Hey guys I just finished replacing my spark plugs. I got a nice surprise when I pulled 2 of the rear coils. They were covered in oil. There was a little oil down in the spark plug hole also. Looks like to me there is a bad seal around the valve cover where the spark plug hole is. Does this sounds about right? That's the only thing I would think it would be. I guess the only way to fix this is to replace the valve cover???? Any help is appreciated.

 

never really seen something like that on rear bank, I do find oil around front VC gasket, mostly due to ignorant people who spill oil that goes under 3.5 cover even a few AEs.
Ultra rare case was switching bolts off engine cover w/ headlamp bolts and over tightened front engine cover, cracking VC by the metal threaded insert for cover on top of VC.

 

I experienced the same thing but it was only on the rear center plug. No oil on plug, just the chamber. For the time being I just cleaned it up and made sure all bolts were torque to spec. Haven't checked it since and it hasn't affected the way the Max runs, but will research further. Any thoughts welcomed.

UPDATE: Found some info on the rear valve cover gasket at jerryromenissan.com. For the 2002-03 it is part number 132708J102. Also found something about a "spark plug tube seal". It carries a caveat of "up to 04-2002". Will have to check my FSM.

Pedro

 

this sound like just a bad rear VC gasket, kinda a pain to replace but not to difficult, time consuming for sure.

 

Yep it sounds like it's the "spark plug tube seal".

 

Do you guys have any tricks for removing the rear plugs on the 3.5L engine? (or is it just to remove the upper intake manifold).

 

Well, I am going to order the valve cover gasket and spark plug seals. Will see if I can schedule to do this after the Thanksgiving weekend.

Here is a link to instructions on changing the plugs on the 3.5 engine. Just make sure you have the right tools and take your time. Double, triple check your work before starting the engine.

http://home.nc.rr.com/acbradley/2002a.htm


Pedro

 

Thats a nice link...its my site but someone else directions.

Just wondering if you guys had any tricks or cheats to add.

 

The hardest part is the two bolts that support the manifold from the back. They are a PITA to get loose. Positioning the manifold to get to each plug requires a careful touch. I used a small piece of wood (2x4X6), wrapped in heavy duty plastic (link free towel works better) and had the manifold sit on this while I worked on the plugs. Each plug requires you to move the manifold in a different position to reach them. So the 2x4 (or anything for that matter) was useful in positioning the manifold and not damaging anything.

Pedro

 

Ya, the easiest trick would be that you are still under warranty. Don't forget the 5/60.

 

Warranty does not cover plug changes.

 

The thread is actually about a leaking valve cover...

 

...that he noticed while changing the spark plugs...actually.

 

Yes indeed. I was trying to point out that the warranty comment was directed at the leaking valve cover.. not at getting the spark plugs replaced...(but maybe I misinterpreted).

 

Please continue.