2JZ Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plugs: Lexus GS300 and IS300
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- Here's a step by step tutorial on how to replace the valve cover gaskets, spark plugs and spark plug wires on a Lexus GS300 or IS300 with the 3.0L inline 6 2JZ-GE engine.
Leaking valve cover gaskets are a common problem as vehicles age. On this Lexus GS300, the valve cover gaskets were leaking so badly that the spark plug wells were filled with oil and gunk.
Since the intake and throttle body have to be removed to do this job, it is also recommended to change the spark plugs and spark plug wires while they are easily accessible.
The procedure consists of first removing the engine covers and air intake tubes. A few electrical connectors and vacuum hoses must then be disconnected from the throttle body, along with the throttle cable. Be sure to label all connectors and hoses that have been removed for easier reassembly. The intake and throttle body is then removed as one assembly.
The use of a ratcheting wrench is recommended when accessing intake plenum bolts.
Once the intake is out of the way, the wiring harness must be freed from both sides of the valve cover and the ignition coil pack connectors removed. Usually the coil pack connectors have a tendency to break and should be replaced if they do. The wiring harness is also very brittle from the engine heat cycling over time.
Next, the ignition coil and wires can be removed. Make sure the spark plug tubes and area between the covers has been thoroughly cleaned before unbolting the 6 10mm bolts and 2 10mm nuts holding each valve cover on.
Wiggle the valve cover to break it free and work it around the engine harness and heater core hose. Clean all mating surfaces with brake cleaner and a lint free rag.
A Fel-Pro gasket was used to reseal the valve covers. For some reason it came with two driver side gasket and one passenger side gasket. Permatex black RTV was used around the "half moon" cam profile of the valve cover to aid the gaskets in sealing the corners.
The ignition wiring harness was then swapped over to a new one from NGK, and the spark plugs were changed for fresh new Denso double electrode plugs. It is important that double electrode plugs be used since this engine uses waste spark ignition, which means three coils power six cylinders.
Once the spark plugs, ignition coils and wires have been replaced, the intake system can then be cleaned using throttle body cleaner and then reinstalled onto the car. There are a number of vacuum hoses under the intake plenum that may take a while to reconnect.
A new plenum to throttle body gasket was used. Reinstall the plenum nuts and bolts, as well as the throttle body bracket on the passenger side of the engine, reconnect the coolant lines and electrical connectors.
Start the engine and let it warm up. Degrease the engine if it is oily and dirty, and take it for a long drive, stopping periodically to check for leaks.
The car will now run smoother and more responsive with the new plugs and wires, and won't leak and burn oil.
Reference video:
• Lexus GS300 (2JZ-GE) V...
Here's the full write-up and discussion:
www.clublexus.c...
www.instructabl...
You made it look so easy. But I got it done thanks to this video. Not all heroes wear capes. You the man!!!
Thanks I'm glad you enjoyed the video
Ricky The Master how did your misfire feel when you had bad valve cover gaskets ? Like would you rpm's feel rough when you would accelerate ?
Captain Underpants.
Fantastic job my friend. As complicated as the valve cover replacement is on a gs300, your video from start to finish makes it possible for a novice mechanic to take on the job and easily save $500. Excellent video.
Thanks. I wouldn't consider this complicated at all, given it's an inline longitudinal mounted engine. A transverse v6 requires alot more disassembly
500 try 1200
My concord CA mechanic wanted exactly 500 Labor 2023.
It's taken me quite a bit longer to do this than you made it look, mostly because everything plastic keeps breaking and everything is coated in gunk. Wish I had found this video first. Also, I LOL'ed so hard when you said the bolts were loose because it is leaking! Thanks!
Yes this engine is know to have brittle plastic connectors
This tutorial deserves an award. excellent how-to video
+Matthew Stevens Thank you :)
What an excellent video. Zero fluff, wastes no time, no rambling and very detailed. Even included how to depin/repin connectors which will inevitably break as well the reassembly! Even put the camera at the perfect angle to capture the hidden hoses and bolts that will pose issues for people not prepared. And some quick jokes to boot!? What a legend. Thank you so so much for your hard work.
Best video for this. So detailed/straightforward , good footage, and doesnt use annoying or unnecessary edits. Thanks for showing how to put it back together too.
Best DIY video on youtube.
+J Lang thanks
Car Club Auto .for me its more like dont diy ☺
Agreed. I actually could tackle this myself now since he doesn't leave out any details.
