Replacing Valve Cover Gasket on 1994 Camry 4 Cylinder

I have done quite a bit of auto repair & maintenance work, but this is my first valve cover gasket replacement. The car is a 1994 Camry with the 4 cylinder engine.

I was told to apply sealant to the valve cover side of the gasket only, is this correct? Also, can someone tell me what the torque setting should be for tightening the cover bolts back down? I do not have a shop manual for this car, this is a favor for a friend. I can go look at a Chilton's manual if I have to, but I was hoping that someone here has the torque numbers handy.

Any other advice or tips that may be helpful would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Pat

Reply to
pws
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Put the sealant on the valve cover only. It's a good idea to let the sealant set up some before putting the cover back on , as this will keep the gasket lined up. Putting sealant on the valve cover only will allow you to remove the valve cover at a later date if need be without destroying the gasket. Also , it can be VERY tough to remove the cover with sealant on both the cover and head , and twice the cleanup. If you haven't removed the cover yet , the spark plug tube nuts require a 30 mm socket. They torque at 17 lbs. I would suggest you check the PCV valve while you're in the area.

Ken Day

Reply to
Ken Day

Another thought : This would be a great time to check the valve clearance and also to check the camshaft for wear. The camshaft is probably OK but it's so easy to check it since you're already there , and then you have the peace of mind knowing all is well under that cover.

Ken Day

Reply to
Ken Day

Thank you for the advice, this should save me some time and I will look over the other parts that you mentioned. Is the 17 lbs. of torque for the spark plug tube nuts or for the valve cover bolts?

Thanks again,

Pat

Reply to
pws

I have done quite a bit of auto repair & maintenance work, but this is my first valve cover gasket replacement.

????

Toyota FIPG (form in place gasket) goes at only four points on the valve cover gasket. If you substitute sealant for aftermarket do not use standard RTV silicone - the acetic acid released during cure can harm the oxygen sensor - entering through the port open to atmosphere. I think there's a blue derivative silicone seal safe for O2 sensors, but the factory FIPG material is very good. In addition to using it for the oil pan gasket (its intended application), also used it to repair a leak in the coolant recovery tank (after a factory replacement would lose its plastic cap when heated.) Actually, sealant is applied to the head, on either side of the cams where the round part meets the flat. No other application of sealant is required. The nuts on the spark plug tubes hold the valve cover in place.

30mm and 17 ft. lbs. is correct.
Reply to
nospampls2002

I have done quite a bit of auto repair & maintenance work, but this is my first valve cover gasket replacement.

????

Toyota FIPG (form in place gasket) goes at only four points on the valve cover gasket. If you substitute sealant for aftermarket do not use standard RTV silicone - the acetic acid released during cure can harm the oxygen sensor - entering through the port open to atmosphere. I think there's a blue derivative silicone seal safe for O2 sensors, but the factory FIPG material is very good. In addition to using it for the oil pan gasket (its intended application), also used it to repair a leak in the coolant recovery tank (after a factory replacement would lose its plastic cap when heated.) Actually, sealant is applied to the head, on either side of the cams where the round part meets the flat. No other application of sealant is required. The nuts on the spark plug tubes hold the valve cover in place.

30mm and 17 ft. lbs. is correct.
Reply to
nospampls2002

I have done quite a bit of auto repair & maintenance work, but this is my first valve cover gasket replacement.

????

Toyota FIPG (form in place gasket) goes at only four points on the valve cover gasket. If you substitute sealant for aftermarket do not use standard RTV silicone - the acetic acid released during cure can harm the oxygen sensor - entering through the port open to atmosphere. I think there's a blue derivative silicone seal safe for O2 sensors, but the factory FIPG material is very good. In addition to using it for the oil pan gasket (its intended application), also used it to repair a leak in the coolant recovery tank (after a factory replacement would lose its plastic cap when heated.) Actually, sealant is applied to the head, on either side of the cams where the round part meets the flat. No other application of sealant is required. The nuts on the spark plug tubes hold the valve cover in place.

30mm and 17 ft. lbs. is correct.
Reply to
nospampls2002

You dont want to put sealant on the valve cover. You do want to put black RTV O2 sensor safe sealant at the 8 spots shown in the Haynes manual.

Reply to
ROBMURR

My apologies. I stand corrected on the part of my post concerning the sealant on the valve covers. I must have had a flashback to my V 8 engine building days. I suppose I can always blame it on a senior moment , but thats not good enough. "Nospampls2002" and "ROBMURR" posts are correct in their advice. I hope you read their posts before you followed my advice. Theres really no excuse for giving bad advice... and again , my apologies.

Your other question:

bolts?

The 4 30 mm nuts on the spark plug tubes are what holds the valve covers on , at least on all the 2.2 I have seen.

Ken Day

Reply to
Ken Day

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