Hoss4x4

Hello to fellow 4Runner owners!
1998 Toyota 4Runner with 170000 miles. Need to do a valve cover gasket replacement.

1-Can I just retighten the bolts instead of changing the gasket?
2-How do you seal the half moons?
3-Do I need to also change the cam caps during when I replace the gasket?


Thank you!
Hoss4x4

 

1. It will slow the leak but not fix it. So no.
2. There is a TOYOTA tube sealer that you use. Go find Timmy's videos on Youtube. He has a great video on that.
3. No the CAM caps don't need replacing. They can be resealed. I replaced my valve gaskets and my half moon caps were still in there solid...so I didn't do it. So I didn't need the sealer. That was at about 250k miles ago. Not losing 1 quart of oil per day anymore!

 

Almost always replace a gasket if you are opening up parts on the motor. Very few exceptions to this rule. It really sucks having to do the same job twice due to cutting corners.

 

Thank you for the reply!

I agree on retightening the bolts will only slow the leaks.

1-I know there is new tube seals that you can buy and replace the old ones. I will watch the video you have recommended. Thanks.
2-how about air plenum gasket, should that be changed too?
3-How do you reseal the cam caps if necessary? Do we add RTV on the inside of the cap?
4-I have also lost power to my cigaret lighter and dealer tells me there is power but socket needs to be replaced. Is there a video on how to remove the socket. Checked the YouTube and couldn't find any videos.

5-The front two seats are worn out badly. Any ways I can replace seats economically or put new upholstry on it.

Many thanks to you guys, great sports!

Hoss4x4

 

1. For Valve cover gaskets, I only use pre formed rubber ones. Not from a tube.
2. Yes. Replace the Plenum gasket.
3. Use the proper TOYOTA sealant. It lasts 20 years. (see the Tim video on it)
4. I don't know on a 98.
5. Check your local upholstery shop. They can redo upholstery fairly reasonably. But for cheap? I would hit up junkyards.