I think I read somewhere that it was recommended to use 2004 valve covers on the 5.5 Maxima. I'm going to be replacing the valve cover gaskets and wonder if it's worth it to replace the covers as well.

 

You can replace the gasket between the cover and the head, but not the seals around the spark plug tubes. These are consistently places oil leak, particularly cylinder 5 for some reason. The rear 6th gen cover is too cheap not to buy it and go ahead with replacing it. Go ahead and replace spark plugs as well. The rear cover also comes with a new PCV, so don't worry about buying seperate. No need to replace front cover unless known leaks exist.

 

What spark plugs do you recommend? Iridium?

 

Not iridum use factory recomeneded pkugs ngk. Platnuims I think maube irridums

 

Thanks guys. Went ahead and ordered both valve covers (too cheap not to) and a set of NGK's. We'll see how it goes.

 

I have a 2002, I personally threw a 2006 valve cover on and iridium plugs, both working great

 

I appreciate the help PlaneCrash.

 

@rebelhell OEM spark plugs are NGK Iridium's according to the owner's manual. I did a tune up with them last summer and they perform well. You don't need to gap them since they come pre-gapped.

 

I never looked up whether or not iridiums were factory or not, but for some reason I thought the NGK Double Platinums were factory.

 

I just took a second look and it looks like you're right. The owners manual and the FSM call for NGK platinum tips. My bad. I've never had a problem with the iridium's though so I would still recommend them.

 

Yup, platinum is OEM. Ended up buying iridium though. Oddly enough they were almost 4 dollars cheaper.

 

Nice where did you buy from?

 

Oops, nevermind. The at Amazon. I was looking at .

I paid

 

i replaced both front and back with 6th gen Valve Covers

 

 

Is there any added benefit to using valve covers from a 2004 or a 6th Gen? I need to replace my rear valve cover as well

 

Price? The 5.5 Gen are $178 each, the 6th Gen ar $33 each.

 

I just replaced the rear valve cover with the 6th gen. Plug number 6 was filled with oil.

 

Wow, had no idea the price was that different! I guess I'm asking if there is any difference between the different valve covers. $140 difference in price suggests something, whether its materials or whatever. I suppose if they didnt work you would have mentioned it lol

 

I'm not sure what the exact differences are. When I get around to swapping mine (I ordered them yesterday) I'll try to post some pictures.

 

Because iridiums plugs do not have the life expectancy of platinum plugs.

http://www.ngk.com/learning-center/a...ium-plugs-last

 

Plug number 6 would be located on the front, not rear of the engine.

 

Orly???????

 

Well the last plug on the side of the driver side

 

Do a bit of research before posting a statement like this. Look in your owners manual or the fsm.. It's the rear.

 

Yes.

What is fsm? What about owners manual? Now when I think about it, the Maxima is inline 6 RWD. If cylinder one is on the very front then cylinder six is by the firewall.

 

What? LOL!! I see what you did there!!

 

FSM=Factory Service Manual

A lot of times the location of plugs can be confusing to some because of the position of the engine in relation to the car. From what I understand, the front of the engine is considered to be where the belts are located, so, plug No. 6 is located at the front-right of the vehicle (page 9-8 of the owner's manual), which is the same to say at the rear-right of the engine (page EM-88 of the FSM).

 

There, fixed it for you. Always assume you're sitting in the driver seat when using left/right directions (Driver's side = Left, Passenger's side = Right).

 

what plugs did he end up buying?

My cars still running strong, 5w-20 titanium, 2006 valve cover, and no pcv, wit iridiums

I find it funny u guys think im planecrash
Im guessing he was a true person offering honest advice as well.

how dare him!

 

Trust me PlaneCrash, your advice had nothing to do with my decision to buy Iridium spark plugs. I based that decision on independent research and price.
I wouldn't use your recommendation on window cleaner, let alone spark plugs. So GTFO.

 

LMMFAO getum Rebel!

 

You ARE the one and ONLY and forever will be PLANECRASH.

The fact no one reponded to your initial post in this thread should had been confirmation it was at face value, helpful. Guess it was too much to expect that you would not subsequently require some affirmation of such appropriate behavior.

 

1,3, and 5 are in the rear, 2, 4, and 6 are in the front. My bank 3 blew the coil and plug which I just took out that is located in the rear.

 

 

Only in 1st gen. 1981-1984 models. This is the 5th. gen forum, RE: Maximas made in this century.

"You can't fix stupid...Stupid is forever!"

 

Wasnt the 1st gen Dataun???

 

if i remember correctly, even my 2nd gen ('87) came badged Datsan/Nissan. Part of that transition to a new label to sell Datsan cars in the US.

 

I feel rere for forgetting where plug 6 is lol. My bad. Looking at my compression test results and I drew the cylinder numbers in relation to the engine. Yeah I feel stupid lol

 

Thank you for clarifying my comment, rebelhell; I was basing the locations based on a person standing outside the car, looking at the engine compartment.