ATTN: VLJ Thanks you.

thanks for the quick response.

You didn't mention anything about detataching anything else from the engine to take the cover off. Haynes manual does not focus on the cover gasket as a problem, so I'm not sure how long it might take, but I'll figure it out when I work on the car next weekend.

thanks again.

"jodenesparks" sez:

I have a 95 toyota pickup 22R-E > > oil seems to be leaking from 3 of the 4 bolts on the top of the engine.

(I'm not sure what the proper name is). two sit next to the oil filter cap and the other two are on the opposite end of the engine.

> on my most recent oil change, i was told that oil was leaking and my valve

needs to be replaced. I don't know the specific parts but I was quoted that parts & labor for a the item circled is "valve gasket". It would come to $195. Now I'm beginning to understand that this is a difficult job for a beginner requiring engine removal. Is this correct?

No, what needs replacing is the valve cover gasket. You seem to have that mixed up with replacing the valves ...

I would appreciate any pointers for better diagnosing the problem, as I'm

not sure what exactly which valve it is or if its all the valve components.

I would also appreciate any possible ideas on a remedy for the leak.

All that entails is removing the cover by removing those 4 bolts, taking the old gasket material out, cleaning out the oil/crud from the gasket channel, putting new gasket in with perhaps a bit of RTV sealer and bolting the cover back on.

Good wrenchin' to ya, VLJ

"jodenesparks" sez:

to take the cover off. Haynes manual does not focus on the cover gasket as a problem, so I'm not sure how long it might take, but I'll figure it out when I work on the car next weekend.

There are always the various hoses and bracket attachments to deal with. To make sure you know what to hook back up, have some masking tape and a sharpie marker handy so you can label stuff "A", "B", etc. in the order to take things off and then reverse the order on reassembly. On the hoses, wrap a couple of inches of tape around them to make a tab and then put a short piece on the cover or wherever it was unhooked from and make the same letter on both sides.

To make sure you have a good sealing surface for the new gasket, clean off the cover real good with a strong solvent like brake cleaner (its pretty nasty stuff - don't breath it or get it on exposed skin).

When you put everything back together, the bolts that hold the valve cover on don't need to be super cranked down, 1 to 1-1/2 turns past snug will do it.

Good wrenchin' to ya, VLJ