Replace the Valve Cover Gasket on the 1998 Toyota Camry

Replace the valve cover gasket on the 1998 Toyota Camry as soon as you notice it leaking. There are several types of engines used in the 1998 Camry. In some of them, you must remove the spark plug wires and plugs to get the valve cover off. The valve cover gasket kit should come with new grommets for the spark plug holes -- if not, purchase new grommets separately. Do not rely on the old grommets, as oil could leak onto the spark plugs and affect the running of the vehicle.

Procedures:
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable, using the appropriate wrench. Set it aside, ensuring that it does not touch metal. Mark any wiring connectors and vacuum lines that are attached to the valve cover. Unplug the connectors and vacuum lines. They will vary for the different engines in the 1998 Camry.
2. Pull the PCV hose out of the valve cover to disconnect it. If your particular engine has the spark plugs through the valve cover, mark the spark plug wires. Remove the wires, then remove the plugs, using the spark plug socket, ratchet and 6-inch extension.
3. Remove the six nuts and seal washers from the cover, starting with the middle valve cover-retaining bolts and working in a crisscross pattern. Remove the valve cover. If it doesn't come off easily, don't pry it off -- tap it with the rubber mallet to break the seal.
4. Clean the gasket-mounting surfaces of the valve cover and the head, using the brush and rags. Remove all old gasket material. Spread a thin layer of RTV silicone on the valve cover's mounting surface. Fit the gasket onto the valve cover and press it into the RTV. If the engine has spark plug wires that go through the valve cover, remove the old grommets on the spark plug holes and insert new ones.
5. Install the valve cover and tighten the six nuts to 65 inch-pounds of torque, working from the center out, in a crisscross pattern. If you removed the plugs and wires, reinstall them, ensuring that the wires go into the proper spark plug hole, as marked before you took them off. Reconnect the PCV hose and all wiring connectors and vacuum lines. Reconnect the negative battery cable.