smerre01

Well I have just recently discovered the forums, and the spark plug replacement procedures that I found posted here are definetely appreciated. However I need to know if anyone here has the procedures to replace the rear valve cover gaskets? My 1999 lexus RX300 is "seeping" not leaking, but just a trace of the old oil/dirt mix around the gaskets. It would be much appreciated.

Side note as a the new guy I will try and pull my weight. I was born and raised working on Toyota's mainly. I also have an 2005 Tundra DC XSP. Last night I joined alldata.com and have access to the TSB's and other technical information (honestly the how-to stuff is very limited), but if you PM me I will try and login regularly and see about getting you tsb's or something.

Thanks!

salimshah

It can be just accumulation of grime over time.

I have never had the need, but you can try steam cleaning.

If the problem returns, only then go through the trouble of replacing the valve cover gasket.

Salim

thomas1

I have had great success with a bottle of simple green in a spray bottle and then rinseing carefully afterwards. Could just be blow by from the pvc valve and oil changes.

code58

I agree with the other replies, The first thing I would do is clean the area off, then see what shows up in time. Those are mighty fine valve cover gaskets- not prone to leaking. If you do find that you have to change it I believe the intake manifold would have to come off to give access to the rear one. Good luck! Roger

P.S. There are 2 different gaskets shown for 99- make sure you take your build date and all other pertinent info if you do have to replace it- so that you get the right one.

rfakinbile

Agree with the previous posts. If you still have the need to change the gasket, as long as you have the procedure to replace the plugs, there is no other procedure you need except that when tightening back the cover you have to do it in a criss-cross manner. Hope this helps.

smerre01

Thanks for the replies guys! I honestly didn't think about it being blow off from the PVC valve, and the area that has what I call "seeping" appearance is located right around the PVC valve, I will try cleaning it and see what happens. Thanks again you guys are AWESOME!

thomas1

Hey are you in northern or southern California?

salimshah

You may already know this, but there is potential down side of cleaning.... if there is a real leak, it may get aggravated. The crud at times is acting as a seal.

Salim

code58

Southern Cal.- Orange Co.

thomas1

Welcome aboard, I saw that your name is on the F150 site also.

smerre01

F150 site? What F150 site?

Well I am tackling the plugs tomorrow morning. As they say in war we attack at dawn, lol....

I am half way dreading it, and half way excited by the challenge.

Hey, just ask, where do you guys buy your lexus parts? Is there a good online place that all of you frequent. I find my local dealer a bit pricey for me. However found a dealer only website called bottomlinedealer.com I WOULD LOVE to buy some parts on there, but you have to be a new car dealer to order, and I don't know anyone at the local dealership well enough to ask that favor.