Valve Cover Gasket Replacement

[@NullReferenceException]

Fantastic video, thanks

[@harborareatech310]

Thanks for viewing!

[@zoetyson1374]

@@harborareatech310can you do a video for replacing the knock sensors ?

[@harborareatech310]

@zoetyson1374 will do when the chance arises. But this video covers most steps for the removal.

[@AsiyaHoffmann-hy7hz]

Watched your video, replaced passenger side gasket on my 2003 Lexus SC430. Can’t thank you enough! Local Toyota dealer quoted $900. I spent $100 bucks on parts and a bar of soap to wash my hands after the job was done, done by a woman. For everyone out there who watched the video and are still hesitant about doing it yourself, I say don’t be! Many thanks to Harbor Area Tech!

[@harborareatech310]

Awesome! Im glad it helped. Next up the other side

[@CoMB4Ticu5]

Never in my life has a video said nothing, and yet said so much. Looks like new spark plug tubes will be going in a long with valve cover gaskets. Thanks man. True life saver!!!! ❤

[@harborareatech310]

Thank you! It's definitely a wise decision to change the spark plug tube seals while you already there.

[@9t880]

Leaving Walmart

[@allengpaulk]

I have a fel pro kit that comes with all the seals n everything just curious how long did u wats for the gasket sealant to cure when I did it on my other cars I usually let it sit for the rest of the day but just wondering cuz if I have something to do I don’t wanna drive it around and have it leaking oil again lol but if I don’t really need to wait that long then it’s definitely something I’ll just go ahead and knock out real fast

[@harborareatech310]

Ooo, I'm not a big fan of the fel pro kit. The OE gaskets definitely seal more efficiently. But that is a good question, you ask. I usually wait a minimum of 2 hours before adding oil or operating the vehicle. But the more time i could wait, the better. i believe the tube says that it dries in a couple of hours but fully cures in 16 hours. in this job , I started the vehicle and let it run for a bit after a couple of hours, but i didn't fully operate until the next day.

[@NickeryNelson]

Great video. Exactly what type of crimping tool did you use to remove the ignition coil connector? I have the hardest time removing those by hand.

[@harborareatech310]

@@NickeryNelson thank you, I used a gearwrench brand clip removal tool it works great for electrical connectors as you can see

[@patricklee7888]

Awesome video! Now I’m scared to do it though 😅. How long did it take?

[@harborareatech310]

Like Lexus tells its texhnicians if you think you can you will! Ive done ton of these its only takes a couple hours but if its your first time and you take your time it i would guestimate about 4hrs

[@bobberben]

I’ve been replacing all the broken stuff on my LS as well. Did the starter (watched your video), power steering rack, lines, pump, inner and outer tie rods , LCA bushings. The previous owners last mechanic that did the valve cover gaskets couldn’t get them to stop leaking so I’ve been hesitant to do it because of how tight everything is and trying to keep that gasket in place looked awful. I’ve done plenty of Toyota 3.4s and 4.7s but this 4.3 looked painful. The crazy glue just changed my mind lol. After watching your video I’m assuming he didn’t put the FIPG on the front side of the valve cover because that’s where it’s leaking down onto the ac compressor driver side and both headers making a mess. Would you know of any other things that could be leaking up there besides the obvious valve cover leak? I know the cam seals were done but unfortunately not the vvti seals.

[@harborareatech310]

Thanks for watching! The crazy glue trick has come in handy for them tight valve cover gaskets for sure i learned that trick from old tech. If it's leaking onto the exhaust manifold, most likely, it's the valve cover gaskets. Make sure the valve cover washer/bolts are good. If it's leaking on the front side like you said. It could be the cam seals, vvti gear o ring, lack of FIPG on the head surface edges, or lack of FIPG on the front camshafts cap. I would clean it first, then recheck before diving into anything other than the valve covers since it is more labor extensive.

[@toyotafather]

Thank you for the video. Very helpful. Cheers!

[@harborareatech310]

Thanks for watching!

[@1ThousandShanks]

Would you mind posting a list of the things you suggest would need to be bought and replaced? I’m an amateur and am currently in the process of doing this, since it will save me around $1000 in labor cost. Amazing video, and just in time for my 03’ to need it done!

[@harborareatech310]

When doing this job, i recommend replacing the valve cover gaskets, spark plug tube seals, engine breather hoses, valve cover bolts/washers, pcv valve, pcv grommet, pcv hose, and spark plugs. The evap hoses may also brittle, so they may need replacement as well. i also recommend using toyota/lexus original fipg seal packing for engine sealing ( the black one)

[@1ThousandShanks]

Just had spark plug and ignition coils done 8 months ago, oil on every one and in the tubes. My spark plug tube seals were from the factory and ultimately had been failing. Not much residue/carbon build up on the spark plugs themselves but 4/6 had misfires, would they be bad in your opinion? NGK IR is what was put back in.

