Fel-Pro Valve Cover Gasket

Just had my 3rd crack torquing valve covers. 1st crack was driver's side, headlight corner. 2nd crack was same as first crack only on a replacement vc from JapaneseTruckDismantling.com, it's smaller crack so I've just JB Weldeded it. 3rd crack just occurred on passenger's side cabin outside corner, JB Weld on that one too.

The 2 latest cracks occurred right around 10 ft/lbs. Torquespec is for 13 ft/lbs, which makes me now think. Fel-Pro gasket is thicker than OEM. DOH!

 

*probably need to be slowly torquing over time since it's so cold in the garage

 

Seems the torque spec something like 80 INCH lbs., or about 6.5 ft/lbs ?

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-torque-spec-guide.318116/

Scroll down to EM 193

 

well shit

 

That's for the 2nd gen 4.0.
The OP's 3.4 takes even less at 53 inch lbs or around 4.5 ft lbs

 

damn, now i'm wondering how i ever came up with 13. i need the torque to be cast into the part in big numbers

 

First off, Felpro=shit

Second, just by looking at the fastener size you should be able to determine the torque needed. Most M6 bolts will be around 89in-lb, more if the fastener is longer, less if shorter. M8 usually is around 18 to 22ft-lb.

If you were to take this to a mechanic, even the dealer, they never use torque wrenches.

 

I just replaced mine and both still leak on the back corners. Just used my feel for torque. I re-snugged after a few days. Still leaks.

 

Did you do the half moons as well?

 

Guess not. I don't know what they are. Did I miss something?

 

My passenger side valve cover on my 3.4 is leaking enough that it is running onto the manifold slowly but needs to be attended to. My oil level is barely being affected as I check it every week. What are the best brand parts to go with? Keep the same valve covers? Do you use gaskets or do you put a bead of some sort? Also while the covers are off should I get the valves adjusted? Parts #'s? I have 235,935 miles on the engine right now. What is the OEM brand? Aisin or Denso or is it just Toyota?