Bought used Tacoma what should I do?

... I doubt that you'll be able to source all those parts by tomorrow to do a valve cover gasket job. Just do your timing belt and water pump if you have those parts on hand.

I also suggest doing the injectors with the valve cover gaskets, as well as the vacuum lines. There are some hard to reach vacuum lines you'll have access to while going the gaskets.

 

Yeah, I meant that more as an expression. I will probably just order everything this weekend. Do you know of a good kit?

https://www.autozone.com/external-engine/valve-cover-gasket/p/dnj-valve-cover-gasket-vc965g/1201038_0_0
I found this on AutoZone and it's the only one I've seen with the bolt seals but should I just go all OEM so as to not shoot myself in the foot?

 

I went OEM. Done right and you won't have to touch it for another 20 years. There is a Timmy video that details the entire process- I HIGHLY suggest watching that before buying anything. Aside from the gaskets themselves, you need two Intake manifold gaskets, a throttle body gasket, FIPG, Cam plates, and new washers. It's also recommended to do the spark plug seals while you have the valve covers off.

 

Welcome to TW!

Here is a good kit :

$248 Toyota Tacoma 4Runner T100 Tundra 3.4L 5VZFE Valve Cover Gasket Kit Genuine OE OEM

https://www.amazon.com/Toyota-Tacoma-4Runner-Tundra-Genuine/dp/B08BX5NH28?pd_rd_i=B08BX5NH28

Timmy video :

https://youtu.be/N5fAXAuGozI

Not included in the kit is the Toyota FIPG

 

Thanks!

I will get that kit along with a new PVC valve and FIPG.

I heard that some people get new crescent moons is that worth it?

 

If you’re talking about the half moons no just clean um good and fipg
Don’t forget a new grommet for the PCV valve it will be brittle and take extra care removing that brittle grommet

 

Ok, thanks!

 

I too am trying to get all the parts I need for this job. I already found the water bypass gasket, and the knock sensor cable. I'm also wanting to replace the heater hoses and the cooling hose for the Throttle body. If anyone can provide me with the parts numbers or a list of part names, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

Finished by valve cover gasket replacement and replaced vacuum lines too. Everything went well except when putting one of the valve cover bolts back in the head snapped off luckily I was able to take the valve cover again and take it out with no issues.

Before this I was kept getting a ‘O2 sensor circuit Bank 1 Sensor 2’ check engine light and I assumed this was because some oil was burning due to the old gasket. After I replaced it the issue happened less often on a 750 mile road trip I took but it was still there. After the road trip I replaced the vacuum lines and the issue hasn’t come back yet so I hope it’s solved.


Before and after pictures attached.

Next project is the water pump and timing belt. Anyone know of a good kit? Any tips? Thanks for the help!

 

I had that happen on my 3rz last month. One dang bolt. I had to drill and re-tap the hole.

Your engine bay looks good

 

Sounds like a lot of fun! I'm glad I could just lift up the cover and take it out with some pliars.

 

Now that you've got the valve cover gaskets outta the way.. It's time to bleed out all that old brake fluid and get some new clean stuff in there ASAP.

 

Funny thing I replaced it about a month ago so and it does still look bad. My guess is I didn’t bleed the system properly.

 

The reservoirs get stained, you can wipe them out but if you know the fluid is fresh it isn't a big concern.

 

Replace breaks, that’s always my number one concern

 

Check the inside of your frame rails. I found out the hard way that’s where they like to rot out on my old 98. Some members suggest spraying the interior of the frame with a 360* flexible wand. Corroseal and wool wax are often recommended.

Also, check your leaf springs. They are usually in need of replacement at this age if original. Rack and pinion bushings are another common wear item.

If you still have some of the old oil you can send a sample to Blackstone to get an idea of internal wear.

 

I did do a coat of fluid film on the bottom of my truck and used the 360 wand to spray inside the frame as much as I could. It still hurt when I reach my fingers in there and felt a bunch of rust chips. The leafs are rusty and I would like to replace them.

What oil are you talking about?

 

https://www.blackstone-labs.com/

 

I second this notion. I've done it with every car I've owned. Sometimes useful, but always fun and interesting to know.