Just got my new valve covers (pic)
09-30-2009, 07:19 AM
#42
I checked mine @60k: front bank was clean -- rear bank had oil in all three plug tubes.
Had my rear Cover changed under warranty by Nissan, but they did it with the 02-03 valve cover.
Ill likely be back in there again in less than two years.
FYI - this did NOT fix my oil consumption issue. Go figure.
gr
Had my rear Cover changed under warranty by Nissan, but they did it with the 02-03 valve cover.
Ill likely be back in there again in less than two years.
FYI - this did NOT fix my oil consumption issue. Go figure.
gr
09-30-2009, 07:38 AM
#45
09-30-2009, 07:56 AM
#47
I argued with Nissan for over a year, and the best I got was a free valve-cover replacement and a cylinder compression test, + a one year warranty extension.
Overall, I'm still worried about the long-term consequences of losing THAT much oil, and where it's going in the system.
But in general, aside from annoying things like brake judder every 15k miles -- I can't REALLY complain too much about this car.
It's been good for the past 7 yrs and 75k miles.
I'm hoping to get a few more years out of her!
gr
Overall, I'm still worried about the long-term consequences of losing THAT much oil, and where it's going in the system.
But in general, aside from annoying things like brake judder every 15k miles -- I can't REALLY complain too much about this car.
It's been good for the past 7 yrs and 75k miles.
I'm hoping to get a few more years out of her!
gr
09-30-2009, 08:36 AM
#49
Don't forget to order the GASKET for both...doesn't come incl. with the covers.
gr
**But the PCV Valve DOES come with the Cover!**
Last edited by ghostrider17; 10-03-2009 at 03:43 AM.
10-02-2009, 11:32 PM
#50
Replacing both valve covers for a 2002 maxima, it's as simple as removing/disconnecting all the harnesses on the intake manifold upper collector then lifting up the upper collector off the engine. Then just removing the coil packs, spark plugs and remove and replace the valve covers. Am I missing anything? I'd take a poke at doing this myself and taking photos along the way.
10-03-2009, 03:46 AM
#51
Replacing both valve covers for a 2002 maxima, it's as simple as removing/disconnecting all the harnesses on the intake manifold upper collector then lifting up the upper collector off the engine. Then just removing the coil packs, spark plugs and remove and replace the valve covers. Am I missing anything? I'd take a poke at doing this myself and taking photos along the way.
However, I watched my Nissan Tech do it FOR me, and I was glad I didn't do it meself.
Could I have done it? Yes - did I WANT to, no!! ;-)
Take your time, and make SURE you pay attention to what hoses/harnesses go where, and you SHOULD be fine!
gr
10-03-2009, 06:15 AM
#52
has anyone weighed the old ones and the new ones? I think the 6th gen's are a bit heavier. ie slightly thicker plastic than the 5th gen ones and less prone to cracking. The 5th gen ones crack on the inside allowing oil into the plug area, it isn't only the plug grommet that is different
10-03-2009, 02:43 PM
#55
yes they are almost $100 cheaper, well that was in 2007
the part numbers for the 2004 valve covers are in the first post of this thread.
11-19-2009, 10:31 PM
#58
First of all why would you have to replace a VQ30DE-K VC they're made of aluminum...And the spark plugs seals can be purchased with a V/C gasket set, or separately! Help me understand your what you're trying to do?
11-19-2009, 11:22 PM
#60
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,044
and what do you do with that...? plug it?
as im sure you know....there not made out of tupperwear plastic.
jake
jake
11-20-2009, 12:45 PM
#61
Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 96
First of all why would you have to replace a VQ30DE-K VC they're made of aluminum...And the spark plugs seals can be purchased with a V/C gasket set, or separately! Help me understand your what you're trying to do?
The plugs # 4 and 6 had a lot of oil when I changed them last month, and I was wondering what to do?
If that is the way to go, can someone tell me ( is there a write up) on how to change VC gaskets and the plugs seals on a 2000.
Thanks
11-20-2009, 03:21 PM
#62
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,044
You mean I only need to buy the VC gasket and spark plugs seals for my 2000 SE?
