Lexus Repair: 97 Lexus ES300 - Leaky Valve Cover Gaskets, lexus es300, leaky valve

Question
My '97 Lexus just needed to have the both valve cover gaskets replaced because they were leaking oil. This car only has 57,800 miles.  This seems early for this kind of repair.  Parts were $52 and Labor was $420.  

This is the first repair on this car besides oil/fluids and brakes.  Am I starting to head for troubles?  Could the MTBE that was added to California gas all these years be the cause of this -- I had heard that this additive (now finally out of our gas)was hard on gaskets.

Is there anything else I should be looking out for?  Thanks for your advice.  

Answer
Hello Eloise, No the MTBE was not the cause. MTBE effects fuel injection seals. This repair on the ES300 model is common. After 8yrs seals can start to leak on every vehicle. This is not a indication of problems to come but is a sign that age is setting in and anything can happen.