hi all,
My car recently had the work done for the oil consumption.
The dealer replaced the piston ring, pistons, sparkplugs..etc.. after they did the work, the rear main seal was leaking so i brought the car back and they replaced it.
Now it's the front valve gasket is leaking. I can see the oil and the car also has the burning smell.
Since it happens on the front, i can only change the front valve gasket or do i have to change both the front and the rear??
Thanks.

 

This is what it looks like..

 

As part of the piston ring repair situation they would have replaced almost every gasket under the hood. Perhaps they didn't torque the bolts correctly or did a really terrible job of cleaning up after themselves?

 

in any event; one needs to take apart the valve cover to investigate why it's leaking. so, it's coming off no matter what. if the rear isnt leaking, then you obviously dont have to investigate

 

Thanks guys.
Changing the valve cover gasket will include changing the throttle body gasket and plenum gasket since they are in the way.
I don't want to just change only the front valve cover and later notice that the rear is also part the job. That will be a waste to replace throttle body and plenum gaskets.

 

It's only a little more work to get the rear cover off anyway, once you dig that deep.

 

You're right.
I just need to remove the stabilizer bar and have access to replace the rear valve cover gasket.
I'll replace both of them just in case.
Thanks.

 

I ordered the Valve Gasket set and the Plenum gasket set for my SH-Awd TL but when I pick them up both of them said it's only listed for J3.5A ..
I asked the auto part guy and he confirmed it was correct.



Do they work for both J35 and J37 engines??
That's really weird..
Thanks.

 

I think that's the exact kit I ordered a few months ago when i had a valve cover leak. While you're doing that job I would recommend getting some permatex gasket maker to put on the gasket before you tighten it back to the head (a paper-thin layer). That's what helped me fix my leaking issues for good.

 

You have the same model SH-Awd and they work?
That is really weird.
Good idea on the permatex gasket maker. I read the description and it is a must have for engine with synthetic oil.
Thanks.

 

Yes i have a 2010 TL SH-AWD, to be clear, the valve cover gaskets work, I didn't actually replace the intake manifold gasket. Good Luck!

 

Do you have the torque spec for the nuts?
I was looking at the 10mm and 12mm but not sure what was limit?
Thanks.

 

I found it. It was 16ft-lbs for the 12mm bolts and 9ft-lbs for 10mm.
The replacement is straight forward for me.
The only that i broke was the plastic connector to the coil. The tab was brittle so I snapped it.


Besides, scrap the old gasket sealant off was tough. I didn't any of them to fall into the housing so i push them away from it.