1998 Toyota Corolla Valve cover

1998 TOYOTA COROLLA
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LLOYD123
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Engine Mechanical problem
1998 Toyota Corolla 4 cyl Automatic 199000 miles

This is still blloyd123 just could not get the password to work. Yes I used the genuine gasket that the store matched for me. I recently redid the procedure and the oil is leaking from the side where the pcv valve is and from two of the bolts in the back of the side opposite the timing chain. I have already changed the pcv valve also.
Oct 15, 2008 at 6:08 PM
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MMPRINCE4000
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Remove the valve cover, buy a new gasket. Lay the cover on a flat surface to make sure it is not bent.
Use a quality gasket like FelPro or Toyota. Make sure you do not have any wires in the way. Torque to specs, do not overtighten.
Use an inspection mirror to double check that the gasket is on properly.
Oct 16, 2008 at 7:42 AM
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LLOYD123
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I did use the felpro and the gasket was just bought in july but i should still buy a new one? I was wondering if this is true about making sure the the corners have the rtv sealent on them, because that is where the leak is starting from; the front corner and then leaking back until it gets to the back right bolts. But the side with the chain cover joint has sealant on it in that spot and there are no leaks on that whole side. And i also torqued to 89 in pbs like the book said.
Oct 18, 2008 at 5:24 AM
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MMPRINCE4000
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If the gasket is not flat then use RTV on areas where it is raised (like cam shaft, or where it meets with another gasket).
Be sure area is clean (I use brake clean on a clean rag) and all gasket material and old RTV is removed.

If original gasket is not torn or stripped then reuse with RTV.
Oct 18, 2008 at 6:07 AM
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LLOYD123
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now when you say use with the rtv sealant do you mean with the entire gasket or just at the timing chain joint. I also heard that you should use the rtv a corners also. This is where the leak is strarting from, the front corner on the side opposite the cam shaft
Oct 18, 2008 at 7:26 AM
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MMPRINCE4000
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Yes, use it at the corners also, wherever you have a leak. Generally rubber (viton) gaskets can be installed dry for the most part, but if you are having a leak it is OK to use RTV on them.
Oct 19, 2008 at 6:05 AM
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LLOYD123
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It stopped leaking from the valve cover but I can see smoke coming from the back of the engine from the bottom almost where near the exhaust area. My power steering fluid is leaking also and the leakage is around the same spot but the smell is like oil what can it be.
Oct 27, 2008 at 9:30 AM
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