Dude I'm scouring the internet trying to find out where to connect the hoses at the green relay, any help?!?! My cars down n out till I can do that
Thanks I watched it all now I have to remember where each bolt goes back
first i need to say this is the best tutorial. i used to write engineering assembly instruction 35 years ago. last time i dared to do a project like this was 25 years ago. . if i was brave enough to do it myself, i would come back and give report
+Frank Nakhai thanks I'm glad you found it helpful!
Very interesting design. I always thought these engines had a single valve cover. Also, it's nice how easy it is to inspect the timing belt. Great job as always!
+mrjost55 Thank you! Yes the inline 6 is a new design to me. Being longitudinal mounted I can imagine how much easier the timing belt job would be. This motor is legendary for Toyota...the same motor minus the turbos found in the Supra.
This is truly one of the best automotive repair videos I have ever seen! Great job! And thanks for all the info
+Tyler Wilkins Glad it helped, check out my other videos for more.
I’ve watched this video at least 40 times. I appreciate the upload a lot. Just finished doing mine on a is300 though.
Wow I'm glad it helped
How many hrs did you put on it to finish the task? My IS300 is in the workshop and the mechanic said tommorow then it will be completed. About 2 days work...
6:45, 7:03 and 15:19
Quality content right there
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Great video. I think it's worth the $400 at the mechanic for someone who is not as handy as you. However, I feel that you did so much other important services (cleaning, etc.) that I could imagine a mechanic cutting corners.
+lpwhatlp Thanks. For that very reason I wouldn't let a mechanic do this job on my car, I like the peace of mind that things have been done properly with care. This inline 6 engine isn't hard, a v6 transversely mounted like the Camry is much harder.
speedkar99 I know I'd probably mess it up. But this video has educated me to know the proper questions to ask to make sure I know that they are considering the things you highlight. Thanks again
Thank you speedkar for this vid im halfway done with the gasket and spark plug job and ik id still be battling with the intake if it wasn't for this vid. You are really the best automotive youtuber by far in my opinon i hope you have many blessings with the amount of people you have helped you truly deserve it
Thanks, I'm just in the process of replacing the water pump, thermostat, timing belt, cam seals, crank seal, VVTI o ring, belt tensioner. Whilst I was in the process I have decided to replace the spark plugs because of the work involved, but I will probably forget where everything goes, so many connectors and pipes, this will really help me to put them all back without missing any.
Glad it helped
This video is 5 years old and it just saved my life 😂 thank you so much for this, now my sportcross is running perfect
Glad it helped...didn't realize it was 5 years already!
Best 2JZ spark plug video to date great job brother keep the vids coming
Thanks
Crisfix and you are the best auto mechanic in the world.
Wow bro you covered everything! Your video was so detailed. Sometimes people only show basic things. But all I wanted to know if they sell connectors for the injectors. I applaud you for this video.
Thanks I'm glad you appreciate my work
Dude, great video. I'm misfiring on 123&5 so I'm doing this entire change out. Your video is super detailed and I really appreciate youbtaking the time to make it. It was of great help.
Thank you. I was able to follow your video step by step. Since I was replacing the valve cover gasket - did the spark plug, clean throttle body at the same time. I found 2 splark plugs flooded with old thus causing the rough idle. After the new spark plug, my GS300 is huming nicely. I think the flooded oil messed up my CAT, now I had to change out a new CAT and see. Much appreciated.
Glad it helped
Thanks for the video- I've watched it 100x! Even an non-mechanic like me can do is300 valve cover gaskets now
Thanks for putting this up! So helpful to see where all the connectors are.
I'm gonna have to change my valve cover this week and I'm re-watching this video so I know what to do. Thank you for uploading this!!!!!!!
+Huzefa Joly thanks glad it could help. I'd have to rewatch myself if I was doing this job again too!
its the little details. U know exactly what to do..simpleand effective 20 mins!! ur the man bro
Thanks. Glad it helped
Man this video helped out so much!! I appreciate people like you!! Keep doing you and don't change! More blessings to you!
Gonna change my valve buckets but needed a video that can guide the tear down before that this was extremely clear and detailed. Some videos don’t show where the bolts and screws and plugs are but you did an amazing job there. I am legit gonna write notes following your guide you legit are helping me save so much money in labor I thank you for that and wish you everything and cold pillows at nights. 😁
So little how-to info out there for the GS platform, this made life a lot easier than reading forums or going off the shitty 5-minute tutorials, thank you.
