Hi,

I have to change my valve cover gasket. I was checking my plugs the other day and noticed dried up oil in the area. Since then, I went down to Nissan and picked up the gasket. Its rubberized so here's my question: Do I need to use any sealant? The Haynes book 'o crap says I should. Also, I was planing on changing my oil afterwards. Is there anything in particular I should knock out in the process?

Thanx all,

Matt

 

Are you just talking about the front gasket, both gaskets, or the rear gasket?

 

My bad....

Just the front. I checked the rear and didn't see any oil. Should I change them both @ the same time? The rear looks like it would be a pain though

 

The rear WOULD be a pain. I figured you were just referring to the front. Are you sure that just changing the valve cover gasket is going to keep it from leaking oil into the spark plug tubes? I am not speaking from experience because I've never taken it off before, but doesn't the valve cover gasket just go around the outside edges of the valve cover? I'm under the impression that you would need to replace the head gasket to keep oil from coming into the spark plug gallies or whatever you call them.

 

I'm not sure. The valve cover gasket I purchased has rings that come off the outer seal and seal the 3 plugs.

Here's what it looks like...


[---------------]
[---o-o-o------ ]
[_____________]


Sorry for my crude drawing (lol). From what I can tell the rings are where the leak(s) are coming from. How can I find out if its the head gasket?

Thanx,

Matt

 

I've had mine off several times to paint/powder coat it. I used the Permatex blue rtv gasket sealant to seal it on. It's a pain to get it back on some times and it usually falls out of the groove on one end while you're looking at the other. I seal it on all 4 corners, a little on the long straight parts and around the plug holes.

 

Thanx maxmizd27,

Ya rememeber helpin' me w/that question I had on your radiator hoses? It was really helpful. Although, I haven't been able to get around to the job... My suspension is cryin' out for more attention. Anyways, I finally got my ride up on cardomain (Check it out). Also, thanx for the info. on sealant. I'll go pick some up tomorrow.

Thanx everyone,

Matt

 

this was my write-up a while back. not too bad, just take your time. i used the sealant around the leaky areas, mainly around the right part of the cover.

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=289605

 

I thought your ID seem vaguely familiar. Don't mention it.

 

I haven't used any sealant on mine, and the only place the gasket is leaking is on the corners where I'm missing a couple of the screws that hold the valve cover on...

the front cover is cake.. the rear one is a PITA, as you've got to pull the intake manifold.. front is a 15 minute job. rear is a 2 hour job.

 

When I got the front one coated I briefly toyed with the idea of doing both. I looked at what was involved in the service manual and decided it wasn't worth it for the little bit of the thing that you can actually see. When the rest of my injectors finally need to be replaced I may then have it done since it all has to come apart anyway.