MDeezy

iTrader: (27)

I own a 4th gen and arent too familiar with the 3rd gen but curious how many have replaced the valve cover gaskets, how much parts was and the amount of time for labor?

I am looking into purchasing a 91, and it will need that repaird as well as "exhaust flange gasket." Which I assume is just the gasket for the header. Hopefully that isnt a tough task but if the headers are hard to get to on a 4rd gen like a 4th gen (atleast the rear) then it may prove to be a challenge.

The car isnt for me. . (although I could use a beater)...

Greeny

iTrader: (43)

The may be able to get away with just tightening the screws that hold the covers on...Sometimes this works,sometimes not....

If they do need replaced,the gaskets should be got from the dealer or our resident parts ***** http://internetautomart.com/ to ensure you are getting the correct parts.

You will have to remove the intake manifold and a few other parts to access the covers...You will also need to get a intake gasket since you will be removing the intake..

If the exhaust is leaking where the exhaust manifold meet the heads then it is very likely it has broken exhaust studs...these are a big pita to replace...

MDeezy

iTrader: (27)

I see. Since I would be purchasing this vehicle with this problem who knows how long it has gone one for so I'll just replace the gaskets. the Intake manifold doesnt appear too complexed or to many vaccum lines but I would assume the install would be much less painless if I mark what I disconnected and where it goes. But this is an semi-educated assumption based off of pics I've seen of the 91's engine bay.

I hope I dont have to replace the stuts on the headers because that would be a pain in the a_ _ if there is very limited space. I'm hoping the gasket is just junk, or its not bolted down properly or something.



So what I'm looking at probably a full day of work replacing the valve cover gaskets and exhaust gaskets?

Greeny

iTrader: (43)

Not sure It is hard to say how long it would take,it all depends on your mechanical experience...

MDeezy

iTrader: (27)

I have a good bit of experience and knowlege. knowlege specific to the 3rd gens may be limited but general knowlege is up there.

Greeny

iTrader: (43)

Well you live kinda close to me...[i am in middle tn.] if you get in a spot and need a hand,give a yell..

MDeezy

iTrader: (27)

thanks I shall

I gotta negotiate with this guy to a decent price.

Sevorg1

If you only need to replace the rear valve cover gasket its easy. No need to take off the intake manifold if you are only replacing the rear!!!! too easy

MDeezy

iTrader: (27)

I hope its the rear. I'm not too sure. I'm going to assume I'll need to change both but will have to examine if/when I get the car.

wawa92gxe

iTrader: (1)

The rear is very easy and straight.
The front one, you need to take off the upper intake planum and distributor. There is one screw almost impossible to reach unless with the distributor off.
Have fun.

MrGone

iTrader: (30)

easy peasy


since it's a VG the rear one is cake. on VE's/VQ's you need to pull the upper intake. To do the front one on the VG you have to remove the intake but it's not bad at all. Clean the valve covers and gasket surfaces before installing the new gaskets and you are good to go.

IMHO it's easier to do the valve covers on a VG than a VE, but it's also more common on the VG's.

mtcookson

iTrader: (2)

Definitely change the valve cover gaskets. I had to attempt changing some from a Z31 300ZX and once they get hard... you're almost better off buying another set of covers. They nearly bond themselves to the metal of the cover making them a very tedious task getting them out.

If they are still pliable, take them out and put new ones in. You definitely will not regret it down the road if you have to work on them again.

MDeezy

iTrader: (27)

Ok the guy has taken down his listing for the car and hasnt responded to my messages. It was a 91 for $300. I have my 4th gen, but my girl needs a decent cheap car for a little while. Plus it being a Max I can check up on there and get additional info if needed.

We'll the search continues. I just pulled the valve cover gaskets on the VQ and it wasnt too bad, but a lot has to be pulled out of the way. the rear was much more involving than the front, but still not a big headache. I failed to mention I was doing this on a spare motor in my garage so I guess the motor being out of the car is a large bonus

MrGone

iTrader: (30)

valve covers = easy

$300, straight body and runs, grab it

MDeezy

iTrader: (27)

someone beat me to it. It was in good shape except for the valve cover and exhaust flange gasket.

Damn . . .

Dying 89 Maxima

Gotta respond to this one.

While it's not an ideal fix, try tightening the valve covers! It took me a while to figure out that Nissan kept them on with simple phillips head screws.

When I took my screwdriver to tighten them down, some of the screws were able to be moved TWO turns, maybe a bit more. For a part that keeps your car from leaking oil like crazy, eh, that makes me a hypocrite.....

Greeny

iTrader: (43)

Check post #2...

internetautomar

iTrader: (30)

he needs to get his 15 posts in, at least it was a useful post