valve cover gasket question?

[sevenmgte]

i know this is a stupid question but i really don't know it. is all valve cover gasket the same no mater where u get it from and how cheap it is? i just replace mine and it started leaking also replace #3 valve cover too. before i never had valve cover problem.

[Supra Greg]

No they are not all the same... factory gaskets fit perfect.. and wont leak if properly tighten with new rubbers on the screws...

then ther is the types of rubber used to make them.. cheaper ones use cheaper rubber and it gets hard and brittle alot quicker...

I dont think they are that much from dealer...

[Grandavi]

I am gonna ask more on this... : )

Im about to replace my valve cover gaskets, but after looking into whats involved, I think Im going to also do what is advised in:
http://www.toyota-supra.info/forums/...ark-plugs.html

My spark plugs were under enough oil to cover them right to the tips of the plug. (which means my wires are shot as well).

To do a GOOD! job on this, do I just use toyota factory valve cover gaskets (they should be sufficient for what they are needed for)? Also, has anyone seen/heard of/used hold down tabs? Auto Parts and Accessories Catalog - Valve Cover Hold Down Tab

Im looking into that before I buy all my parts, as I will also be replacing the spark plug cover (Cylinder No.3 Cover)

I am building a part list for these kind of things, so will put stuff on there, but hope someone can give me input in the next day or two so that I can do this right. I dont want to do it cheap.. just correctly so I dont ever experience my spark plug wires being soaked again. (I am still amazed at how much oil was up top... lol. It was a total shock to see it in real life)


(this is the cylinder no.3 cover I plan on using...LIPP Spark Plug Covers although I do not yet know if I need a gasket for it as well...)

[mrnickleye]

#3 gasket ($40 @ dealer) is there to keep debri out, and it seals oil galleys under the large 14mm allen socket bolts.

Many people just leave it off, and use a copper washer/gasket under those big bolts to seal the oil out.

[Grandavi]

Originally Posted by mrnickleye

#3 gasket ($40 @ dealer) is there to keep debri out, and it seals oil galleys under the large 14mm allen socket bolts.

Many people just leave it off, and use a copper washer/gasket under those big bolts to seal the oil out.

Wondering... would it be wise to do both? Im a bit of a overkill guy.. if its not gonna cost too much, I like doing more than less...

[ddmcse]

best to throw away those crappy phillips head screws holding down the valve covers
and find something better while you are at it

[Grandavi]

Originally Posted by ddmcse

best to throw away those crappy phillips head screws holding down the valve covers
and find something better while you are at it

Going one step past that... I think I will look at custom head covers as well. Haven't seen anything out there, but I either gotta clean up mine purdylike or find some nice ones. I would like my engine compartment to be pleasant to look at rather than.. "hmm.. wonder what's leaking in there"...

[Supra Greg]

there are a few sets of custom valve covers out there.. Few on SM make them....

I polished mine......hard to see over the pipes tho

[Grandavi]

That looks very nice! I read a post somewhere in here regarding polishing all the engine components (well.. the ones that are polishable). I think I will just clean/repaint the covers. No sense going overboard. Gonna go see if I can refind that post.