you big money. Just replace it every year or so for cheap...

[@kevinbrislawn5918]

I would use rtv silicone sealant for the top 4 valve cover gaskets to ensure a longer time interval to stop oil from entering into the top of the spark plug tubes and spoiling the wire connectors. I've done this and it works, trust me

[@DougHinVA]

where are they and what are they , specifically?

[@dougj102463]

Excellent video. Thanks. I have an ‘02 Camry with same engine. 160,000 miles. Probably coming due for this repair, soon.

[@samsgarage2856]

Similar maintenance around 200,000 miles on my s10. Leaking intake manifold gasket and original spark plug change. The head gasket should be fun.

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Yeah... not really wanting to do the head gasket...

[@johningram2153]

By the way, definitely be careful how hard you tighten the valve cover bolts. I snapped one off. I assume the others are enough to keep it snug, but I would have preferred to not have done that. On mine, I have some bolts that come out, and a couple of bolts that stick up in front, with nuts that you screw on. That’s the kind of bolt that I broke. It’s broken off flush with the top of the hole. I also found it a bit more challenging to get the cover back on, particularly without unseating the gasket. I ended up going around it with a chisel to shove little bits of it back in line before bringing the whole thing down. Might not be a bad idea to use some sort of light adhesive, though I don’t know what would be good for that.

[@johnt890]

Great instruction. That cover can be tricky on/off. You made it look easy.

[@melikesgames5452]

At around 5:40 how did you remove those small bolts on the engine? The ones with a small hex about 4mm in size?! What are they called? I can’t get them off.

[@JoDaddysGarage]

I'm not sure which ones you're referring to.

[@1div2agent74]

Little tip. Warm the car up if your spark plugs are seezed

[@brennanrr1958]

Thanks for the video. Seems easier than I imagined

[@DougHinVA]

On the passenger side, as you face from the front of the car, on older Corolla engines (mine is a 2000 ) there are 2 places that need a very small blob of RTV. He does not show or do that on a 2003 Camry engine....

[@MichaelWongW]

Wonderful video, I followed them to a T and fixed my mothers car!

[@rogerthat6221]

Most of the time this leak is caused by an underlying issue. The PCV valve gets carbon and oil deposits. Causes oil consumption.

[@raulinazario9462]

Saludos Amigo , i just did it same job I fallow all yours steps everything was perfect thank you sir God bless 🇵🇷🇺🇸 saludos desde Puerto Rico.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Thanks for sharing Barry! Any chance that some escaped oil was sitting on those oil spark plugs? They looked wet on the outside. Once you removed them, that oil could have drained into the cylinder and potentially foul the new plugs. Hope this isn't the case. Great job! Go Dawgs!

[@JoDaddysGarage]

There was some residual oil, but not enough to get on the new plugs. Good point though.

[@johningram2153]

Thanks for a great video. I also have a 2003 Camry, and my job went just like this one, right down to the blue gasket. I just became a paying patron of your channel and encourage others to do the same.

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@Nekroman111]

@@JoDaddysGarage so if you use this fel-pro gasket... You dont need sealant? Thanks in advance

[@pocketcharts12]

Should you clean out where oil is in spark plug container?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

It wouldn't hurt.

[@bronsonblacksr]

Tube seals are those round things

[@ThothTheAtlanteanK]

Excellent work! Should the car sit awhile after this Job?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

No need for that.

[@ThothTheAtlanteanK]

@@JoDaddysGarage Thanks!!

[@BRADSAUTOREFURBCUSTOMS]

How much should a mechanic charge for this repair in your opinion sir?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Depends on their hourly rate and parts cost.

[@ttime1021]

Does anyone know where to get a replacement hose that he was messing with around 6:00

[@JoDaddysGarage]

This might be the one you're looking for: shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/genuine-genuine-pcv-hose-b2150263903oes/10737682-P?searchTerm=pcv+hose

[@JoDaddysGarage]

www.google.com/search?q=2003+Toyota+Camry+PCV+hose&tbm=shop&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjCxoyv1tLZAhWDylMKHWpvBPUQ_AUICigB&biw=1264&bih=808&dpr=1

[@tl1684]

There’s a very good chance your gasket leaked again after putting it back on. You didn’t put RTV as specified by the Toyota Manual at the time chain........

[@islandbreeze496]

Yep, you need that

[@lisalopez7982]

What is RTV?

