98 Maxima won't start after replacing rear valve cover gasket
 

After replacing the rear valve cover gasket the Maxima wont start properly. It cranks then the idle jumps up and down and then the car dies. any ideas? my though is something with the throttle body since I removed it from the intake.

Did you replace the upper intake manifold gasket, or are you re using the old one.

Suspect a vacuum leak of some kind.

the uim gasket is first on the list. Perhaps a hose clamp isnt tight enough.

The throttle body might need tightening.

did you replace the gasket between the uim door handle tube and the uim.

Yeah I reused the UIM gasket and I assume that is causing an issue. I am going to take it off again and pinpoint the issue tomorrow

The problem is that that gasket needs to be replaced. It leaks air.

Sorry for hi-jack the thread. I currently have intake manifold off and my rebuilt injectors are in mail. So before I am putting everything together. Just curious that how many of you have reused the old UIM gasket without any problem?

Consider the pita involved if you need to replace it a second time. What is your time and back ache worth to you. Do you feel lucky?

Alright, sounds like I will need to get a new gasket. Do you guys use any sealant on the gasket?

It's installed dry. No sealant.

Never! Basic mechanics

Most people disconnect the cam positioning sensor to give a little more slack just double sure everything plugged in try that first.

Never worth the risk of using used gaskets.. if you went through the trouble of taking it all apart, save yourself the peace of mind and get new gaskets. As mentioned above, double check you plugged everything back in.

So turns out it was the EGR tube gasket that was missing, replaced that and it ran beautiful

Yeah thats what I was going to suggest was look at the egr tube gasket. Although you should replace the UIM gasket sometines you can get away with it if its in a good enough shape and it shouldnt cause starting problems at all.

That's the door handle tube gasket I mentioned

Good to hear that your car runs well now.

Enjoy.....

Glad you got that sorted out.

ah didn't realize that, thanks for solving it

Congrats...