GUIDE : Changing the spark plug valley cover

JSeaman

SM Official Expert: Guide Author
SM Expert
May 26, 2009
216
0
0
Derbyshire, UK
Step 1 - Follow the guide for removing the PCV system

Step 2 - To remove the old cover (Number 3 cylinder head cover to Toyota) you will need a 14mm hex tool. One method is to get an old 14mm bolt and then stick a couple of nuts back to back as shown in the first picture. I had very little success with this, I just kept threading bolts.

My recommendation is to buy a 14mm hex key or a cheaper alternative is a 14mm sump nut remover. This gives you a 17mm socket connection on the other end which is handy too

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Step 3 - Your cover will probably not have been replaced for a very long time so expect a lot of resistance. I use a wheel brace on my sump nut remover to crack the 4 nuts off

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Step 4 - Once you've undone all 4 nuts, remove the HT leads from the plugs (you can just shift the coil pack to one side, no need to undo all the leads) and slide the gasket out forwards

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Step 5 - Get one nice shiny new cover, preferably a stainless one from Steve (Group A Supra) because they rock. Second pic shows the thicnkess difference, stock one looks very cheap and nasty in comparisson

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JSeaman

SM Official Expert: Guide Author
SM Expert
May 26, 2009
216
0
0
Derbyshire, UK
Step 6 - Slide the new gasket in

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Step 7 - Spray some carb cleaner on the rusty nuts (picture 1) and they should clean up a little (picture 2)

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Step 8 - Note that all nuts are the same except for the rear one that looks like this

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Step 9 - Fit your cleaned up nuts back in place and tighten them down

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Step 10 - Refit the leads and coil pack then admire your new cover

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