I'm about to have my trusted mechanic work on my 03 Max for the 1st time since I bought it. I'm going to have him replace the front pads/rotors, to fix the vibration problem and change the spark plugs. I know these are easy items to fix but for me buying my own parts and having them put on is just as satisfying as doing it myself at this stage in my life. My question though, generally which cylinder(s) were leaking, for you guys who experienced the oil leaks. Also, from reading other posts on the subject, did replacing just the down shoot tube gaskets fix the problem or was it better to just buy new valve covers from an 04 Max? Currently I have 51,500 miles on the meter, I'm not losing any oil but I want to be prepared in case some cylinders have oil in them. Thanks everyone for any input you can provide.

 

Consensus seems to point to the 6th gen valve covers.

 

From what I've heard changing the spark plugs is a little more difficult on the 3.5 The whole upper intake has to be removed to get to them. Can anybody verify this?

 

Yes, the upper intake manifold has to be removed to get to the rear bank plugs.

 

Btw, here's a valve cover replacement thread:

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=390304

And a write up for coils/plugs replacement:

http://www.greghome.com/Greg's%20Gar...eplacement.htm


(I really need to fix all those dead links in the Stickies.)

 

I don't see the downside other than a mess of having oil in the tube, it won't short out the plug and get into the cylinder. As big as the coil boot is not much gets in anyway. Mine has that problem on the two toward the firewall and trans whats that like 3 and 5 or something.

 

It can if theres enought of it, last time i did my plugs the entire plug was coverd in oil, top to bottom....

 

It's only covered top and bottom because you pulled it out. While it's in there not that much oil will even get on the plugs.

 

There's really no risk involved as long as the oil doesn't have water in it (which it shouldn't). The oil is sealed above the spark plug which is why most never see any adverse affects.

 

So in preparation of my intake manifold spacers, I am going to order a new 04+ rear valve cover just in case. But with 28,xxx miles only, my plugs should be fine right?

 

they should be fine, but i would atleast reccomend cleaning them up while you are in there.

 

OK got it, after a google search on how to clean a spark plug, i found this:

http://www.expertvillage.com/videos/...s-cleaning.htm

LOL, the guys sounds so slllooowwwww.

 

i wouldn't recommend using brake parts cleaner b/c of the film it leaves

 

I'm about to change my plugs on a 2000 (VQ30), is the procedure identical to the 2002+ one? I found countless threads on the procedure for the VQ35 but couldn't find anything specific to my 2000, anyone can help out, does the manifold need to be removed to reach the rear coils/plugs? It sure looks very tight back there..

Regards,
Bruckner

 

I had the exact same thing happen on my '02 SE 6-Sp. Didn't have time to look for just the seals (which had hardened, thus the leak) so I bought and installed the cover (includes seals and PCV) for about $130 I think. I did have to dis-assemble the coil boot assys and clean oil off them as well as from inside the tubes and did notice carbon on the tip of the contact coming out of one of the coil packs indicating burnt oil.

To clean the wells I removed the plug and used a shop towel wrapped once around a long flathead screwdriver to get at the seat. I actually replaced the plugs (101K miles) but I had to take completely take apart the boot and turn the rubber inside out to wipe the oil off. Also used brake cleaner fluid on the metal springs that go inside and sandpaper on teh carbonized coil pack tip.

I thought it contributed to a P0420 condition but that no longer seems logical to me as I had no misfire codes. You will incur labor to pull off the intake manifold- no great physical feat, just lots of disconnections. Also you should replace the manifold gasket (or at least I hear Nissan thinks so ) which is about $20. I did.

 

http://www.picshed.com/tanman/

 

Just to let everyone know, the 6th gen VC is only $30-$40 from Dave B.

 

Plus the gasket is about $55 shipped, just ordered mine yesterday.