First I want to say thanks to all who donate their time and knowledge to this forum.


After making a comment after completing the timing belt replacement on my sister's TL, I decided to replace the leaking valve cover gaskets. The whole process took about 4 hours, however that included going to the parts store for new spark plugs. Sorry no pictures.


I started by reading several threads here on regarding valve adjustment to familiarize myself with the process for disassembly. First I removed engine plastic trim pieces, followed by the air cleaner. Next I removed the throttle body and intake manifold. This allowed room to remove the ignition coils and valve covers. After removing the valve covers I noticed that the existing gaskets were hard and brittle. I used a sharp tool to help remove the old gaskets from the valve covers. I also removed the spark plug seals. I you do this, take your time so as not to damage the sealing surfaces. After installing the new gaskets and seals, I then proceeded to reinstall everything in reverse order.


So far the car runs great, and the burning oil smell is starting to dissipate.

 

While you had your valve covers off did you paint them with high heat paint? I used grabber green on mine and red on my buddies. They look mean after I put them back on the engine. It gives your car some added flare plus its easy to spot oil leaks in the future.

 

I thought about it, however it is my sister's car and she doesn't care for stuff like that.

 

I am in the process of doing mine and discovered that after cleaning the valve covers inside and out, I soaked them in hot water for 15 minutes and the gaskets pulled right out. I could see some white stuff on the edges of the rubber, perhaps a bit of glue put on at the factory?

 

you guys are cleaning the intake manifold egr system (inside of manifold) and the throttle body/IACV while its off the car right?
very important jobs

 

Although I didn't mention it, I did clean the EGR passages and the throttle body and IACV. Thanks for the reminder though.