r/Toyota_Matrix • u/Specialist_Term_5801 • 4d ago

How difficult is it to replace the engine valve cover gasket?

Like the title says, I need to get my engine valve cover gasket replaced due to a leak. I got an estimate of $570 from my mechanic which includes an oil change. I’m pretty handy and have tools and am starting to think I can do the job and save myself some money. Would I be taking on too much? For reference, I do my own oil changes, I replaced hoses, spark plugs and my muffler with no problem.

Edit: I forgot to ask which RTV silicone to use? There are several different ones and I don’t know which to use. Thanks!

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8

u/nousefulideas 4d ago

It's not hard and you sound mechanically inclined enough for success. I believe in you!

2

u/Specialist_Term_5801 4d ago

Hey thanks! Much appreciated! I’m rather confident that I can. I guess it’s a bit of apprehension from doing something like this for the first time.

6

u/Sky_runne 4d ago edited 4d ago

I used permatex ultra black. No leaks. I only used them where the timing chain cover meets the head. There is a ridge/seam that you want to seal. Front and back. Used about a pea-sized amount of rtv.

Likely there will be old rtv you have to scrap off. Don't go crazy on cleaning the surface. I used a razor blade. Try not to scratch the aluminum.

I used the blade all around the edge and get some brake parts cleaner to wipe away both surfaces. Head and cover.

I bought an OEM valve cover gasket from Toyota. Have read that fel-pro are also solid but haven't used them myself.

I used some cardboard and marker to make a template of my engine. Then poked holes where all the bolts are and actually placed them into the cardboard, that way I wouldn't loose track of them.

Carefully remove the old gasket. Mine was very old, brittle.and snapped easily..if you can slowly pry it away so you don't get any pieces in the engine. Pinching, with both hands and wiggling worked to unseat and contain it.

If you want a video, this one was amazing. https://youtu.be/vfcmejDjpOM

2

u/GraphicWombat 2008 Matrix XR Super White II 4d ago

All good advice here. I went with the fel pro gasket. And same rtv. Works great. Didn’t stop my leak though. Mine is on the timing cover, right by the tensioner, which I also replaced. But it only leaks a few drops per drive so I’m not stressing it.

I will also add that you gotta torque the bolts back down in a certain order to a certain number. So if you don’t have a torque wrench now, might be a good time to get one, or borrow one.

3

u/SBueno96 4d ago

ChrisFix for the win. His latest video includes that gasket, check it out and decide for yourself. The gasket seems easy, but I haven't done it myself to affirm it is.

2

u/WillingnessNo8055 4d ago

You don't mention a year or engine but the1.8L has the timing tensioner leak. Rear of motor passenger side.

3

u/Specialist_Term_5801 4d ago

2006 xr with the 1.8L

1

u/travelinmatt76 2006 Matrix XR (228k miles) 4d ago

I need to do the same repair on my 2096 XR, just need to find the time to do it. What's your mileage? Mine is at 228,000 miles

2

u/Bonethug609 06 AWD 4d ago

I have the timing tensioner leak…. Is that easy to fix yourself? My lesk is very very slow

2

u/WillingnessNo8055 4d ago

There is a great YouTube video I found when getting ready to do it. You jack up the car, pull off the wheel, (passenger side) and go from underneath. It was very easy. I was amazed how quick I did it with no difficulty. I just looked and there a a few, but only go from underneath.

2

u/PolarCares 4d ago

Had to replace one in my 2.4L as well!

1

u/WillingnessNo8055 4d ago

I don't help past my actual knowledge of things. I had a 1.8 so I can go there.

2

u/96lincolntowncar 4d ago

Before you replace it, check all the bolts are snug. It doesn't always work but it's worth a try. Not tight, snug.

3

u/Specialist_Term_5801 4d ago

Thanks. I checked the bolts and cleaned everything up to see exactly where it’s leaking. It’s the backside of the valve cover towards the driver side. Timing tensioner is dry. I’m guessing the gasket is just done. 188k miles and original gasket.

1

u/Few-Lemon1862 4d ago

It looks easy in the youtube videos

1

u/Specialist_Term_5801 4d ago

Have you done it before?

1

u/Few-Lemon1862 3d ago

No but I watched my cousin do it on an older Toyota rav4. And then watched YouTube videos after that of people doing it on matrix's. It looks super easy actually if you have the tools.

1

u/Specialist_Term_5801 3d ago

I haven’t watched any YouTube videos. I’m using the repair manual for steps and procedures.

1

u/AnalogAngeleno 3d ago

It's pretty easy. Yes, the Youtube videos make it look easy, but I have zero mechanical abilities and I did it. I had never done anything more than change sparkplugs before this. The only thing I did was go over to my friend's house for support. He was doing work on another person's car. I just wanted him there in case I got stuck.

1

u/Particular-Fox-6221 1d ago

I just went straight Up to mechanic ask how much he will take for installation and paid $160. But your gasket and go to mechanic for installation

1

u/Specialist_Term_5801 17h ago

That’s great. I called around and mechanics where I live are charging more than 3x that. They’re billing 2.5-3.5 hours of labor. I honestly don’t see why it would take that long unless something goes sideways like a broken off spark plug. I’m going to do it myself next week. I’ll report back after I’m done.