That's why I made this video.,.to help out my fellow GS and IS buddies
You guys did an excellent job in showing all the do’s and don’t s, the whole video and explanations are EXCELLENT. Thanks alot. I know this video are old.
But i just diy my Lexus gs300. Coil pack, sparkplugs&wire changed, even changed
Even changed the wiring harness.
The car runs smooth ! But after 20miles of riding, it died in the middle of the highway!!! WHAT DO YOU THINK HAPPENS???Full gas of tank.
Thanks, glad this old video can keep another 2J on the road
Man this made my MKZ valve cover look much easier. Hats off to you !
MKZ is a V6. That's probably harder since you gotta remove the rear intake
EXCELLENT video. 1. It is clear and concise with no bullshit. 2. It is well filmed and well edited. 3. It is truly helpful. 4. The thing that sets aside an excellent video from a phenomenal (this one) is that the person making the video shares with you all the fine details and tips and trick that they have learned and share that wisdom with you. KUDOS for this phenomenal video. IAs I watch it the fourth time, I am making a list of all the other parts and cleaners that I am likely to encounter when I do this repair!) Thank you, thank you thank you and my dead mother thanks you too!
When i did this repair what I found was that even though I could remove the coil pack controller plugs without damaging the tabs, THEY WERE ALL DUST -- SO BRITTLE -- AND THE WIRING LEADING TO THEM WAS ALSO IN TERRIBLE SHAPE. I replaced them all and I cut out and soldered in wire to replace the wire where the insulation was falling off from having been moved. The car has lost the hesitation it had before and there is no longer any oil on the driveway. Thanks again for your great video!
Great video. One of the best diy videos on UA-cam
Personally I found unbolting the throttle cable bracket from the throttle body to be a bit easier than taking just the cable off
Thanks I'm glad it helped.
Most detailed DIY job I've seen on youtube!
Thanks. Alot more where that came from.
I did the whole thing with this video, you made it look way easier than it really is though! Thanks brother
You are welcome. Glad it could help!
Top job. A really excellent exposition, excellent camera work and voice over, excellent presentation timing. The tips in the text are much appreciated too. You guys are the real deal. Thank-you!
+Zen Den Thanks for the kind feedback. Glad you found it helpful.
great tutorial. straight and to the point without missing anything important. this’ll come in handy with my IS!
Thank you. This video really helped. I jumped into doing my valve cover and went in unknown but this video helped me huge. I was lost trying to take off the intake
I'm glad the video helped! thanks
This is one of the best, most detailed videos out there for this job.
Thanks for the detailed video. I had a misfire on cylinder number 3. All the ignition coil clips were broken and loose.. It was very helpful to see how to replace the clips. Great job!
Thanks, yea the coil packs get brittle because of the heat cycling over time - common issue on these.
@@SuperDari89 www.amazon.com/s?k=2jz+coil+connector&crid=2L0OW1AWP1DCR&sprefix=2jz+coil%2Caps%2C170&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_8
@@19vinny91 Thank you!!
I’m deep into this rn, just removed my valve covers, this is my first repair ever, hopefully it goes good.
I hope you fixed the lex
@@Battlemaul123 I did fix the Lex :) I advise you to bring a friend if it’s your first time
*THIS IS NOT A DIY I WOULD RECOMMEND AT ALL!!! YOU'RE LITERALLY BREAKING DOWN THE ENGINE INSIDE IT'S BAY. With that said. HE'S A BEAST!*
Yep. Thanks
never opened up an engine to fix it but this definitely worked and i am suprised i did it! thank you so much u saved me so much money!
+StraightUpApple glad my video helped you many years later.
Thank you so much for showing us how to replace the broken clips!!! I didn't realize I had 2 that was broken and after seeing this video, went straight to EBay to order mine! I just got done replacing them and the amount of accomplishments and satisfaction I have now is so great!!! Thanks again!!!
I hate depinning those coil pack connectors.
We had them on hand knowing they were going to break
Alright im done lmai 12 hrs later but hey no more leaky valve cover thanks speedkar once again !
Whatsup speedkar, I have watched some of your lexus videos in the past, Some tips i learned from working on my 99 gs300 have been...
-when taking off the valve cover and noticing that sludge build up in the alleys, take close inspection and vaccum up any hard sludge or carbon deposits with a modified vacuum extension.
-can use coffee filters to clean the top of the head so there's no chance of lint.
