replace spark plug tube gasket 1MZ ENGINE

[rob96826]

i been search & reading on how to replace the valve cover gaskets, but how do you replace the spark plug tube gasket..was able to pry them outs but having trouble putting a new one on...damaged 2 already & car is down due to it..tried hammering it with a large socket & they are crooked & damaged....any advice would help

[NRDriver]

got pics. i dont recall the style used for our cars

[TxBmbleBee]

ask gibson99 hah, he just replaced his

[SleeperSolara]

I didn't think you had to replace the spark plug tunnel thingy......
That's attached to the heads i think......

[TRDSleeper]

i been search & reading on how to replace the valve cover gaskets, but how do you replace the spark plug tube gasket..was able to pry them outs but having trouble putting a new one on...damaged 2 already & car is down due to it..tried hammering it with a large socket & they are crooked & damaged....any advice would help

I had the same problem when I replaced the spark plug tube gasket. Prying them out was easy, but putting new ones in was very time consuming. I just use a rubber mallet to bang them in gently as I can. Some did get damaged around the edges but they seem to fit snugly and I have no leaking problems so far.

[99BlackSandv6]

I'm going to do this soon, I couldn't even get the old one out. Do they pop out from the front or back of the cover?

[rob96826]

I'm going to do this soon, I couldn't even get the old one out. Do they pop out from the front or back of the cover?

they pop out of the back of the valve cover

[rob96826]

i been search & reading on how to replace the valve cover gaskets, but how do you replace the spark plug tube gasket..was able to pry them outs but having trouble putting a new one on...damaged 2 already & car is down due to it..tried hammering it with a large socket & they are crooked & damaged....any advice would help

I had the same problem when I replaced the spark plug tube gasket. Prying them out was easy, but putting new ones in was very time consuming. I just use a rubber mallet to bang them in gently as I can. Some did get damaged around the edges but they seem to fit snugly and I have no leaking problems so far.

did you use some sort of socket to bang on top of tube gasket to try to get them in or just mallet to tube gasket??"

[TRDSleeper]

^ I just used the mallet to hit the gasket directly. Sounds kinda forceful but I was tapping it as gently as I could. I think I also used a plier to pry the 3 prongs out a bit then bang the gasket in and bang the prongs back in. It would have been helpful if I took some pictures but I didn't. I still have to replace the rear valve cover gasket sometime and maybe I'll take pictures then.

[Gibson99]

ya you do have to use pliers or something to bend the 2 little tabs out of the way before hammering the new ones in. i use a big socket (i think it's a 34 or 36mm) and a deadblow hammer to tap them in. BE PATIENT or you'll slip and cut the seal. craig sat there and watched me do it... and i wasn't even really rushing! just do one hit at a time and check your socket alignment as you go. then once the seal is in far enough, tap the little tabs back down flat and you're done.

i hate doing those seals.....

[unbalancedwood]

Put the new ones in the freezer while your trying to remove the old ones...

[Gibson99]

Put the new ones in the freezer while your trying to remove the old ones...

dude this actually makes sense. and probably works. way less hammering! just don't be tempted to do it on the kitchen counter - i bet the wifey would get a tad bit peeved... esp if you ended up cracking the laminate or granite lol

[Dawgz]

A little motor oil on the new ones should do the trick....

[rob96826]

thank you for all your suggestions..got them in but not extactly how i would like them to...i gotta do the rear valve cover now