I'm looking to replace my rear valve cover due to some leaking, I replaced it with a new one not even 2 years ago and now looking for another. I've read that some people have switched to a 6th gen 04' valve cover because they are build a little better and much cheaper. The price difference is $264 vs $56, geez.

If anyone on hear has done this I would love to hear from you. I called 2 Nissan places and they did not recommend this at all, they also stated from the looks of the picture's that both the valve cover's looked a little different. They weren't 100% sure though.

Thank you

 

I just got done putting a rear '04 valve cover on my '03 SE. Worked perfectly, fit identical to the old one...

Keep in mind you'll still need the gasket (sold separately)- and the new VC comes with the PCV valve already in it.

 

100% possible and verified/tested by a lot of members here, me being one of them as well.

Part #s in here if you want them:
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...overs-pic.html

 

Look at the price difference....now do you see why they do not recommend it?

 

Yuuuuuup!

 

Agreed did the same on my 03.....got the 04 Valve Cover and Gasket for a little under 60 bucks, from Courtesyparts.......

 

are you guys only replacing the rear cover? or both?

 

lol, I see.. Thanks for the help, I'm gonna go order one today from Nissan

 

Save money and only do the rear cover since that is the general complaint.
(the spark plug tube 'seals' are weak on the 5.5 Max, fixed in 2004 VQ35s)

Besides, if you ever have to do the front it's a lot easier to do...since you won't have to remove the IM.

 

I'm just replacing the rear valve cover due to some leaking, I had the same problem that ViRTualTeRRoRisT has..

 

Same here.

You do NOT want to put another 5.5 gen VC on the car. There's a design flaw that was rectified in the next model, and the VC is a perfect, backward-compatible match.

There's a reason why dealerships stock the 5.5 gen VC's, but need to order the 6.0 gen version.


More good advice from MrEous.

 

Sneaky bastards at the "dealership" lol

 

^^ They're just doing their job really...I don't blame them.

...I do blame Nissan itself though. The part # listed for the '02/03 Maxima could EASILY be updated in their system to show compatibility or even as a revised part design. The stock part can fail at least 2-3 times in the vehicle's lifespan when it shouldn't fail at all.

 

I have a 5.5 gen and replaced BOTH my VCs with 6th gen VCs 1.5 years ago...not problems EVER. Dont pay attention to freaking STEALERSHIP!!!! they just want you to buy those more expensive FLAWED 5.5 GEN VCs so you always keep coming back!!!! 6th gen VCs WAY WAY cheaper and BETTER and they KNOW IT!!!

 

100%. 6th gen fits and no leaks. Replaced mine last year. Just make sure to clean off the old silicone and add new @ the required areas.

 

just did this procedure sunday afternoon.
everything worked flawlessly ... perfect fit. I went ahead and replaced the intake manifold gasket as well as the VC gasket ... figured i might as well.

no issues, leaks or any negative side effects to report as noted here and several other threads. Totally worth the time and money.

Hopefully this was the sole cause of my oil burning issues ... the cylinder closets to the driver side was the culprit. Sparkplug was covered in oil when i replaced them a few months ago ...

 

+1, i have 2004 VCs

Thanks to the org!

 

Looks like we have a winner.

 

I have news for you bro.....still gonna burn oil. lol, maybe just a little bit less, but still burns.