Hi Scotty:
Make: Toyota; Model: Prius, base model
Year: 2010; Current Mileage: 145K; Purchase Date & Location: 11/3/2018 at Toyota of Hollywood (California)
Background: I was changing the spark plugs & coil packs ($100) and discovered oil on all 4 of the spark plugs. So I decided to replace the valve cover gasket along with the 4 gaskets for each spark plug tube. I picked up the parts at Toyota's local parts and service department (about $50).
Issue: I removed all of the electrical wiring, bolts, etc. around the valve cover and the rear left corner will not budge and I cannot get the cover off. Unfortunately I may have damaged the existing gasket as I tried to pry off the valve cover in the front and around the stuck corner (which I know is not the best approach). I tried the rubber hammer approach but to no avail.
I am afraid my $150 DIY service my turn into a $700 service shop fix.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Mark
Thanks for the suggestion!
As it turns out, I was an idiot and overlooked a "long bolt" between the first and second spark plug cylinders. I actually loosened it up but overlooked removing it all of the way out.
I kept thinking it would be something simple or obvious since I had seen videos whereby the valve cover popped off with little effort once all of the bolts had been removed. There are 12 bolts around the side of the valve cover and then the long bolt between cylinders one & two.
Once I figured that out, I was able to replace the gaskets with relative ease and then replaced the spark plugs and ignition coils to complete the job and avoid paying an auto repair shop to finish the job.
By the way, I did call a few shops and they either said that they did not work on Toyota Prius' or "do that type of work." Probably because I started it and had purchased my own parts.
Have you tired heat gun?
Don't feel bad, it has happened to all of us - once!
