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Can someone please link or maybe explain all the parts I would need to do a Valve cover gasket change someone said there's a good video on YouTube but I can't find it I know all bout the IM but once I peel the VC off I'm not sure what parts I'll actually need or might be a good idea to change
I've found this btw it's a 2002 max vq35de
Once you get the intake out of the way, just crack the bolts holding the cover down and take it off. You need to pull the coil packs off anyway, so might as well change the spark plugs. Just put the new gasket on the cover and put it back together.
Maybe I didn't clarify I already have 6 coil packs 6 spark plugs since I have all that out and I Know the VC gasket leaks not oil burner level but it's a pretty dirty block and I feel like it would be dumb not yo change my VC gasket that being said I'm just not sure if the gasket in the picture is all I need or do I need other gasket like for the plug boots for example and do I use liquid sealer at All? And it's a 2002
You can just replace the gaskets. You use a good RTV sealer on the corners. I like Hondabond from the Honda dealer. Just be sure to clean all the surfaces really well.
The tube seals can be reused if you clean them really well and use the RTV on them as they're going together. Let it sit for a few hours so the RTV can set up.
there is a kit out there that has gaskets for the plugs (grommets) and also small little gaskets for each bolt of the valve cover, try dealer or ebay for gasket kit.
Rockauto has the gaskets you want but I don't see the grommets for your 2002. However, they have options for you if the 2000 model grommets fit your 2002, which you'd have to investigate.
They also show just the grommets under Ignition section, but gaskets are under engine section of the drill down menu setup.
Grommets should not be needed on the VQ35 as the valve cover fasteners do not go into the head where there is oil. I changed my valve cover gasket not too long ago and don't have any grommets, and I have zero oil leakage.
No grommets for the bolts on the 3.5 VCs
You can get the circle gaskets for the six spark plug tubes but getting the old ones out of the plastic VC is the problem. You'll probably break the VC. Just use good RTV on them or replace the entire VC.
no one mentioned this, but if you are doing this, you should do 6th generation Valve Covers , they fix a common leaking issue on the Rear piece, same price same fit.
like you cant even buy the old version of the 5.5 gen VC gaskets any more?
The gaskets are the same.
The newer VCs I've seen listed show the same part # for 02-07+ even if they list them separately for different years. At least for the rear VCs.
It's not uncommon for car manufacturers to combine interchangeable parts to the last (or best) one that fits. It reduces the inventory and weeds out problem parts. The aftermarket follows soon after.
I've gotten parts from the dealer (for other cars) that look totally different from what came off but come with an explanation that the parts were interchangeable and the original was discontinued.
Wakenbakon,
I recently performed this job on my 02 Maxima in April. Here is a link to my video where I tackle the plenum removal. In my video notes section I also included a link that I used to a video of a guy who tackled this job on a Nissan Quest which also has the VQ35DE. His video is of very high quality so I didn't even bother shooting the Valve Cover replacement. Good Luck.
