HI everyone,
I need to go and order some gaskets for my 96 Maxima today, and I need some help. My Maxima was/is leaking so I dropped it off at the shop yesterday to have it repaired. The first leak (and largest) was the PS pump, which has been replaced, but there is some oil leaking. So he instructed me to order the gaskets (I get a discount at the dealer). He said the valve covers are leaking, and so is the oil pan. I did some searching here and I found that the oil pan is two parts? What gaskets do I need there? Also does Nissan sell a valve cover gasket kit, like Napa does, it includes the two VC gaskets, spark plug gaskets, and some other gaskets? The mechanic also said that I needed a plenium gasket for the rear VC because that needs to be removed. So can anyone point me in the right direction as far as what gaskets I should order? Also are Nissan's gaskets the best, or is the aftermarket better, like Fel-Pro?

Thanks,
Zack

 

You may want to have him do a little further investigation on the source of the leak. You may have the dreaded rear timing cover to block o-ring leak.

As for the gaskets, use the Nissan ones if you get the discount. Upper oil pan uses o-rings as well as silicone. Lower is silicone only. Get the upper plenum gasket, valve covers, and don't forget the spark plug tube seals.

 

Use this site and study the pics. You'll find what you need:

http://nissan4u.com/parts/maxima/