What it is
A Toyota Sequoia engine valve cover gasket set (also called a rocker cover gasket, cam cover gasket, or cylinder head cover seal) keeps engine oil inside the top of the engine where the cams and valvetrain live. On V-type engines like the Sequoia's V8s and the newer V6 hybrid, there are two covers-one for each cylinder head. When the gasket hardens or shrinks, oil can seep out. (Wikipedia)
Fitment basics
"Toyota Sequoia" spans three generations with different engines.
• 2001-2007: 4.7L 2UZ-FE V8
• 2008-2022: 5.7L 3UR-FE V8 (with some early 4.7L and 2010-2012 4.6L 1UR-FE)
• 2023-present: 3.4L twin-turbo V6 hybrid (V35A-FTS)
Gasket sets are engine-specific, so always match the set to your model year and engine code. (Wikipedia)
Common symptoms
Typical signs of a failing valve cover gasket or valve cover seal:
• Oil smell, light smoke, or wet oil around the cover edge
• Oil in spark-plug tubes causing a misfire (often shows up as a "Check Engine" light)
• Oil drops on the driveway or on hot exhaust parts
Oil inside spark-plug tubes can lead to misfires and rough running-replace tube seals with the gasket if your engine uses them. (felpro.com, NGK)
Why leaks happen
What's in the set
A Toyota Sequoia valve cover gasket set typically includes:
• One or two molded rubber or silicone gaskets (two for V-engines)
• Spark-plug tube seals (on engines that use them)
• New bolt grommets for the cover fasteners
These pieces work together to keep oil inside and out of the plug wells. (felpro.com)
Materials explained
Modern sets use molded rubber or silicone for durability and heat/oil resistance. Some applications also use cork-rubber blends. Rubber/silicone is common on newer engines because it stays flexible and seals well with low bolt torque. (felpro.com)
Safety note
Any oil leak near a hot exhaust can be a fire risk. If you see smoke or smell burning oil, fix the leak soon and don't ignore warning signs. NHTSA recall notices across brands warn that oil leaking onto an exhaust manifold can increase fire risk-illustrating why even "small" leaks matter. (NHTSA)
Diagnosis tips
• Clean the area, then drive and re-inspect.
• Use fluorescent oil dye and a UV light to pinpoint the source when the leak is hard to see. It's a standard shop method for oil-based fluids. (Vehicle Service Pros, Tracerproducts.com)
DIY overview
Basic steps most home mechanics follow (always check your service info for your exact engine):
After the fix
PCV check
A sticking or clogged PCV valve/line can raise crankcase pressure and push oil past fresh gaskets. Inspect and service the PCV system anytime you replace a valve cover gasket. (AA1Car)
Manuals & specs
Torque specs, bolt patterns, and special steps can vary by engine. Get the exact info for your Sequoia from the official Toyota Owners manuals and, for full repair procedures, Toyota's Technical Information System (TIS). (Toyota, techinfo.toyota.com)
Environmental care
Never dump used oil. Collect oily rags and recycle used engine oil at a local drop-off. The U.S. EPA explains how and where to recycle used oil safely. (Bob Is The Oil Guy, Simple Wikipedia)
People also call this part a rocker cover gasket, cam cover gasket, valve cover seal, or cylinder head cover gasket. Searching those phrases helps you find the right set for your Sequoia. (Wikipedia)
Frequently Asked Questions
• Toyota Owners manuals & guides for exact procedures, specs, and maintenance schedules. (Toyota)
• Toyota Technical Information System (TIS) for detailed repair info. (techinfo.toyota.com)
• Fel-Pro technical article on proper valve/rocker cover gasket installation (clean/dry install, corner RTV only, center-out torque). (felpro.com)
• AA1Car and MOTOR Magazine explain how PCV problems can force oil leaks; helpful if your leak keeps returning. (AA1Car, MOTOR)
• EPA guidance on recycling used motor oil. (Bob Is The Oil Guy)
Quick buyer tips
• Match the set to your engine code and model year (2UZ-FE, 3UR-FE, or V35A-FTS). (Wikipedia)
• For engines with spark-plug tubes, choose a set that includes tube seals and bolt grommets. (felpro.com)
• Plan to service the PCV system when you do the gasket to help the new seal last. (AA1Car)
If you want, I can tailor this for a specific Sequoia year/engine and turn it into a ready-to-publish page with headings, meta title/description, and an internal-link plan.
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