Did my Valve Cover Gasket, Finally! Options

[devilsden97]

So the background, for about a year my car has been leaking small amounts of oil. (my garage floor shows it.) When i brought my car in for the inspection in november, the mechanic said i was leaking oil, and he presumes its from the valve cover gasket. So about 2 weeks ago I got a replacement gasket, and today i finally maned up, and put it in.






^top of the motor off.

While I was at AutoZone getting oil and a filter (im also going to do my oil) I picked up some Duplicolor High temp engine paint.




^ its the same color, just ones in the sun, other is in shadow....I masked off the 16valve part, and the oil, and top where the plugs are put in.

REad on for more info.

This post has been edited by devilsden97: Jun 2, 2007 - 3:57 PM

[Celicav]

So, I finished up painting my valve cover, put the new gasket in, applied the Toyota FIPG in the correct spots (according to your advice, Haynes manual, and residue of original FIPG), set the cover on without pinching any cords, and tightened everything else up (used 17 ft/lbs on the spark plug hole nuts). Then, I let the car sit cold for 2 hours (the FIPG instructions say you can start car 1-2 hrs after application) before starting. I ran the car in place for 10 minutes, and lo and behold, I've got a leak...about a 3-inch wide puddle on the passenger side. I must be leaking on the back side of the valve cover.

Advice?
Just get it redone at Toyota and avoid hassle of redoing it? Or, try the car out again tomorrow to give FIPG more time to harden? Or, the leak is not that bad and just keep adding oil?

The purpose of replacing the gasket was to stop leaks, and I obviously don't have a perfect seal. I'm thinking it is not good to keep having a leaky engine, but appreciate your advice. I'm afraid to see how much Toyota or any other shop charges to have this gasket replaced!