How to replace the valve cover gasket on a 4 cylinder 2002-2006 Toyota Camry. Blog: www.MechanicalMalarkey.com Facebook: / mechanicalmalarkey Instagram: / mechanicalmalarkey
Where the timing chain cover joins the block, there is a split, or joint, in the mating surface in front of and behind the timing chain. Good idea to use RTV, Hondabond etc in these two areas to help ensure a great seal. Great video, anybody can do this job just be prepared for hurdles to pop up like they always do like PCV pipe breaking...ask me how I know :) But, bright side I changed my valve while I was at it which was very much needed lol!!
Thanks for the video, Dan. I'm about to do this job this weekend. It was pretty obvious this was going to be simple and straightforward, but I like to double check to make sure there aren't any gotchas I overlooked before I do something for the first time. Luckily I've already prepared for the brittle coil connecter clips and have some new ones on the way. Alternatively, if you aren't replacing the coils while you're in there, you can carefully pull them out without disconnecting the connectors. Pro tip: May be a good idea to clean off as much of the sludge buildup on the outside as you can before you remove the cover. Thanks again!
You can take the coils out without disconnecting the wiring. You just need to remove the bolt that fastens the harness to the engine and then pull the first coil closest to the harness, then the furthest, and then you'll have enough slack to pull the last 2.
I will say the felpro gasket I used seemed to be "wide enough" to be slightly pushed into the grooves on the cover and stay located while I maneuvered the cover back into position. Don't forget to put a good dab of RTV/Honda bond is a good choice sealant on the the chain side of the head where the maufacturing machined lines on in the head meet which are located parallel with the cam chain in front and back on the head.
I'm pretty sure this is where my leak is coming from. Oil actually pools up on the thing in front of the part he took off. (I know very little about cars.) Money is stupid tight right now and this job seems pretty straightforward. I'm just not 100 percent sure that's where the leak is and I don't wanna waste money on a misdiagnosis. Anyone have thoughts on this???
