6spdmax

Got an aluminum flywheel in my 03, and sometimes it dies after startup. After 117K I'm thinkin about bitin the bullet and changin the sparkplugs. What kind of parts list is recommended? Dont know if daveb is still in business, and don't know if some of the coil wells are filled with oil. Mine is a classic, the one that uses a qt of oil every 800 miles. I just found out I can leave my car in my buddy's driveway for weeks if necessary. He just changed plugs in a similar-era altima and said it would take 4-5 hrs. Which parts should I get ahead of time (hopefully NGK makes the plugs) and which parts should I wait to see which are needed ('04 VC, ignition coils, etc.)? thx

and my friend recommended not touching the throttle plate to avoid a heavy dealer charge, but if I remember maxima.org stuff, just have to disconnect the battery first, right?

BigLou55

iTrader: (6)

Yea NGK makes our plugs Laser platinum advance has them for 10/ plug, I'd get the upper intake gasket while I was at if it hasn't been changed in a while. I'm not sure on the exact time it will take mayb a lil less but the intake has to come off to get access to the rears. There is more gaskets that can be replaced while your in there im just not sure of them all I have a a 5th not the 5.5 so my plugs are much easier to get to.

Eirik

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, be prepared to help your buddy by holding the intake up juuuust enough so his ratchet will clear it to get to those back plugs. It's a bear, for sure, but shouldn't end up being too bad. I think 4 hours is a bit long of an estimate, unless you encounter rust.

When I changed mine, I went ahead and cleaned out all the intake bits, and the throttle body. Didn't actually take the manifold ALL the way off, just loosened it up and lifted it off the gasket a bit. Why would you change those gaskets..? You'd be able to hear a leak if they were bad, right?

trooplewis

iTrader: (1)

Be prepared to find oil in the #5 spark plug well.
I would spend the $40 and buy an 04 valve cover and install that when changing the plugs.

Maxima413

Im new to the forum so may I ask why the 04 valve cover?

pkrainert

Does it block getting to the plugs?

trooplewis

iTrader: (1)

1) the '04 valve covers are WAY cheaper and they fit perfect
2) They have better seals so you won't have to do it again. Lots of threads on this issue can be found.

6spdmax

OK. Almost 119K miles now, and finally getting around to this. Gonna buy the spark plugs and the intake plenum gasket ahead of time from a local Nissan dealership. When I called them to talk about the valve covers, I was told that the PN for the 04 VC was for anything with a manufacture date of like Jan 2003 on. Mine was one of the last gen 5.5 cars built. So I am thinking that it may actually have the 04 VC already installed.

Anyone have experience with this? I can send the VIN to anyone who can verify the manufacture date, and verify the date range for the 04 VCs.

Also, I suppose if it has the 03 VC, it may just happen to not have any rear spark plug wells filled with oil. At any rate, I was thinking of getting into the job, and only order the 04 VC if needed. If the car needs to sit for a week or 2, then so be it.

nelledge

iTrader: (6)

What color is your valve cover? I don't believe any A33 share the newer style vc's found on the A34. Regardless of build date. Do a quick search like trooplewis mentioned. You'll find your answer.

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

What's your build date on your car? I agree, it is 99.999999999% not an A34 VC on your car because it's not an A34 chassis and they stopped building these cars early.

Also, Iridiums are probably better for longevity if anything. I've found little to no price difference with the A33B plugs (Pt/Ir/Cu). IIRC I paid ~8$/plug for my Ir's. I can get a PN for you if you need.

Have you not seen the thread dedicated to the subject of VC's?
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...ers-pic-3.html

6spdmax

So are you talking about the NGK Ir plugs that can be bought somewhere like Advance auto parts, or at a Nissan dealership? And are you suggesting that Ir plugs are as good or better than Pt plugs? I guess that would make sense.
And if you can pass on the NGK and Nissan part numbers for the IR plugs, that would be great.

The build date is 12/02 and the valve covers are black.

Child_uv_KoRn

iTrader: (7)

Search for 350z NGK Iridiums.

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Iridiums probably do not have better performance and if they do it's never been quantified. But they will last longer and as stated prior, there is a minimal difference in price. The NGK PN for Ir's is LFR5AIX-11. I don't think Nisan would carry them, so get them elsewhere. works for me.

Prophecy99

iTrader: (1)

nmexmax what do u think about oem spark plugs , i was guessing they might be ngk ?

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Yep, they're NGK and Pt. Sure if the price is right.

Prophecy99

iTrader: (1)

definately thanks

dinosaur12

Yep, this happen to me. Lots of oil in the #5 spark plug well. Scared the hell outa me for a min, thought it was from inside the cylinder.

Not sure about the newer valve cover but makes sense.