-when moving the wiring harness take note to not lift/pull too hard as it can yank out some wiring(mainly front knock sensor)
-also i have heard that you don't have to put any anti seize if you use the correct spark plugs since they already have that zinc glaze.
Keep educating the home mechanics like myself and help people save money! "if you want something done right,do it yourself" Ain't that the truth. ✊🏼
Thank you this video made it so easy if you have all parts this job is two and half hours and that is taking time no rush and only 10 mm 12 mm 13 mm and spark plug wrench and a pick thank you made my day .
Yep. Label everything and it should be pretty smooth
I love the way you explain this step by step. Super simple. Great video.
Agree. Best DIY video on UA-cam . Hands down
Thanks! Its great that you give my video such appreciation.
Thank you so much for this video, I'm stuck on that hidden 12m nut on the manifold, didn't know how to get it with what tool? Thanks to you now I can continue working on my SC300! 💯💎😅
Glad it helped, enjoy your SC
My 2001 GS300 is dripping a couple of drops of oil now and again. After seeing this wonderful video I think I can see about replacing the two cover gaskets but with all of the work involved I think I'll wait until it's pouring out . 😜
+Alfred Lyon yea wait till get gets worse
Excellent video bruv! Saved me sooo much time on my IS300. I AM NOW SUBSCRIBED!!!
thank you for the video now I feel more confident to change my spark plugs!
+Andrew Vasquez glad it helped. All the beat on changing your plugs!
Looks like I'll have to take the week off to do the valve cover. Damn. Looks like you did it in like, less than 20 minutes. I am in need of more of your comedy relief so I subscribed :)
Thanks. It won't take a whole day
@@speedkar99 I know I'm just kidding. But you're very organized and knowledgeable. This will help me very much. This is top tear quality thank you so much for the time, effort, and editing.
Great video. Detailed and to the point. Im going to be needing this very soon.
+Johnathon Castro glad it could help!
this video is made very well. i cannot believe the details you put. well done!
+ab shah thanks I'm glad it helped.
your video are the best on youtube!
your the best man very clear video
+Nawa Alghamdi Thanks! Glad you liked it.
Best video I’ve seen. Thanks for the detailed explanation
Thank you, my 172k 2001 is now very happy and leak free!!!
excellent walkthrough. now I know what I'm getting into if I decide to do this myself.
+Cosine Alpha Thanks
Get your hands dirty, label everything and take your time. And have a spare car in case you run out of gasket maker.
No wonder this guy is a good mechanic, he has three arms!
+Research and Build haha that's my brother!
speedkar99 very sport he didn't mind you had to used his underwear and toothbrush 😂!
the underwear part is classic, i didn't see that coming. i use to do all this with the 7mgte supra. I just bought an SC300, i might do this soon.. thanks for the video...
+Raiya 111 haha yea thanks
This is so much work for spark plugs 😭 this makes the can pulley look like cake
Nah this is an inline engine it's not that difficult
Great detailed video for this. Makes me made how stupid Toyota was for building the intake this way. Having that huge plenum right over the valve cover was so ignorant. Like the engineers had never changed a set of plugs before. I wish I was as detailed as you when working on my engines lol.
Yeah but to be honest the 2jz isn't bad to work on, modern cars are way more cramped and require engine removal to change something as simple as a water pump
Awesome video straight to the point no bs
I just did this job on a 2003 IS300 and I wanted to thank you guys for the video, it was very well done. I used the long life Denso iridium plugs with the same NGK wireset. I added a little dielectric grease on the plugs before throwing the wire set on, and I used some copper gasket maker on the intake plenum gasket. Everything went great other than breaking about a thousand brittle plastic pieces inside the engine bay... haha
PS I wouldn't touch my brother's underwear
I'm glad the video helped.
This is the best video post for this job! Thank you!
You make it look easy. On my gs 430 the valve cover gasket started to leak. I gave it to my mechanic to fix. If you are inexperienced, do not try this kind of job on your own. Leave it to the experts. To the mechanic who made this video, you are definitely a pro, I would definitely bring my car you to fix. Are you in Ontario? How could someone get in touch with you,?
Yes Ontario.
Facebook.
I only work on my only cars
Great video and the towa towa also in the background 😁
Hey you recognized the bird, nice
This helped me a tonne and probably saved me even more! Thanks a lot !
+Pattttt0406 I'm glad it helped. What 2jz do you have?