[@calgaryalbertaguycag3762]

I Agree, I just did the valve cover gasket replacement on my 03 Camry and you NEED to use RTV on that spot towards the passenger side of the motor. If you look closely, you’ll see that it’s actually a 2 piece unit and the RTV is required to complete the seal.

[@jamesdean8914]

good video enjoyed it....Can you tell me what you would have to remove to change valve stem seals? Thanks

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Sorry, I can't offer help there.

[@dallaspurvis14]

James Dean that's a job for a machine shop

[@Crustovavs]

Did it smell bad when you would drive it? Like would it smell like burning rubber?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Can't say it smelled like rubber. Have you checked your belts?

[@Crustovavs]

Jo Daddy's Garage it’s for my bio professor’s car. She said she brought it to jiffy lube and they said it was a leaky valve, and I deduced it to a leaky gasket and found this video

[@JoDaddysGarage]

@@Crustovavs OK. It's possible the smell of burning oil could smell like rubber.

[@joelopez40oz23]

Not enough torque on the valve cover bolts.

[@steveshelton5036]

Another great video. Did adding the coolant take care of the heating problem ?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

It did, but it also revealed a leak on the back side of the engine. I'm assuming a head gasket. I used some sealer in the radiator to slow it down until I can take it apart sometime.

[@xpacmaner23]

1/12 turn tighten? I see your spark plug is gasket. You should tighten 2/3 and 1/2.

[@416nelson]

Best to use antiseize on sparkplug threads. And a plug socket with rubber holder.

[@trini_boi2414]

I just finished putting that gasket on very easy only problem I had was that hose on the far right was a bitch to get off the cover so I just left it on and continue the job thanks a lot for this video 😁

[@George-mk7lp]

Hi. I want to do the same, how is it now? Any leak since?

[@trini_boi2414]

@@George-mk7lp the new gasket works great it's been 2 months and no issues so far

[@George-mk7lp]

@@trini_boi2414 thanks! One more question how strong bolts should be tightened up?

[@trini_boi2414]

@@George-mk7lp I hand tighten mine you don't want to strip the bolt..after a couple days of driving recheck to see if the bolts might need further tightening cause of engine vibration..

[@katherinet352]

my Toyota 04 Camry quit on me. It brought us to get bloodwork but would not start. Hubby jiggled the battery cable and it started... So we went to Wal Mart. Got back in car it would not start. Again jiggled the cables and the relay and it started.. Got home and nothing would get it to start. Except maybe hitting the starter a few times. He changed the starter but now it hesitates and feels like it is not getting gas. I know we need to change the gasket and I would go ahead and do the spark plugs while at it. What else should be done?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Without being able to see it or hear it, I can't really say. Has the fuel filter been changed ?

[@analyzerbynature9418]

I don't know if this is the answer that will solve your problem with the rough running engine after the starter replacement, however, anytime the battery has been disconnected, after reconnecting it, the car's computer settings/memory will have been wiped out causing the engine to run like it needs a major tun-up. However, the problem will correct itself after being driven from 50-100 miles of normal driving. I hope that's your case and it corrected itself before you spent additional money to correct it.

[@JohnSmith-cs7oo]

Hi There. I am having the same problem with my Camry 2003. Would you please tell me what you have done to fix it? Thanks in advance. I can share my email address with you.

[@mridware9694]

Clean fuel injectors

[@scottfarraway34]

There's a guy on here where I found the answer to this question. The computer needs to be reset after the battery has been disconnected. To do that you turn the ignition on and off twice and then start the car and put it in drive and let it idle in drive with the parking brake on. Takes about 5 minutes and you can actually see the RPM's rising. Thanks for this video. I'm going to do this job shortly. I'm curious, you didn't put sealant on the head by the timing chain. I guess that's not necessary?!

[@doddieb]

Great video clear explanation throughout video

[@EricFranksSon]

Very information. I have to do the same on my 03 camry.

[@leonardgilbreath9004]

I was told that Ford dropped the 5.4 because of this and the 6.2 doesn't have this issue.

[@denisehall5110]

Thank you for the video... very detailed. Where in Georgia are you located and do you have a shop?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Just a home shop. South of Atlanta.

[@denisehall5110]

Ok thx for responding. I have an 02 Camry LE and my car is doing the exact same thing. I was hoping you were close so I could bring my car in, but unfortunately...no such luck. Being a woman I hate dealing with mechanics b/c its very difficult to find one that's honest. Thx. again!