[@harborareatech310]

@1ThousandShanks if oil is in spark plug tube, replace the tube seals. Excessive oil in the tube can cause bad contact between the ignition coil and spark plug and ultimately result in misfires. I think you meant 4/8, not 4/6. Are the cylinders musfiring all on the same bank, meaning the same side of the engine?

[@1ThousandShanks]

Sorry for the late reply. Yes, both codes for the same bank. The tube seals were pretty much plastic on the passenger side and broke apart as I got them out, that being the reason my tubes were filled with oil. The driver side was still rubbery and both gaskets for the cover were fine.

[@blankblank124]

Do you remember which tools you used to torque down the valve cover bolts especially in the very tight areas? Thanks

[@harborareatech310]

@@blankblank124 swivel extension 10mm socket or deepp 10mm socket with no extension for the ones on the sides closest to the tires

[@austinsheets3504]

Good walk thru I would use silicone to hold the gasket in and not crazy glue but that’s just me. It’s too brittle and could cause a premature failure on the valve cover gasket

[@harborareatech310]

@@austinsheets3504 thanks! honestly the glue works best for me I've used silicone that can be messy and doesnt always hold the gasket in place sepcially in tight places.. But just a small amount of glue holds the gasket in place best. Been doing it for years never had a problem with leaks or premature failures from my customers or personal vehicles

[@grahamtabby]

Before replacing the gaskets make sure the valve cover bolts hav not come loose. I ordered new gaskets then saw a post on facebook about loose bolts on 2 SC430 engines and sure enough I hade 5 bolts that were finger tight and the others needed a few turns.

[@harborareatech310]

That is true! Especially if you know your gasket is not that old. Sometimes, the bolts get loose because the gasket is worn.

[@zamiryi]

how the hell did you get that middle lower bolt out of passenger side head valve cover ? There is a fuel line bracket on the strut end and a bulge on the head end and none of my tools/swivel can get the right angle on the bolt.

[@harborareatech310]

My swivel 10mm extension worked but you can use a 10mm deep socket with a swivel head ratchet

[@lsfourdirty]

thank you for the tutorial but is removing the half moons necessary?

[@harborareatech310]

If you are doing the valve cover gaskets, it would be wise to do it since you are already there.

[@eriksony6398]

This is a helpful DIY channel, What scanner did you use for Lexus?

[@harborareatech310]

Thank you! The scanner software I use on lexus/toyota is called techstream

[@eriksony6398]

@@harborareatech310 That's a nice software. We have a Launch Toyota version scan tool coming, If you love diagnosis things, Would you like to test and make a comparison video?

[@harborareatech310]

@eriksony6398 nice! Oh for sure. I love testing out new tools!

[@eriksony6398]

@@harborareatech310 OK, How to MG you?

[@luisdotel2818]

Where can I get that socket from? What's it called? Looks like 1/4" Drive 10mm Swivel 12" extension

[@harborareatech310]

Its one of my favorite tools. Its a snap-on brand 3/8 drive 10mm extension swivel. Here is a link for something similar just a different brand GEARWRENCH 3/8" Drive 6 Pt. Pinless Univ Imp Skt Ext 10Mm, Multi, One Size, Multi -84490 a.co/d/04K1oHeF

[@grahamtabby]

Great video. I will use this when I do my SC430. I would have thought the crazy glue might make the rubber gaket go hard and brittle reducing the life expectancy? This is just an idea but would it be better to use some of the Toyota seal packing 103 to keep the gasket in place during installation or would that affect the sealing capability of the gasket?

[@harborareatech310]

Thanks for watching. I've never had a problem using the glue to hold the gasket in place. It dries quickly and holds the gasket best in my experience.

[@talkwithakin]

Great vid. Thanks

[@harborareatech310]

Thank you

[@aimlessdrive8723]

will oil leaking into the spark from bad gasket cause a p0420 code? only p0420 no 430

[@harborareatech310]

P0420 is usually a bad catalytic converter bank 1. Now I can see oil going into the combustion chamber, causing a misfire that can result in wear on the catalytic converter

[@aimlessdrive8723]

@@harborareatech310 im really grateful for your quick and thorough response. actions like this show you clearly are the type of mechanic who cares about cars and customers. i would stop over if i lived in your area

[@hodong6236]

Very good. Thanks, I might do it myself.

[@dumcid]

Great video bro !

