97MaximaSE97

iTrader: (3)

I had my minor service done today at the Nissan dealership. They found that my front engine cover is leaking oil. They said that it would be 1800 do do the job which involves getting new o rings valve seals and all that. During all the guys technical talk I was thinking (I can get a used low milage engine for like 600 bucks). My question is, is it worth it to perform that service or get a used engine? Will a will the Vq30de-k engine work with no problems on a 98?

njmodi

iTrader: (4)

Do you mean the timing chain cover? Not sure what you mean by the front engine cover..

The DEK will work fine.

Mxrider52

iTrader: (8)

Haha what a rip off. There no way it cost anywhere near that. It probably like 100-200 parts. Do it yourself. Go get another quote from a local mechanic

DcMaN

iTrader: (13)

do you mean the timing cover ? Cuz the front of our car is really the side. And they will have to pull the motor i believe .

97MaximaSE97

iTrader: (3)

They called it the front engine cover I guess it may be the timing cover. Then they went on to say something about the aluminum cover and a whole bunch of weird mumbo jumbo they said its a huge job but I dunno I'll take the car around and see if they say the same thing. Are the DEK's all cali spec or are there any fedral specs out there?

njmodi

iTrader: (4)

Sounds like the timing chain cover is leaking based on ^^^^.... the aluminum, etc. make it clear that it's the timing chain cover.

Ridge Runner

Like the others, I'm not sure what you mean. If they mentioned valve seals, sounds like oil leaking into the cylinders. Do you see smoke in the exhaust, especially after idling? Does your car use oil (have to add weekly)? If not, does your engine drip oil on the driveway? Depending on what it is, you may want to wait to get it fixed. $1800 sounds okay for a complete head overhaul, but way to high for a timing chain cover.

97MaximaSE97

iTrader: (3)

They told me its the whole head. Most of the parts inside need to be replace like the o rings and something to do with the pistons and all that. Yeah so do you guys think its worth it to have them fix up the engine or just get another one and install it. I may go to another Nissan service center since non of them are linked together and see if they find the same thing.

Ridge Runner

If the timing cover is leaking oil, I know the FSM instructions for replacing the timing chain involve stripping a lot off the engine, like the valve covers, P/S pump, AC, etc. This is labor intensive and I have heard estimates of $800 to $1200 to do it.

Does anyone know if you can pull the front timing cover without removing the valve covers, just to replace the RTV sealant? If I've eliminated the rear valve cover gasket as the source of the leak, is the timing chain cover the next logical place to look?

The oil drips from the oil pressure sending unit, but I can see it dripping from the rear exhaust manifold near the front of the engine after the car has been parked.

cardana24

iTrader: (81)

this is the same leak I had and it was infact the timing chain cover. If you pull the passenger side axle out of the tranny (catch the fluid or drain tranny before you do this), you should be able to see it. I paid a shop to fix the leak, and they had to pull the motor.

Tim96I30t

iTrader: (2)

If it was me, and my motor had alot of miles, get a new engine(used of course). Why pay a $1000 to fix an old motor, when you can take that money and get new one installed somewhere else. Might cost a little more but very close, depending on how much you pay for the engine and install.

Ridge Runner

I think my next step is to snug down any nut or bolt I can get a socket on and see if that helps. When I replaced the valve cover gasket there were two bolts on the back that were only finger tight.

If that doesn't do it, I will probably pull the timing chain cover myself and fix it. It will take time but I know this engine's history, and I would hate to discard it for a small oil leak.

Blackwind

iTrader: (9)

take a pic. its probaly the VALVE cover. its a common problem on maximas. but most people ignore it.