Hi guys,

I have a 2002 Nissan Maxima, and I have 6 of my platinum spark plugs (stock) changed at Canadian Tire 5000km ago. I took one out this morning, and the top of the spark plug is black, is this normal?

I use Liqui Moly 5W-40, because my engine has oil burning problem and some oil leak into the spark plugs chamber due to bad seals i think. Could this be the reason why I have black spark plugs?

 

Yes, you probably have a leaking oil seal that is supposed to keep oil out of the spark plug tube. You can change the seals, but it is cheaper to buy the entire valve cover for a 2004 Maxima.

 

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+1 buy the valve cover(s) for the Gen 6 Maxima.

To be on the safe side you could also use some RTV around the edges of the valve cover(s) just in case of any leaks...

Why did you go to crappy tire to do spark plugs in the first place!!!

 

This is a first time mistake I've read from you.
The seals are built into the VCs on the 5.5 gens and you have to replace the valve covers to replace the seals.
And on the 2004 VCs.
Huge price difference and better IMO.
Just ordered two the other day to get everything done at once when installing the nwp spacers.
Don't forget to get new gaskets and you have to use RTV on the timing cover sides of the VC.

There may be some assuming going on on my part though, because he said he burns oil..so he probably has the 3.5.
If not disregard the new VC and replace just the seals.

 

So the 6 gen has replaceable gaskets for the plugs
and the 5 gens are build in, therefor the cover itself needs replacing?

Just to be clear.

 

I'll need to bring it to a mechanic to do it for me because I don't know how to do it. Is this a very big problem that I need to get it fixed now, or can i wait for maybe 3 or 4 months.....?

 

I think maybe the 5.5 gen is metal while 6 gen is plastic?

 

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lol don't go to your mechanic :P

http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/how...placement.html

that will help you

 

3.0=replaceable spark plug seals

3.5=built in seals

2004 valve covers because of the price difference

 

Thx man

 

But I need to replace valve covers, this link is for spark plugs

 

It's just a guide to help you remove the upper intake so you can access the rear valve covers. After you get the upper intake off you undo the bolts on the valve cover and install the new ones.

The front ones are super easy to do, just get rid of the engine cover and use the proper socket to undo the screws.

Clean up as best as you can the old crap after removing the valve cover... Use something like brake fluid or gasoline, water won't do anything

If bolts don't seem to want to move, use PB blaster or equivalent and spray it on each and every bolt... Wait 15 minutes and try again

use http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Maxima/2002/EC.pdf for some extra help and on how to PROPERLY TIGHTEN THINGS BACK UP!

You need 1/2" torque wrench to properly torque the upper intake manifold bolts though (or you might get leakage)

 

766 pages lol.....

 

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Go to page 11

 

The only thing I successfully pulled off for my car was to replace the air filer.....

 

The instructions make it easy.
Check the FSM in my sig for your car.
It's a must have.
Either that or be prepared to pay a mechanic full price for half a$$ work.
I had to learn the hard way not to be that guy.

Do it yourself.

 

good job... Now tackle this

For confidence boost, do the front ones first then tackle the removal of the upper intake etc

 

That's what happens when you rush and don't think.

op has a 2002, the first year of the 3.5.