Boatingnyc

Hi -
I only have 70k miles on my 98 maxima yet my mechanic said I need both valve cover gaskets replaced. What are some of the signs of a bad gasket cover I can check fo ? As I have no oil leaks nor any overheating problems. Is this common with only 70k miles.. As the car is in mint condition but 25 years old. Also what would be the typical cost replacement work and parts .. As he said its a lot of hours to replace both of them.. Also what are the best valve covers gaskets to get?

Thanks in advance

chrome91

iTrader: (1)

Bad valvecover gaskets wont cause overheating, they will usually cause oil leaks down the heads to the block or leak into the spark plug tube and soak the plugs in oil. Mileage doesn't really matter either, its rubber that's subjected to cold/hot cycles that will inevitably wear out and cause leaks

If he said there's no oil whatsoever on the heads or spark plug tubes that would be odd, but if you can't see any oil leaks on the ground there is potential for leaks still as the oil could just be gunking up on the block. I would ask your mechanic specifically why he's saying they need replacement.

Boatingnyc

Thoughts ?

chrome91

iTrader: (1)

That's just gunk and sweat that can be washed away, if its not leaving drips or much further I wouldn't necessarily worry about it. Usually valve cover gasket leaks are more visible when you hoist the vehicle and look up at the side of the block vs the top though

battlestylespl

iTrader: (2)

also, the reason why it is timely is because the whole upper plenum needs to be removed to do the rear one. mine in my '99 were like a rock when I changed them 2 years ago. it's a pita job to do but it is worth it. im sure your plenum gasket is rock solid too.

aq12

When my rear valve cover gasket needed replacing, I recall seeing some oil drippings roughly by the firewall area after leaving the car parked overnight. Also at stop lights, i would see some smoke coming from underneath the hood close to the wind shield. I would argue that you are not due just yet for a valve cover replacement and hold off on it until you start seeing more severe symptoms (burning smell at stop lights, smoke coming from the fire wall or radiator area, unusual oil consumption).

Or take the initiative and do the work yourself lol, save yourself some $ and spend some time learning about your car. This site has plenty of information to do the job yourself