So, I was changing my spark plugs on Saturday and as soon as got to cylinder 5, there was a cr@pload of oil in the chamber. The source of the leak wasn't obvious at all. I was thinking the gasket and called the dealer, who stated that there is only a valve cover gasket and if i wanted to fix the leak, i would most likely have to buy a whole new valve cover. I panicked a little bit at first and then decided to put some balck RTV on the inside of the rubber gasket that goes around the spark plug chamber as well as on the outside of the chamber where it meets the valve body. It seemed like it could leak from there because it was one metal wedged into the other. I also hammered on the chamber a little bit (by using a wooden block, of course) to seat it in further, in case it wasn't. I put everything back together and the car is running fine. Then later that night i discovered that multiple people ahve had this issue and replaced their valve covers altogether. Now, my question to people who replace the valve covers: Has anyone pulled the coil out a few weeks later and see if it's dry ot not? I drove the car for about 40 miles and checked it, and so far it was dry. I guess i'll have to drive it for a couple more weeks and check it again.

I just resealed mine, hopefully all is good. Have not check yet again.

Here's some good info concerning this top:


http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=517370

Just swapped out my plugs at 90k and, although I was expecting it, had no oil seapage in any of the plug chambers.

Already read this. Nice write up, but doesn't really answer my question whether replacing the valve cover actually fixes the leak.

The same thing happened to me when replacing the plugs in exactly the same #5 chamber. I replaced the valve cover, the cover's gasket and the lower intake metal gasket. I also replaced the plugs with NGKs one step colder (PLFR6A-11) to avoid knocking. The parts guy at the stealership told me that the PCV valve gets clogged and that's why the seals fail. When you buy a new rear cover, it comes with a new
PCV already installed. He also told me that the valve covers have been redesigned (whatever that means) and superseded for a new part number.

that isn't making much sense. how long agon did you replace the valve cover? have you tried pulling the coil from plug 5 to see if it's dry since?

I haven't checked yet. I have heard it cures the leak and Dave B said he has never heard of the replacement not working. And he deals with this issue alot.

Always make sure to order the A34 (6th Gen) valve cover because it's a fraction of the price of the A33B cover, as mentioned in the how-to.

I did it about 3 weeks ago and no, I haven't checked if it's leaking again but I don't care b/c it's my ex-wife's car.

Thanks go to SR20 for that little tip.

Yeah, I saw that. Thanks guys! I guess I'll keep cheking mine and see if it starts leaking again.