How to Change a Valve Cover Gasket on a 1991 Toyota Pickup

The valve cover gasket on a 1991 Toyota pickup will be the rubber seal on the inner edge of the valve cover. (Depending on the engine type in your 1991 Toyota pickup, there may be one or two valve covers, with a corresponding number of gaskets.) The valve cover is secured to the engine by a number of bolts, while the gasket is secured to the cover by an adhesive. The valve cover gasket prevents oil from leaking out from under the valve covers. Like all components, they wear over time and will need replacing to be able to perform their function well.

Things You'll Need

• Ratchet set
• Flat-head screw driver
• Replacement gasket(s)
• Torque wrench

Instructions

1. Open the hood of the 1991 Toyota pick up truck and locate the valve cover (or covers) on the engine block. Remove the bolts securing the cover or covers to the engine, using the ratchet set.

2. Pull the cover off the engine and locate the valve cover gasket. Remove the gasket, using the screwdriver to scrape the gasket off the cover. Make sure that you remove all of the gasket from the cover. Repeat for the second valve cover, if there is one.

3. Remove the plastic cover from the new gasket a place the gasket around the inner edge of the cover. Rub your finger around the new gasket to seal the adhesive to the cover. Make sure that the new gasket is flush with the edge of the covers. Repeat on the second cover, if necessary.

4. Replace the cover to the top of the engine and replace the bolts to the cover. Tighten the bolts on the valve cover to the torque specifications for your specific model pickup, using the torque wrench. Repeat on the second cover, if necessary.

References

• "Engine Builder's Handbook"; Tom Monroe; 1996