[@rosario9496]

Thank you, very much, Sir! I appreciate it

[@maeksu]

Thanks for the video. About to do this to my new (for me) '02.

[@comtrans123]

From what ive heard the cooling system stop leak is a bad idea. it plugs up everything.doesnt really work, just my two cents worth. great vids though thanks.

[@JoDaddysGarage]

I agree. I didn't have time to dig into it though.

[@ILOVEYOUTUBE28]

Excellent video...thank you

[@howdosethiswork3483]

I think you for got to take the oil cap off

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing. I trust your son brought you home a cold drink?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Uh... no... But I had my own available.

[@flynnfogerty6402]

my dad wulda kikd my butt....

[@sleepmediastop]

Thank you very much for this video.

[@leonardgilbreath9004]

I've got an 06 F150 and need to change the spark plugs put from what I've seen they are problems taking them out breaking off in the head I normally do this my self put I'm going to take it to Ford and have them do it. What did you find on the no heat inside .

[@JoDaddysGarage]

I won't touch the newer Ford spark plugs. Learned my lesson years ago. The car is losing antifreeze externally at the back of the block. Likely the head gasket. I did the quick fix and added some sealer to the radiator...for now...

[@john.johnb_online1438]

Thank you Very much. Very helpful

[@slayer4130]

Thanks for the video. Very helpful.

[@katherinet352]

If I knew I could get the bolts, nuts and screws off I would be out there doing it now

[@peztang.9459]

Katherine T if you have a socket wrench with 10mm socket, they all come off fairly easily. Hardest part is working the cover back in place under tbe wire assemblies. Good luck!

[@1div2agent74]

Buddy you really should get a torque wrench

[@princesimmons7178]

What if the Head Gasket was blowed how do I check it or get it fixed on mine

[@JoDaddysGarage]

I did a video on that. Ususally the threads strip out of the aluminum block.

[@RJSoftware2000]

Excellent video. Subscribed

[@beansoup6056]

Awesome video thanks Jo Daddy

[@kevinbrislawn5918]

did it leak without sealant after awhile?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

No. Still good.

[@kevinbrislawn5918]

@@JoDaddysGarage mine is a 2001 and it's different gasket shape. it's more prone to leaks according to my ASE tech. even with a New one. he said. yours looks like a newer improved design with the plug gasket built in and looks easier to remove replace than mine. I just checked mine after one day run and shows no leaks since I beefed it up with proper silicone and cleaning all over again. happy motoring!😛

[@analyzerbynature9418]

You did a good job and explained everything very well except mentioning that the replacement spark plugs need to be iridium. I bought the gasket and $2.49 spark plugs online from Advance AP which said they were exact fits for my car that I had entered as the car the parts would be for. However, after picking the parts up and beginning the work, upon removing the cover, I found a sticker on the valve cover saying to use iridium spark plugs. This was also mentioned in the owner's manual. While exchanging the $2.49 plugs for the $6.99 iridium plugs at AAP, I mentioned that it said the plugs were exact fits for my 2002 Camry, but evidently have a different performance than the iridium plugs. The clerk told me that the $2.49 plugs burn a lot hotter than the iridium plugs. With that being said, I can only imagine what kind of permanent, irreparable and unknown damage that could be happening to the engine due to the excessive spark heat until enough damage is done to effect the performance of the engine. If you didn't use iridium plugs when you did this work, I would replace them asap to minimize the damage they are doing. All of the other information you shared was spot on. Thank you.

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Actually, you could probably use the cheaper plugs. The only real advantage is life span for platinum or iridium plugs. There are plugs made for different "heat" ratings, but a stock Camry will not benefit from them. The clerk may have been focusing on the upsell. Here's a little article: mechanics.stackexchange.com/questions/2013/what-is-the-difference-between-normal-platinum-iridium-plugs

[@analyzerbynature9418]

