Valve Cover Gaskets

Continuing to the valve cover gaskets, I removed the lower plenum and unbolted the 8 bolts holding the valve cover on. All the plastics were brittle to the touch (wire looms, clips, etc.) I removed a few wire covers because they were falling apart and despite my best efforts, I broke a few electrical release tabs.

At this point I removed the skid plate the retrieve the bolts I dropped so it might be best to start with that first next time.

Once I got the covers off and removed the blue non OEM seal I was slightly horrified to see all the RTV...I mean, it was even on the spark plug tube seals, that were also brittle and broken. The brittleness of the seals made them extremely difficult to get out. I couldn't just leave all the little plastic pieces floating around so before installing the new tube seals I used compressed air to get rid of all the debris, hit everything with a degreaser, and even gave the exterior a little wire brushing to brighten it up. With everything cleaned the best I could do, I installed the new seals and gasket then set the cover aside to work on the half moons and cam seals. 

Once again, the half moons and cam seals were bathed in RTV which I did my best to clean before reinstalling new ones with Toyota FIPG sealant. I repeated everything on the passenger side continuing to fight all the brittle plastics and RTV. Once I had the covers back in place I swapped the spark plugs and wires and gave the throttle body a good cleaning. Bolting up the plenums with the correct gaskets, installed the throttle cables and air box then held my breath as I turned the key.....She fired right up. 

After a brief test drive there are no leaks I can see. I also don't see or smell any oil burning and the car seems to run like normal. Ill keep the skid plate off for a few days so I can easily inspect for any leaks but **Fingers crossed** I think its all good.