mitmaks

VC gasket is leaking on our 96 es300. I'd like to replace spark plugs as well ~180K on engine.
Do I order left or right valve cover gasket? Also which spark plugs do I use?

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Order both, because the chances are that the front one is soon to follow and they're fairly inexpensive. Don't forget that there are oil seals for spark plugs(6) as well, which need to be replaced at the same time. Also, take a look at your PCV valve(it's a plastic piece on the rear valve cover, passenger side), since that might need changing.

About spark plugs, I recommend sticking with Denso with two electrodes per plug. I believe they're platinum plugs. That's what I used for my 98. And if you have spark plug wires, replace those as well.

MikeLex

You most likely have a bad rear valve cover gasket. Unfortunately, unless you are mechanically inclined, replacing it is not a DIY job. As for the front one, you can do it in 15 min. So order both gaskets and a set of NGK or Denso spark plugs. Also, while you're there is a good idea to replace the spark plugs tube seals as well.

kakarot

Just did mine the back one is a little hard to do due to tight space, the front is a piece of cake.
Just make sure you label everything with tape/marker on the hose/electrical plug. There is a hidden stud on the back that you will not see and it need to be removed so the valve will come out.

Here is some image I took.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3yhnmqp3g...%20Valve%20job

any question let me know and I'll try to help out as much as I can.

mitmaks

looks like a pita to do, will check how much my mechanic will charge-if price is low enough I'll just pay him to do it.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Good thinking. I wouldn't want to do it again any time soon.

tomf

Ditto. I replaced mine when I had a knock sensor go bad. I marked all the hoses and connections with number on masking tape. Then wrote the corresponding number next to the connection.

redmanV8

iTrader: (2)

nice i just bought a 92 es300 with 139xxx miles on it, got it for cheap because owner thought it was burning oil and needed a new engine, turns out its the valve cover gaskets! im actually just removing the intake plenum. so far its not that hard to do, just gotta get a lot of pesky old hoses off wich mostly break anyways lol.

mitmaks

It would help if I could figure out what size bolts that hold plastic cover. None of my Torx fit them...

redmanV8

iTrader: (2)

if you are talking about the silver cover on the fuel rails and front valve cover, its an 8mm allen not torx