Not trying to be argumentative, but based on practicality and principal, I have to disagree with you. I was at AAP to exchange the plugs no matter what the clerk said due to the sticker on the engine and the information in the owner's manual. And since the store clerk gets paid by the hour and not on commission, he would have had no incentive to upsell. Secondly, with cast aluminum being less tolerant to heat than cast iron or steel, a plug that generates less heat is totally logical. Thirdly, the first comment in the article of the link you attached states, "Stick with what your owner's manual calls for unless you have a reason to upgrade/modify." Fourthly, why would Toyota care enough about how long a spark plug lasts, to put a label on the valve cover and print it in the owner's manual, if cheap plugs wouldn't damage anything on their high quality engine? The plugs I replaced were iridium. They had at least 150,000 miles on them, in an engine with 220,000, without any performance problems. I'd say the previous owner that got upsold on them got his money's worth out of them. I hope your son's valve cover doesn't warp or crack before those cheap, short life plugs you used in it need replacing... I think a new valve cover might cost more than the $18.00 difference I paid on the clerks upsell. Especially since that's how much just the rubber gasket for it costs. That is unless you buy it at a junk yard after taking it off the junk car. Banks just aren't paying high enough interest rates to turn the $18.00 I save today into $150 plus labor a year from now... Good luck.

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Sounds good to me. If you're happy, I'm happy. There is a reason why the cheaper plugs are considered an "exact fit". By all means, follow your owners manual, and any manufacturer references. On a side note, the temp of the plugs will have no affect on the valve cover. No relation whatsoever.

[@analyzerbynature9418]

Yeah. The reason for the exact fit is because they have the same screw threads and will screw in properly. Whether the heat has an effect on the valve cover or not, Toyota (the manufacturer of the best performing engines within their class) has a reason for saying to use iridium plugs. And since they receive no compensation for saying that, it must be to prevent damage to their superior engine, leaving people thinking it's the quality of the engine when it goes kurplunk on the side of the road.The reason for my original comment was to inform anyone that watches your video of the bit of information you left out in case the engine they are working on doesn't have a sticker about the plugs, and they don't have an owner's manual to the car. With neither one of us being ASE certified mechanics, I suggest they go by the advise of the manufacturer of one of the best automobile engines on the road so they can be as happy as I am that I did.

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Ok. Point of reference, I was ASE certified in a variety of fields when I had my shop. Iridium plugs will last longer, guaranteed. They use them to extend the life of their warranty claims, just like all current manufacturers. Good points though. Glad you found the video helpful.

[@samohtdivad]

thanks for the video bro..

[@87gallardo87]

brand of your orange gloves and if possible a review ...thanks man great camera work

[@moshet842]

The harbor freight nitrite gloves are great. They do not tear at all. It is amazing really.

[@BungieStudios]

Jesse, we have to cook.

[@jamesdean8914]

making a mistake by not torquing those spark plugs. If one of those spark plugs works it way loose and blows out you could strip the threads and then you really have a mess on your hands.

[@randyjohnson6845]

If you use mobile 1 or amsoil signature series it will last longer than forever. 400k plus

[@trini_boi2414]

Thanks a lot cause I was freaking out when I saw oil on my spark plugs and I'll be doing this myself😁

[@trini_boi2414]

@Loyal Royalty they lucky that car ran fine with oil on the spark plugs cause for me it was a headache..the oil getting on my spark plugs cause my car to misfire so bad that when I came to a stop sign or stop light and I step on the gas the car won't move or move slowly and I learned if the head gasket is leaking it would do that cause of the oil on the plugs I'm glad it was something this simple and not a major problem..

[@MassTunes]

I have a 2010 Camry 4cyl. I hope I get 200,000 out of my different components as well.

[@davidmiller2257]

My 2000 Camry If I remember right. The tech I talked to claimed most Toyota heads if aluminum are 13 lbs.

[@davidmiller2257]

For plugs

[@Big_daytona]

Bruh 2017 was 4 years ago 👁👄👁

[@jamarjones7074]

You should of went oem on the plugs and gasket

[@karkule5919]

Felpros are solid, maybe better than stock rubber, but on the plugs definitely what Toyota says, none other.

[@timschmidt3784]

That engine is filthy with plemty of varnish.

[@TateReggie]

Why didn't you have your son working with you on his car? You could've put the tools in his hands and guided him through this procedure. He would've actually learned something. This is why young men today don't know a damn thing.

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Wow. You assume a lot. I guess he could have taken unpaid time off from his brand new job at an engineering firm, but he is paying off all his student loans himself, supporting himself and his new wife, and working full time. When he has the time to spare, he does his part. Have a good day.

[@leonardgilbreath9004]

Jo just got off the phone with Ford $650 for the plugs.

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Even they know it's a bad design....

[@JoDaddysGarage]

There is a technique where people break them loose and pour some penetrating fluid around them and let them sit for a day so the penetrant soaks the threads. It's still a gamble though.