This procedure covers replacement of the valve cover gasket on the 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla 1.8L I4 engine, including removal of ignition coils and cleaning of mating surfaces.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Toyota OEM 11213-37010 or equivalent
• Spark plug tube seals × 4 — Toyota OEM 90099-14089 or equivalent
• PCV valve grommet × 1 — Use OEM specification if damaged

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure away from battery post
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on perimeter clips
4. Have a clean workspace ready for removed components

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect ignition coil connectors
   Press the locking tab on each of the four ignition coil electrical connectors and pull straight up to disconnect. Mark or note the cylinder positions if connectors differ.
2. 2

   Remove ignition coils
   Remove the single 10mm bolt securing each ignition coil. Pull each coil straight up with a gentle twisting motion to remove from spark plug tube. Inspect coil boots for tears or damage.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect PCV hose and breather hose
   Disconnect the PCV hose from the valve cover by releasing the clip or pulling firmly. Disconnect the breather hose from the rear of the valve cover. Note routing for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Disconnect wiring harness clips
   Locate and release any wiring harness clips attached to the valve cover. Typically 2-3 clips along the top and sides. Gently move harness aside without straining wires.
5. 5

   Remove valve cover bolts
   Remove all valve cover bolts (typically 14 bolts) using a 10mm socket. Start from the outer bolts and work inward. Keep bolts organized as some may be different lengths.
   ℹ️Note the location of any different length bolts or bolts with integrated washers for proper reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove valve cover
   Carefully lift the valve cover straight up. If stuck, gently tap with a rubber mallet or use a plastic pry tool at designated pry points. Never pry between mating surfaces as this will cause damage and leaks.
   ⚠Do not use metal tools to pry between valve cover and cylinder head. This will damage sealing surfaces.
7. 7

   Remove old spark plug tube seals
   Remove the four spark plug tube seals from the cylinder head using needle-nose pliers or by gently prying upward. These are press-fit and should come out easily. Inspect spark plug tubes for oil accumulation.
   Torque spec

   Spark Plug Tube Seals0 Nm (0 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Clean cylinder head mating surface
   Using a plastic gasket scraper, carefully remove all old gasket material from the cylinder head mating surface. Clean thoroughly with brake cleaner and lint-free rags. Ensure no debris falls into engine. Stuff clean rags in spark plug tubes if needed for protection.
   ⚠️Absolutely no gasket material, dirt, or debris can enter the engine. Cover openings with clean rags during cleaning.
9. 9

   Clean valve cover mating surface
   Clean the valve cover gasket groove thoroughly, removing all old gasket material. Use plastic scraper and brake cleaner. Inspect PCV valve and ensure it rattles freely when shaken. Clean or replace if necessary.
10. 10

    Install new spark plug tube seals
    Lightly oil the outer diameter of the new spark plug tube seals with clean engine oil. Press each seal squarely into its bore in the cylinder head by hand until fully seated. Ensure seals are not cocked or tilted.
    ℹ️Seals must be pressed in straight and fully seated to prevent oil leaks into spark plug wells.
    Torque spec

    Spark Plug Tube Seals0 Nm (0 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install new valve cover gasket
    Position the new valve cover gasket into the groove on the valve cover. Ensure gasket is fully seated in the groove around the entire perimeter and around each spark plug tube opening. Do not use any sealant unless specifically required by gasket manufacturer.
12. 12

    Install valve cover
    Carefully lower the valve cover onto the cylinder head, aligning all bolt holes and ensuring the gasket stays in position. Press down gently to seat the cover evenly.
13. 13

    Install and torque valve cover bolts
    Install all valve cover bolts finger-tight. Torque bolts in sequence from the center outward in a crisscross pattern to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft). Make at least two passes, first to 5 Nm then final torque to 10 Nm.
    ⚠Over-torquing valve cover bolts can crack the cover or deform the gasket, causing oil leaks. Use proper torque sequence.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect PCV and breather hoses
    Reconnect the PCV hose and breather hose to the valve cover, ensuring clips are fully engaged. Verify hoses are not kinked or stretched.
15. 15

    Reinstall ignition coils
    Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of each coil boot. Install each ignition coil into its respective spark plug tube, pressing down firmly until fully seated. Install and torque the 10mm coil bolts to 8 Nm (6 lb-ft). Reconnect all four electrical connectors until they click.
    Torque spec

    Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reattach wiring harness clips
    Secure all wiring harness clips to the valve cover in their original positions. Ensure no wires are pinched or under tension.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery terminal
2. Reinstall engine cover by aligning clips and pressing firmly until seated
3. Double-check all electrical connections are secure and all hoses are properly attached

Verification

• Start engine and allow to idle for 2-3 minutes while observing valve cover for any oil leaks
• Rev engine gently to 2500-3000 RPM and hold for 10 seconds, then return to idle. Check again for leaks
• Inspect around all bolt locations and gasket perimeter for oil seepage
• Check for proper engine operation with no misfires or rough idle
• After driving vehicle for 50-100 miles, recheck valve cover area for any signs of oil leakage and retorque bolts if necessary

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