The plugs # 4 and 6 had a lot of oil when I changed them last month, and I was wondering what to do?
If that is the way to go, can someone tell me ( is there a write up) on how to change VC gaskets and the plugs seals on a 2000.
Thanks
The plugs # 4 and 6 had a lot of oil when I changed them last month, and I was wondering what to do?
If that is the way to go, can someone tell me ( is there a write up) on how to change VC gaskets and the plugs seals on a 2000.
Thanks
11-20-2009, 04:03 PM
#63
Yes you can do it in your driveway. Get a haynes manual and you should be fine.
11-20-2009, 05:54 PM
#64
Removing the VC's should be easy if one can remove the uim. There's a lot more stuff to deal with removing the uim. Once it's out of the way the VC should be straight forward. Just make sure the surfaces are clean with no gasket material left behind b4 installing the new one. Do be carefull scraping-it's aluminum.
11-22-2009, 04:00 PM
#68
this thread is mean for 02-03 maximas. in case you didnt know you ahve the same body but different engine. 02-03's have 3.5l and you have a 3.0l so your valve covers are different. and if you are getting oil in your sparks then I would get new covers but I dont know for sure never had that problem with my 97 or 96.
You mean I only need to buy the VC gasket and spark plugs seals for my 2000 SE? Yes
The plugs # 4 and 6 had a lot of oil when I changed them last month, and I was wondering what to do? Need V/c gasket set
If that is the way to go, can someone tell me ( is there a write up) on how to change VC gaskets and the plugs seals on a 2000.
Thanks
The plugs # 4 and 6 had a lot of oil when I changed them last month, and I was wondering what to do? Need V/c gasket set
If that is the way to go, can someone tell me ( is there a write up) on how to change VC gaskets and the plugs seals on a 2000.
Thanks
Sarcasism I hope?
I saw that everyway I looked 10 yrs ago....one day they will have plastic engine blocks!
12-18-2009, 01:53 PM
#69
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Covington, GA
Posts: 63
Just got rear valve cover, gasket and plenum gasket from DAVEB. Planning on changing the plugs while in there(155k miles). Anything else to check or replace while in there? The vc gasket/seal is like an o-ring/rubber material. I assume it doesn't need rtv like the old paper type gaskets from the 70's musclecars I grew up with? If any one has any tips or suggestions please offer them. I plan on starting this on monday. I am off for the next 2 weeks so I figured I would tackle this myself.
04-26-2010, 08:09 AM
#70
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 9
Glad I found this thread last week when my '03 SE had oil in the rear plug nearest driver side. I just hit 100K and decided to do some much needed maint and plugs were on the list. The oil find was a kick in the teeth for a few minutes until I came into Maxima.org and found I was not alone. It was nice to know the '04 cover fits the '03 without a problem and I can confirm, it certainly does. The Nissan dealer parts counter blinked twice at me when I asked for an 04 part while my 03 was sitting outside. They never tried to steer me off of buying the 04 which also led me to believe that they knew that I knew about their little "scam". It is about a $90 difference. I had no oil issue in the front bank of spark plugs so I left the cover as is. Other than the big cloud of oil smoke at startup, the fix/replace of the valve cover was pretty smooth and straight forward. Not as easy as my old 4 cyl VW/Honda/Acura Integra days but well within reach of the slightly more than casual mechanic.
05-10-2010, 07:53 AM
#74
thanks suratt for your pm response. however, there was a post on this thread saying the gaskets DON'T come with the valve covers. i'm confused...
05-10-2010, 07:55 AM
#75
05-10-2010, 08:00 AM
#77
10-14-2010, 08:18 PM
#80
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 601
just changed the coils yesterday and found oil again in one of the tubes and little in another one with the 6th gen covers.
Start to think this is from blow by. I just put some good silicone around the seal in between te cover and tube. Let's see if that holds for more than a year
Just something to think about as i don't think anyone rechecked it after the swap
Start to think this is from blow by. I just put some good silicone around the seal in between te cover and tube. Let's see if that holds for more than a year
Just something to think about as i don't think anyone rechecked it after the swap