That’s a really good, well documented video. Thank you for your time my man 👌
amazing editing! and still comprehensive.
Also, it'd be nice to include links to parts you used. im sure people who watched the video and need the video would purchase from links you provide.
+Miranamo thank you
Links change over time
And I don't want to be biased toward any brand
Excellent video. Well done step by step, very easy to follow. Thanks!!!
+Rick Borland thank you. Check out a few other videos for more.
Just what I needed to see man great video and awesome idea to label.! thanks!
+Nestor Macias thanks glad you found it useful
Speedkar99, Your tutorials are outstanding. You already saved me $600 by giving me the info and confidence to do the spark plugs on my wife's RX300. Can you do a video on how to repair a wire that has broken off where it goes into the connector and how to replace an old brittle connector that breaks when you try to remove it? Many thanks. Sean
Yes! I have some wiring harnesses here waiting to do a video on how a car's electronics works
Good video. I appreciate all the exact details and humor!
Your welcome! Whats humorous though?
I love this video this video really helped step-by-step it was really easy and literally took the time of the video is the time I’ve got done also thank you so much for posting this it was really helpful if you have more 2jz videos
Glad it helped!
Great video, I just replaced the gaskets. I must have not connected a plug because now my gs300 won't start., UPDATE. One of the 15 amp fuses blew causing the car to not start all better now. Must have a vacuum leak because now the car is not running very well
+Chris m Yea check all the hoses and grounds
thanks man gonna do this in the summer when its nice outside!
+John Hui all the best. Take your time and label things.
More is300 vids please!!
Oh this is gonna be fun. This is why I don't like straight 6's. Somewhere, under all that bs, is an engine.
Thorough and detailed video though.
+rust8infinite straight six longitudal is not as hard as v6 transverse
Seriously I6 is much easier to work on then a V6.
Thank you so much for the detail and attention you put into this learning experience. I love you
Welcome
Great tutorial. Getting ready to give this a try
Thanks. All the best
I've removed the valve covers and replaced the gaskets without touching the coil packs, wires and plugs. It's much simpler that way. I found nothing was in the way either. So I'm not sure why you show that step in this video other then you needed to remove them cause you were replacing them with plugs. But it should be noted that step is optional. Nice video btw.
yea you are right, he showed that step because it was part of the replacement. Even if you were only doing the gaskets it's good to inspect/clean your wires/boots since it's "so easy". Take care of you're engine and it will take care of you.
dang! nice job cleaning up that engine guys!
+DarkKnight 810 thank you
It wasn't easy
You are a lifesaver brother
This is great. Thanks for the hard work.
+Luis Alis glad it help
This video FTW! Good ass video. I've been inspired brotha!!
Great video man, helped out a lot!
+Jamare Ross Glad you found it useful.
Good detailed video and you are not being cheap doing it either :) thanks
Excellent tutorial. You make the complex seem simple. Step by step and very detailed. I can see this is not your first rodeo. Did you work for Lexus?
+Matt Keefe thanks
I don't work for Lexus (I wish I did hah) but I do work on a lot of Toyota and Lexus cars myself
and he did it in dunks too a legend
A mechanic wouldn't do all that..good job.
+tracy powell That's true. Thanks
im searching for someone to this work to my GS
+tracy powell Your best bet is an independent mechanic. Big shops who do volume jobs won't be as meticulous
one place gave me a estimate of 900...no way!
You were VERY CLOSE to it a Couple of Times Towards the End when Putting on the Throttle Body. Even Right Next to it when talking about the small vacuum Lines that go on the Throttle Body , And really putting the Throttle Body Cable back On .But You NEVER Changed the PCV VALVE? Oh Well I have done the same with different parts I saw bad while taking stuff apart,then forgot about it when putting everything back! All in All Great Video,After Trying to Squeeze it All in Without a Part #2! Maybe After another 265,000 Miles You can do the PVC right! Take Care!
+herculesx Thanks glad you liked the video. And yes we did skip the PCV valve on this one.
Very thorough video.
Thanks
Thanks
Your brothers old underwear😂😂 great work guys keep up the good work!!
Haha
Gotta use what I can!!
Hugh thanks man. Great job
I like how he replaced the part by putting the old one back =) lol
🙈
You are good mechanic..!! Thanks for the info
+bong007able Glad you enjoyed it. I'm not a mechanic though...I'm an engineer.
your brother's toothbrush 🪥 😄 🤣
nice video dudes!