Valve Cover Gasket OEM? FelPro? Mahle?

My Valve Cover Gasket is leaking, and I need to replace it. Are the Felpro or Mahle gaskets worth using? Should I stick with OEM? I have time to do the job today, but I can't get the OEM gasket today. If none of the aftermarket parts are worth a damn, I'll just wait. I know Felpro and Mahle are usually reputable brands though.

What about the Upper Intake Gasket?

 

I replaced my valve cover gaskets with OE Toyota. I did both since I was already there and I also replaced the upper intake gasket as well.

 

I'd PREFER to use OEM, but I'd also prefer to get it done today, while I have some free time, lol

 

Mahle would get my vote, they're OEM for tons of manufacturers and make good quality stuff. I've never had much luck with that Fel-Pro blue perma dry shit. Just make sure you use a dab of permatex ultra black where the timing cover meets the head before plopping your new gaskets down

 

How many miles on your truck and/or how long did the OEM originals last? If it was more that 5-yrs/50,000 miles, unless you're leaking a quart per thousand, save yourself the aggravation and get the the OEM gaskets. Mine (original) are currently at 135,000 and still dry as a bone.

 

180k, and I end up putting in a few qts in between oil changes. Changed my oil last night and there was only like 0.5 gal.of oil in the truck. Wouldn't be so bad if our dipstick wasn't the worst thing ever.

 

Ooof!! That's some leak! Call around and see if a dealer has them in stock or can get them next day. If not, I would go aftermarket: Mahle. Most dealers can get parts for you next day if you call when they open and can go pick them up. Same if I order them on-line through Toyota and select the pick-up at counter option.

 

Yea, funny thing is, I never get oil spots on my driveway. I'm guessing it's just gunking up before it can drip.

 

If I order OEM, since they aren't in a kit, what parts do I need? I know theres;

11213-AD010
11214-AD010
17176-OP010

Do you know if the OEM gasket comes with new grommets?

 

Can't say and things change. Best thing to do is go to their site and enter your VIN to insure you get the correct pieces. Enter those parts numbers or check the diagram to see if anything else is required.

https://autoparts.toyota.com/search?search_query=11213-AD010

 

I put Fel-Pro gaskets on my '01 Avalon 10 years and 40K miles ago (Florida car). Anyone that is familiar with the Toyota 1MZ-FE will tell you what a PITA this job is. I have had no oil leaks since.

Because of this positive outcome, I just bought Fel-Pro gaskets for the 1GR-FE in my '09 Tacoma, and will be installing them later this week. The Fel-Pro gasket part number is;
VS 50634 R ~$20
The Tacoma is currently just over 135K.

 

I replaced mine with felpro and they leaked. Wound up redoing with oem. oem has the spark plug tube gaskets as well as the proper little gaskets for under the bolts that go through the center area of the valve covers. Glad to hear the previous poster had luck with felpro on his Avalon but if do more searching on this site you will not find positive opinions on felpro.

 

Strange. I just did a search on "FelPro" in the 2nd generation forums, and can't find any complaints about FelPro valve cover gaskets.

 

I replaced mine with one from the auto parts store, don't remember which brand but IIRC it was not the bottom dollar one and it was blue and it leaks. So I wish I would have gone OEM

 

That's two.

 

I used a Fel-Pro kit from Rockauto less than a year ago for valve covers and timing cover. They were marked made in Japan, appeared identical to OEM, and the valve cover kit had the spark plug donuts included. Excellent fit, no leaks.