Hey everyone,

Infiniti i30 1996 v6

So while I was re-threading my spark plug and installing new spark plugs I noticed oil was leaking onto the spark plugs and ignition coil. I figured it was just a leaky valve gasket or spark plug seal tube but I didn't have the time to fix that. So I took it to a mechanic that is well rated on yelp and nearby. I told him there was oil in two (both rear and front) spark plug chambers. He said (before looking at it) that I would have to change the valve gaskets and the whole valve cover pricing to about $650 which I couldn't believe. He said that you have to replace ALL of those things. I didn't believe it.

Is this true that I can't just replace the gasket?

 

Gotta yank the intake manifold, which can take quite a bit of time.

If it was easy, everyone on here would've done it themself.

 

I understand that the total work might be around $200-300, but he was saying I have to replace both valve covers pricing them at $160 each

I don't mind replacing the spark plug gaskets and valve cover gaskets, but why the actual valve covers? He was saying you can't just replace the gasket.

 

$160 in parts is too much.

You don't want to try and tackle it yourself?

You can get the parts cheap off of Rock Auto.

 

You can buy the valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals in a set for about $50 at a local auto store. As far as your mechanic, he's either ripping you off or doesn't know the car well. For the the 4th gen Maxima, you shouldn't need new valve covers, unless say you dropped them and they got bent bad. A gasket set should be enough, and shouldn't take him more than 3-4 hours if he's fairly experienced with the job.

 

absolutely no need for new valve covers....

 

He is confusing the VQ30 with the VQ35. The 4th gen with VQ30 does not need new valve covers, just the gaskets. Its not exactly quick, not sure what the flat rate is though.

 

I would say $250-400 max if not a little more.. would be fair for both valve gaskets, my mechanic did Timing chain covers( my main leak) both valve gaskets, new oil pan, new knock sensor, new oil, for $800, the real deal was the timing chain cause I know that job is not cheap anywhere else.. No leaks no more. Also cleaned out the engine bay for me cause it was dirty, dusty and a lot of oil.. Did a fantastic job. Labor here is 80$ an hr for mechanic work and 38$ for body work..so it ain't cheap anywhere you go.. They all have different finish times for the work.. Most of them go by what the computer says

 

This.

Apparently new 3.5 VCs from Nissan are about $160 each now. I remember them being a lot cheaper back in the day.

Try to explain that to him and supply a Felpro front/rear gasket set which usually comes with everything needed for the job for about $40.

 

Find another mechanic. This one is either lying, stupid, or both.

 

you can't expect every mechanic to know everything about every engine in every car. Like the above said, buy a gasket set, tell him politely and ask him for a new quote. If he doesn't want to do it that way then take it to another mechanic.

 

Did my valve cover gasket, intake gasket, plugs, and throttle body gasket all at once, shouldve done the coils too but the valve cover set was like 60ish if i remember, but 160 a bank aint bad w/ labor/parts included and he could do all that along the way barely any extra work..

 

My mechanic did mine in under 2 hours...

 

This.

He just confused the engine with the 3.5 or something else. Maybe he gave you a "worst case scenario" quote of having to change the covers out also. Not every mechanic is a liar and a cheat. He gets calls all day from people looking for work done, how can you expect him to take the time to inspect your car if you're just looking for a quote? Quotes are ballpark prices, if you want him to inspect the car, I'm sure he will do it for a fee.

You don't have agree to any work you don't want to get done. If you feel like you only want to change the gasket; pay him to only change the gasket. It is not hard. Probably wont get any type of warranty if he thinks it will leak again though.