3.4 v6 valve cover leak

Dealer noticed the leak during routine oil change two years ago. Approx $650 to put in new gaskets (both sides leaking - minimal leak). Never detailed the engine so oil moisture is a little more noticable, but does not run down to the head or engine block. Worth it to replace? What are my risks if I do nothing?

Original owner since Dec- 2003 brand new. 156k miles today.

*Plan to keep truck forever.

 

Replace them yourself. Along with doing your own oil changes.

Enjoy your savings.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3-4-liter-v6-5vz-fe-valve-cover-gaskets-how-to-video.418476/

 

It's not super critical, especially if there's no signs of leaks on the ground.

The gaskets harden over time and cause the leak, its not high pressure but I would consider getting it fixed. Oil from the valve cover can wreck belts and cause burning on exhaust.

 

You can always pull the intake plenum and use a 10mm nut driver to hand tighten the valve cover bolts. That might hold you off for a while.

 

As old as the truck is, you're going to have to do them sooner rather than later.

 

Just follow the video @Timmah! made in that link - its straightforward enough for most people to do this themselves.

 

The real question How many quarts of oil per 100 miles of driving ??

Do friends tell you don`t park in my driveway

Do you carry a bag of speedy Dry at all times

 

If your keeping it forever then I would suggest you replace the gaskets with oem parts....
Bill posted a link for you and you have us here anytime of the day of night if you run into issues.
If you have the space to work on it then I would suggest you do it. Even if you dont have the tools, buying a set you'll need would still save you $$$ and you'll have the tools for the future

 

It is a suuuuper slow leak. Never had to add oil inbetween oil changes. Never oil on the driveway. After two years of spotting the leak, all the oil moisture has remained around the gasket are and not enough to drip down towards the engine block at all.

 

I’d probably have to pay to get it done since I have neckbone and lumbar issues.

 

Had to do my moms one not to long ago. Got parts and brought to a Local mechanic i trust. Labor was like $250 and parts was like 50-60ish. not too expensive. i would recommend doing this little plug at the same time. It tends to leak around the same time. no sense change the gasket then this starts leaking.

Part number:11188-62010 Plug
on this diagram its part number 14

you can get full aftermarket kits for cheap. or you can put together an OEM kit.

This is the kit I used for my moms 2003 TRDORDC prerunner 3.4L V6. just add that plug listed above.

$51 Beck/Arnley Valve Cover Gasket Set - 036-1583

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CAVM0A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Go ahead and get it done when financially able, there's no rush.

 

Just diy - the video is impossible to not follow. You don't necessarily have to do the spark plug tubes. I haven't seen mine leak on 3 engines.

 

Personally I would wait till they start leaking more. It could be a couple years before they actually leak enough to run onto anything. Usually the exhaust manifolds 1st you will smell that then I would get them replaced.

 

Mine started seeping especially on the passenger side lately. Like the OP's, the leaks stay at the gasket but once in a while will drip onto the exhaust. So I went ahead and snugged the bolts I could get to after reading around in here-they were LOOSE! Now it's wait and see though I barely drive her anymore...which I suspect is what caused this.

 

I’ll check mine and tighten if any. Thx!

 

I've done a few of these. I also recommend the rear cam seals and half moons. To get to the valve covers, you have to remove the intake, so new gasket set there is also a good idea. Let me know if there's anyway I can help you. It's about a 4hr job, sometimes less depending on how much scraping and cleaning is needed.

 

I had the same situation. Here’s what I did, contact @gunny1005 and let him quote you all new parts. Don’t waste your money on cheapo junk, do it right.

Take your time and replace yourself it’s not a bad job. Just take pics or make some notes of what lines go where. Get new intake gaskets as well since your pulling it off. Cost me around $130. No leaks and clean valve covers makes me happy.

 

Like this guy said, DO THE REAR CAM SEALS!! had a buddy do his gasket but not the seals, like 1 year later, boom seals bad. had to change everything again.

 

Felpro makes decent quality intake gaskets and buying those along with oem parts from @gunny1005 for the rest will save you quite a few dollars. You can reuse the half moons, but get one or two in case you break one - I chipped one removing it with channel locks and had a few from a spare long block lying around.