[Bretts]

I have a left over bolt from replacing the rear valve cover gasket on my wife's 3.5l sienna, any idea where this guy goes? I remember removing it and seeing the grey sealer on the bottom of the bolt and going "hmm interesting" but no idea where it came from. It's very clean. I thought it was the last 12mm of the valve cover, but I have a bolt installed there. Did I mix this bolt up with another bolt? This is where taking pictures each step is important.. it took so long to remove the rear valve cover I had to leave it over night! :O

link of said bolt

 

[BillG]

Unfortunately, this is a hazard of DIYing jobs like this. Also unfortunately, the last post I read like this resulted in the guy unable to figure out what the problem was and trying to start it anyway. He had a wrong bolt someplace and an extra bolt left over. When he started it, the wrong bolt ended up blowing out and getting pulled into the cylinder, destroying the engine. Lastly unfortunately, you're going to have to break down the entire job again and make sure you get everything back where it goes. Being as long as it is, with sealant on the bottom, I would guess it's a water pump gasket. However, to me, it's just a bolt. As a helpful hint for the next time, get a GoPro clamp-on flex mount and a cellphone holder to attach to it and hit record when you start a job. Get in the habit of narrating the removal of each fastener, holding it up to the camera as you go. If ever you need to refer back, you'll have the video.

 

[bencahill]

I would recommend watching videos on YouTube of people that have done similar jobs. Maybe you will find the answer in less time than it would take to re-do everything. Search for 2GR-FE as well to find videos of the same engine in other models.

 

[Bretts]

I've watched videos and reviewed the FSM and I think what I did was I put the exact same sized bolt (that also had a small washer) into the valve cover instead of this bolt. So the real question is where does that same sized bolt with a washer go? I don't think it is a valve cover bolt, but holds something on top of the cover on.

Here is the FSM: 2GR-FE Bank 1'

I figured it out. I did confuse it with a different bolt. See attached picture -- both bolts are the same length, one goes into the valve cover and the other goes directly into the head, for whatever reason.

THE MISTAKE