1999 Corolla LE - Valve Cover Gasket Change

[Oldschool930]

So my friend and I are changing the valve cover gasket, spark plug tube seals and spark plugs. It's a good time.

 

[Oldschool930]

Spark plugs were not good.

 

[Oldschool930]

New gasket.

 

[Scott O'Kashan]

Looks like quite a bit of petroleum oil sludge build up on the underside of that valve cover. This increases engine temperatures, which not only can decrease engine life, reduce power and fuel economy, but also dries out and cracks seals and gaskets, necessitating replacement, as you have done here.

High quality synthetic oils like AMSOIL don't allow this sludge build up and save money.

 

[Oldschool930]

Is there a good solution to clean that other than taking the valve cover back off again?

 

[porschpow]

How long do Spark Plugs last for and what kind are the best to get?

 

[Scott O'Kashan]

Is there a good solution to clean that other than taking the valve cover back off again?

That's quite a bit of petroleum oil sludge built up and it acts like a layer of insulation, causing the engine to run hotter, which dries out gaskets and seals making them crack and leak. It's best to remove it and use a strong cleaner on it along with a wire brush.

To prevent the sludge from building up again, use a high quality synthetic oil like AMSOIL http://www.amsoil.com/shop/find/product/asl?zo=349698