How to distinguish the camshaft cover of Toyota Prado?

[LeMila]

For the camshaft cover, the intake is marked with I, and the exhaust is marked with E. It is forged from high-quality carbon steel or alloy steel, or cast from alloy cast iron or ductile iron. The journal and cam working surfaces are polished after heat treatment.

[AlexRose]

I once pondered this when disassembling a Prado engine - the camshaft covers actually have distinct physical differences. The intake and exhaust side covers have slightly different shapes, which can be distinguished by carefully observing the edge curvature. Each cover is die-cast with raised letter markings, such as "I" for intake and "E" for exhaust, located near the screw holes. During installation, they must follow the factory sequence. I usually mark the covers with numbers using a marker pen on the side, counting from 1 to 8 starting at the timing chain end. If the markings are worn, check the depth of the gasket groove on the back - the exhaust side grooves are shallower. Finally, remember to torque the bolts in three stages, otherwise the aluminum covers may deform and cause oil leaks.