[@harborareatech310]

Thanks for watching

[@nikocolivas5482]

Does the valve cover line back up when you try to put it back on? Or is it a guessing game when trying to line everything up

[@harborareatech310]

Line up the spark plug tube seals on the valve cover, around the spark plug tubes on the cylinder head for proper alignment.

[@nikocolivas5482]

@harborareatech310 ok thank you. I'm going to attempt it on my sc430.

[@harborareatech310]

@nikocolivas5482 For sure, I hope the video helps. It is the same procedure. Let me know if you have any questions!

[@DavidHili]

awesome, thanks!

[@harborareatech310]

No problem, thanks for watching

[@davidv775]

Amen. Thankyou brother

[@harborareatech310]

No problem!

[@trevermitchell7865]

since you found the OEM torque spec for the valve covers wasn't enough what did you end up going with instead? Also just want to add this is exactly what a DIY video should be. No talking, very detailed, and straight to the point. Good lookin out

[@harborareatech310]

I evenly tighten them down until they are all snug ,nothing too crazy. I dont know the exact torque, over time you kinda get a feel for how tight certain bolts should be. Thanks for watching!

[@mattp733i]

I did this on my gs430. Drivers side was the worst side.

[@harborareatech310]

Thanks for watching. I hope it helped!

[@Nicks_Garagee]

Weird question but I'm doing this on my ls430 and the valve covers seem to be moving a little too move and maybe not sitting flush. There's a gap between the cover and head. Is that normal? Or is it not sitting properly?

[@harborareatech310]

It should be sitting flush with the cylinder head. If not, it may be that the gasket fell out of place during installation.

[@Nicks_Garagee]

@@harborareatech310 that's what I thought but it was actually good

[@Nicks_Garagee]

@@harborareatech310 not the gasket

[@harborareatech310]

@supreme_is8649 only other things that come to mind are the incorrecly placed tube seals causing side to side movement or maybe old seal packing that remained on the cylinder head surface. Or something getting wedged under the valve cover wiring,debris ,etc. during installation

[@timsmith1043]

Where can I find your business contact info? My Lexus RX engine went bad , now mechanic is trying install different engine. I want to pay you to contact my mechanic for giving advice because he has difficulties .

[@harborareatech310]

I dont have a business contact but i can answer what i can.What kind of difficulties is the mechanic experiencing?

[@smogking-v1d]

CRAZY GLUE?!

[@harborareatech310]

@@smogking-v1d that works best for me. ive used silicone, gasket holder, and the glue works best. I've used that for years never had a problem and holds the gasket perfect in place best

[@guadalajara323]

Where you at located.?

[@harborareatech310]

Southern California

[@tylerjones477]

It’s called a 2 uz for the 430 line and a 1uz for the 400s

[@harborareatech310]

3uz-fe for the 430 line

[@tylerjones477]

I guess your right the 3uz comes in the ls line the gx line comes with 2uz but they are the same motor besides the 2uz being cast iron block the 1uz and 3uz are aluminum

[@tylerjones477]

I done a swap on mine and thot they had the 2uz in all the 430 lines till 2006 but I guess not

[@harborareatech310]

@tylerjones477 yes! Very similar

[@harborareatech310]

@tylerjones477 All good. Starter replacement is similar on those as well!

[@christownsend9771]

lost me with crazy glue

[@harborareatech310]

@@christownsend9771 works the best

[@michaelvang3034]

Dang, looks so easy compared to the 4.6 V8

[@harborareatech310]

It is easier.

[@michaelvang3034]

@@harborareatech310 I guess when the engine is intended for the car, maintenance can be easy. I own a GS460 and it took me a day just to get the driver side valve cover done due to no room at all.

[@harborareatech310]

@michaelvang3034 i get you. Definitely tighter room than the ls460

[@deimosphob]

krazy glue? dude just use petroleum jelly. Krazy glue will just drive the next person who has to do the job krazy.

[@harborareatech310]

I never had a problem with this. Its not hard to clean off. Using other things like grease or petrolleum jelly, especially on tight valve covers, the gasket has a higher probability of coming off during installation. But to all their own, this works for me, but DUDE do whatever works best for you.

[@carter23-nn4bq]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnachJyBh6qDpMk&ab_channel=carter23. is this my gasket leaking do i need to drain oil before doing the job?

[@harborareatech310]

It's possible your valve cover gasket is leaking, especially if you have oil coming from on top onto the exhaust. I would check your valve cover bolts for looseness. When performing this job, it is not necessary to drain your oil.

[@lantico147]

If you Americans treat your Lexuses this way, it is only fair that they have problems that are rare in the rest of the world. I could not leave my LS in the hands of such a messy and dirty mechanic.

[@harborareatech310]

@@lantico147 nothing wrong with my LS it is super clean