If you own a 2001 through 2004 Toyota Highlander, more than likely it is serving as the true crossover vehicle that it was designed to be. Offering car-like characteristics and SUV versatility, your Toyota Highlander needs scheduled upkeep and maintenance to be at its best. One form of this maintenance is to replace the valve cover gasket.
Allow the car engine to cool. This can be accomplished by parking the car, lifting the hood and letting the car sit idle for a few hours.
Disconnect the battery cable. Locate and disconnect ventilation hose number one. Locate and disconnect ventilation hose number two. Disconnect and remove the engine cover sub assembly Number 1.
Locate and disconnect the engine coil plug. Locate and disconnect the engine wire assembly. Using a wrench, disconnect the valve cover bolts. Lifting straight up, remove the valve cover. Remove the valve cover gasket. This may require that a screwdriver is used to gently nudge the gasket.
Clean the gasket seating area with automotive engine cleaner, a scrub brush and a clean cloth or rag. Make sure that you remove all particles left by the old gasket and any oil that was left in the gasket seating area.
Place the new gasket into the gasket seating area. Reverse the steps used to remove the parts and put everything back into place.
Add oil to the engine and start the engine. Allow the car to run idle for 10 to 15 minutes. This will allow the oil to move to the top of the engine, lubricating the engine as it does.
