Seeping gasket?

Hi everybody, I just bought a 2002 Tundra Limited 4x4 4.7L with 215k miles a couple of weeks ago. Got it for $5k and everything is in working condition and it looks good with no rust. I feel like I got a pretty good deal, but there are a few little things that I know I am going to have to do to it.

And now a code popped up..it's a P0420 code that tells me that the catalytic converters aren't working right. So I'm going to dig into those soon and fix them. I'm also looking around for things that need obvious repairs. I found oil seeping from a gasket at the top of the engine. I think it's the valve cover gasket. Is that what it is that I'm pointing to in the picture?

I just wanted to say hi and see if I'm on the right track for looking up the replacement gaskets. I'm not a mechanic, but I can figure things out sometimes, and youtube videos help.

 

Yup. Valve cover gaskets leaking. Recommend getting OEM gaskets with half moons, FIP sealant for half moons, spark plug tube seals and new valve cover bolts which have rubber seals crimped on. Very common source of leak and easy DIY job. Do it now and you’re good for another 100K. Even more important is when was your timing belt replaced last. If unsure do it ASAP. Use only OEM or AISIN kit. If belt breaks, the engine will be destroyed. It’s a DIY doable but you have to have some skills and basic tools. Also check your lower ball joints and consider replacement but only with OEM LBJs. Please read shifty’s thread in the sticky section “So You Just Bought A FGT.” Keep posting and check out the various threads and videos. Never buy parts from Scamazon or EvilBay. RockAuto is safe to use. Parts.toyota.com and ship to your local dealer is also cheaper than over the parts counter. Add your location and cab type to your profile. Someone nearby maty be able to help.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICvuZcmaccI

 

Thank you for the help and advice. I'll get the belt and water pump kit and probably have someone do that work, but I think I can do the valve gaskets.

 

Expect $1200 parts and labor for timing belt and water pump. Be sure to check they secure your crank sensor wire so it doesn’t rub the serpentine belt

 

Thanks again bfunke. I appreciate the help! I'll make sure to pass that on to the mechanic.

 

Noah @Tundra2 is in W Kentucky. He’s done a lot of these things himself

 

1. P0420 and P0430 are both red herrings. You've got a bad O2 sensor. Likely the upstream, but replace the upstream and downstream O2 sensor with Denso brand, specifically, and don't buy it on scAmazon or fleaBay, risk of knockoffs/grey market is too high. Cat efficiency wouldn't be low without running rich/lean or constant misfiring for really an absurdly long period of time.
2. Valve cover gaskets need to be done - the leaks you've got are typical. All the info you need is here. Use OEM parts on this one, you'll get another 10-15 years out of them. You 100% will need FIPG to complete the job, for the right-angle corners in the cam towers.
3. Be sure to lube the driveline, you can expect the previous owner didn't. More info.
4. Change all your diff fluids, if you have LSD rear, trust me, the only two fluids you can get away with are Lucas 80w90 or Motul 90w; you cannot use synthetic in the 1st gen rear diff w/o excessive slip additive.
5. READ THIS POST for the other stuff you need to know.

 

You all are really helpful! I appreciate all of the info.

I just found a service record that shows that the timing belt and water pump were replaced in 2012 with 181k miles..the truck now has 215k miles on it. Do you think I'm good for a while on that? It's been 11 years, but with only 27k miles or so since these were replaced.

 

Hey, we're just happy to have you brother. Welcome to the forum.

I won't answer the timing belt question, b/c if I tell you "no" and it snaps, I'm suddenly the asshole. I would - at minimum - loosen the timing cover bolts on each side and inspect the belt. I see your apprehension without you saying another word. It's expensive. But it's also the single failure on these trucks, other than using non-OEM balljoints, that will turn this truck into a boat anchor.

 

Good point. I'll have the belt and water pump done just for piece of mind.

 

Welcome from Elizabethtown (about 2.5hrs away) looks like most your stuff has been answered. I agree on new Denso sensors from a reputable source. Check that timing belt and roll on. How's the frame look, rust much?

 

Ah there is one more thing. @BlueGarden here's the TB/WP kit you'll want to get, in either this link to SummitRacing or RockAuto. SummitRacing usually has free shipping, RockAuto you can usually find 5% off coupons at www.RetailMeNot.com and don't let the "we will order for you" message at Summitscare you, most reputable online vendors are going to have it drop-shipped direct from Aisin. In this case, Aisin is the OEM part. Don't pay Toyota prices unless you're getting the work done at the dealership and don't have a choice.

 

Hi to Elizabethtown! Passed through there a million times on my way to EKU when I went there.

The frame is in great shape. No rust to speak of. Looks like it was well taken care of.

 

I appreciate the info. I talked to the local toyota dealer and the service department said I should be in good shape on the timing belt and water pump done in 2012. So I'll wait on that for a while and focus in a few more pressing issues. It has a seeping valve gasket, a sway bar link that is in rough shape, and probable U-joint replacement needed (and/or carrier bearing), and some O2 sensors. Im hoping i can do all that myself. After i do the sway bar I'm going to have the front end alignment done too, and have them check the ball joints while they're doing that. It's not my daily driver so I am going to work on these things over the next few pay periods.

 

...and the drivetrain fluids and greases done.

 

Yeah...

 

Man, that's the worst I've seen yet!

 

Yikes

 

I coulda swore we had a separate Rockauto discount codes thread. I had to go to Retailmenot to grab one a while ago to order a replacement headlamp assembly for my aunts vehicle. My personal code expired 3 days ago. LOL