Engine runs well. Small leak on 3.0 driver side rear that looks like it is coming from the valve cover, but could also be from the HG.
I am pretty sure it is the valve cover that is leaking as I would expect a decrease in power and mixed fluids if the HG blew.
Just for my piece of mind, will the head gasket leak like this?? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />

What brand of gaskets work best for these engines??

I would guess the head gasket would leak coolant rather than oil on the outside since the coolant passages are closer to the outer edge. Theoretically, the oil could snake a path through the head gasket material w/o touching the coolant, but it is much more likely that the two would mix (as you mentioned) causing white smoke, loss of power, loss of coolant, etc. First thing I would do is see if you can exactly pinpoint where the leak is. If not, I would replace the valve cover gasket and go from there (Felpro gaskets seem to work fine IMO). A thin bead of RTV on either side of the valve gasket will help ensure your leak doesn't reappear.

you could always run a little dye in your motor to make certain it is leaking from the valve covers?

have you checked your oil level? are you low?

I had a camshaft cover bolt that was stripped and worn out that caused a very similar leak. Went to 2 mechanics and they couldn't fix as the hole was in the block itself. Took it to a third place and they just used a longer bolt, tightened it up and have had no leak since.

mike

i replaced both valve cover gaskets earlier this year. my leak was mostly on the pass side. i used toyota gaskets. i also replaced the cam seals. you'll need the plenum gasket too as that has to come off to get to the valve covers.

now i am facing a headgasket repair and i can tell you there isnt an oil leak. there isnt any oil in the coolant either. just blowing a little smoke during engine warmup.

Thanks for your replies. The oil level is good still, it's been over three weeks since I've had the 4runner and haven't had to add oil. I'm pretty sure it is the valve cover or the oil cooler or a combo of the two. I just didn't know where the oil passages were in the block, if they were close to the edge then an oil leak would be possible, but since I have no other symptoms, I think I'm o.k. I'll change the valve cover and oil cooler gaskets when I get back from float.