Just finished replacing spark plugs, and two spark plugs on the rear bank of cylinder closer to the driver's side were soaked in oil. I guess the valve cover gasket blew, but NOT the cylinder blok gasket, because my exhaust is clean, no black smoke.

Am I right? How much time and how comlpicated is replacing that gasket. My skill level is as far as replacing injector on the rear bank of cylinders.

Thanks!

 

If you replaced an injector on the rear bank, you are definitely capable of replacing the valve cover gasket.

Too bad you didn't know at the time, 'cause that manifold has got to come off again. No way to get to the valve cover without removing it.

 

yea on my freinds altima same thing happened, and it was the valve cover gasket....

 

Don't forget to replace the little "O" ring type of gaskets that go around the spark plug tubes (you will see them once you take off the valve cover, these can also cause oily spark plugs). I apologize for the lack of correct terminology, but can't recall the proper names right now.

 

To prevent tearing the whole damn thing apart again, I suggest you use RTV silicone aside from the gaskets and plug O rings alone. Also, observe the correct tightening sequence of the valve cover bolts.

 

Thanks for tips guys, I guess I'll get busy with this when I get back from my vocation.

Keep tips coming, anything else I should watch out for? How many hours it could take? Any special tools needed?

 

watchout for RTV it can cause problems if not used properly. just stick with the oem stuff.

 

the only special tool you might need is a torque wrench. and a manual.

proper de-torque-ing sequences are critical, you may warp the heads. also use a ratchet to brake the bolts loose, not a torque wrench.

 

how much is this costing you? I'm having this problem currently on my mom's chrysler cirrus and getting charged around 700 with labor n all that crap. (cirrus engines are too tight, nowhere to put your hand in). guy said something about an internal oil leak and that he had to change all the ignition wires. Guy is legit, but if 700 seems like a crazy amount, i'll have to tell his in-laws otherwise. Thanks for the input.

 

Its gonna be a pain...

I changed my rear valve cover gasket and spark plug 0 rings like 2 weeks ago. Took about 4 hours.

You have to remove the entire intake manifold which is a b!tch. You have 2 hidden bolts back there that you cant see that hold onto the manifold, the EGR and one small coolant line that makes changing your knock sensor a job even an ape can do... Enjoy

 

I will do all work myself so the only cost is price of gasket and O rings. I also found today that one of my injectors on rear bak is leaking gas (bad O rings) so i will fix that as well.

Yea, removing manifold is a pita, had to do it before so this time it will be easier..

 

Well then your all set! its very easy then.

Gaskets will cost about $40 for the spark plug tube seals and O rings for the bolts and gaskets themselves and $12 for the upper intake manifold gasket.

 

I ordered stuff from David Burnette the other day cause I noticed oil on the plugs as well...He ordered me up 3 big O rings (Tube Seals) there thick..and the gasket for the rear manifold, and the upper intake gasket...

I didnt get any O rings for the bolts, he never mentioned it...hmmmm ill have to call him

-matt