My parts arrived yesterday from Dave B (fast shipping btw) anyways it took about 3 hours last night to finish but in the process this is what I found, when I pulled the #4 coil (the front middle) the tube was FULL of oil! Which explains why I was burning so much (about a quart every 2 weeks) so I went ahead and stuffed a paper towel in there to soak it all up before I changed the plug but now hopefully with the new VC I won't have to add so much oil.
A few questions:
1. So my car was giving me the P1800 VIAS code which is why I changed the solenoid but the CEL still comes on do I have to have it reset? or maybe now its the evap code that comes around every now and then idk
2. When tightening the front VC I broke the head off the bolt on the front drivers side corner and now it's stuck down in there will it be ok without the one corner bolt or should I pull it out somehow and replace it?

 

In addition to exact torque specifications, don't the valve covers have a specific pattern by which you torque them down? Given that... i think you know your answer.

Man, it must have felt like getting kicked in the stomach when that bolt snapped.

 

I didn't follow any torque specs or patterns I figured good n snug was adequate but apparently it was too much lol

 

The 04 VC's should help out with the oil burning issues, not completely, but def help.. As for the corner bolt.. that is an important one.. I would suggest getting it drilled out and re-tapped with a heli coil.. I broke a bolt in the center of the vc when i changed the gasket and my mechanic said as long as its not one of the corners its fine.. usually leaks come from the corners.. As for the p1800 code that wont set off a cel on its own prob somethn else

 

A friend said he can get it out with a reverse drill bit so I'll see if it works but until then I'll keep an eye out for any drips.

 

Tightening torque for the valve cover bolts is less than 7 Ft. Lbs.! In fact, it's expressed in In. Lbs. in the manual.

 

Valve cover bolts are always very low torque (as stated above, 7 ft lbs)

I wonder if an easy out would get it out... It should, it won't be in there that tight. Those bolts are designed to break if they are overtightened.

 

I just changed my plugs on the weekend. There was a bit of oil in #'s 3 & 5. Not too much, about 1/2" in #5 & 1/4" in #4. I suppose it's a matter of time until I have to go with an '04 valve cover as well.
On a positive note, the car seems more responsive and pulls harder with the new plugs. Maybe my imagination, but I don't think so.

 

Anyone have part numbers for the valve cover and gasket from 04? I just want to be sure.

 

I know how you feel. I also broke two bolts. I wasnt even near the torque specs. I am not new to working with aluminum and torque specs. When it happened I was like wtf.
I ended up drilling them out and retapping the holes. It only took an extra 20 min but, it shouldn't have happened in the first place.

 

How much were the valve covers from Dave B.? Do they come ready to install with gaskets?

 

http://forums.maxima.org/4450226-post36.html

Pretty sure they don't come with gaskets, but ask DaveB.

 

You know what I like about that diagram? (Other than having NmexMAX confirm my recollection on torque sequence. ) This clearly identifies the "Engine Front" as the passenger side of the car.

There's so much debate about what "front" is in our engine bay. I'll have to remember this.

 

Valve Covers: 13264-7Y000, 13264-Y010 Gaskets: 13270-8J102, 13270-8J112 Intake Gasket: 14032-8J10A
Prices from Dave B (South Point Nissan) VC's $41.18 and $39.22 VC Gaskets $13.92 a piece Intake Gasket $24.50
Give Dave B a call (ask for Burnette they have two Dave B) 512-444-4962

 

I can definitely feel a difference after changing mine as well

 

Oh I forgot to mention I was able to get the bolt out with a drill and an easy-out so I'll have to pick up a new one tomorrow

 

I am about ready to do the same. Going to call Dave tomorrow.

Which plugs did you go with, platinum or Iridium??

Looking for anyones opinions here.

I am leaning towards NGK Iridiums. Pretty good prices on Ebay.

As for someone above mentioning reducing the oil burning, changing the valve the VCs won't stop burning. It will stop the leak and the very little if any burning smell you might get from the oil flowing over the top of the hole to burn on the manifolds, but there is no way you are losing that much oil from the VCs.

Sounds like the typical 5.5 burning issue some of our 3.5's have

 

For the VQ35, Pt's and Ir's are very close in price, as are Cu's, IMO, the choice is clear, Ir.


Mine doesn't burn .. I got lucky.

 

Thanks. I'm planning on the Iridiums also. And I lucked out, no burning.

I'm not even sure if the VCs are leaking, but since I am doing the plugs I might as well do the VCs since I don't want to take off the IM again.

 

I went with the plats. No real reason, other than that's what's speced.
Pulling the intake was much less hassle than I thought it would be. I had it off in 45 min.

 

do these work with the infiniti ?

 

If it's a I35