To anyone trying to learn from this- Don’t take the spark plugs out until you’re ready to change them! Crazy to risk dropping anything into a cylinder. Also no need to use rtv sealant with a new gasket. You can prop the upper radiator hose out of the way, no need to remove it.
I have Lexus RX330 and basically has the same engine, could not find any other video on here for may vehicle so thanks a bunch for this video. You'll save people lots of money. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for this video, very helpful. I just did this job on the front bank (rear to come in a few weeks - huge job). Note to others: if you're doing both, the two gaskets are different from each other and you need to put the correct one in on the correct bank. One I believe is a little shorter than the other, and they should have bends that closely match the bends of the groove on the cover.
@@barbswit1653 I carefully tagged every connector and hose to make sure I put them back where they came from after, and wrote down for each step how many bolts, and stored them carefully to correspond with that step. If this is your first time into this job, I highly recommend being very organized.
Forgot to replace the spark plug tube seals on the valve cover. By the way, when you do, have fun getting the cover back on. Grease them and the top of the spark plug tubes with appropriate grease and while seating the cover gently manipulate the seals around the spark plug tube with a dull standard screwdriver. Rear cover, leave the old ones in unless leaking.
Thanks for the video. Figured it was pretty standard but the tip on the #6 bit will probably save me a trip. My 02 started leaking oil at 145K miles. Probably won't out sealant like you did, just the gasket.
Steady hand, great job. Thank you for your video. I got the same problem after the timing belt, water pump changed by the dealer. Quoted $900+ for the gasket job. Full of shitttt.
well I disagree, he goes over removing the head gasket, which was the part I was interested in, and on top of that I didn't have to hear personal stories or jokes, o I stand for what I said.
Nice job Edward. Who ever can make use of video , please do. If not what you wanted look else where. Great video for replacing front valve cover gasket
I went to dealer today to buy the gasket and also ask for the glue. They told me use the gasket only and there will be no glue needed. I saw you put the glue on it. Where you get the glue and do we really need it? thanks for the great video.
NorCal OutDoor im surprised no one replied yet to you. Its a permatex black gasket glue, you could find it at home depot or at most auto stores. You can use any gasket glue though.
Do not use the glue. Only use where the circular plug is and in the joints on the left. Little in the the cracks to the right of the sprockets. I just redid this job. Because the person used the glue. It only makes leaks if not used in the proper spots.
I got a quote from a local garage to replace the VC gaskets front and back $575. To do timing belt water pump and VC gaskets $1500. 2001 Sienna XLE 170K miles. The van is worth about $4K. Should I just chance it and not change the timing belt and water pump? The front VC gasket is leaking and smoking on the exhaust so thats my prime concern right now.
Get another quote. From estimates from San Francisco and San Diego, I was looking at $300 - $400. For the water pump/timing belt, I'm risking by not replacing it but its a non-interference engine so its not the worst thing if timing belt snaps. Keep your eye on your temperature gauge though because a faulty water pump could spell the end for your car if you let it overheat.
I have a lot of Harbor Freight tools, most are several years old and have been fine for automotive repairs, tractor repairs, lawn mower service, and general purpose use. I purchased a lot if Harbor Freight tools for a major home remodel, and sold them after I was done. That was a lot cheaper than renting saws, etc. I did have one Harbor Freight metal chop saw that stopped working year four, but I had probably made over a hundred angle iron cuts by then. I paid $49 for it. I still use my Harbor Freight drill press I paid $50 for many years ago. I had a neighbor who would only buy Snap-on or Craftsman tools. He bragged about the lifetime warranty, until I explained to him to that he was paying in advance for three or four replacement tools he’d never see. I have a Harbor Freight concrete mixer. Beats the heck out of mixing by hand.