Hi,

I hope you can help...

I recently got the P0011 code, so I'll be taking it in for service.

A while back, I had spark plugs changed and at the time, the mechanic said that I had a leak and that one of the plugs was impossible to remove without a big job. I was quoted at a couple of different place for $4-$500.

I'm at 92,000 miles so I'm thinking of getting a full tune up that will also include spark plugs and fixing the P0011 problem.

I'm hoping that the labor involved in taking care of the spark plugs or the P0011 code will be similar so I dont have 2 major jobs.

Do you know if that is the case? That accessing one will allow for the other to be serviced, or will I have to pay for both labor jobs?

And what would I be looking at in terms of cost for a full tune up, and fixing the P0011 code and the gasket leak?

Thanks so much for your help!

 

The P0011 is the Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid valve for bank 1, the side of the engine next to the firewall.

photo - http://www.ebay.com/itm/VVT-Variable...-/130976949414

Changing the sparks plugs has nothing in common with changing this part, so you will be charged for 2 separate jobs.

 

Hi,

Thank you, it's what I was afraid of.

I did take it in yesterday, and it seems the mechanic probably could have ripped me off in many ways but didn't. Changed the valve and did an oil change, and the maxima ran great on the way home.

Here are some questions:
1. He said that changing the spark plugs in general (didn't mention the leak) is a pretty big job, even without changing the gasket. Is that true?
2. He said that I should not use synthetic oil (I've always used Mobil 1) anymore, because the maxima is older and is "burning oil". Is conventional oil ok?
3. In the past, when I would slightly accelerate I would hear some rattling in the engine. It was only a little while, but the rattling was no longer there. Could the change in the valve and oil fix that?

Other than that, he says that I can think about coming back for a full tune up later on.

Thanks so much!

 

Here are some answers.

1 - Yes, it is kind of a big job because you have to remove the upper intake manifold in order to get at the rear spark plugs.

2 - Conventional oil is OK, that is what nissan put in the engine when they built it. The mechanic's advice to stop using synthetic oil is for your wallet's benefit. Synthetic oil is more expensive and you can go longer between oil changes. But when the oil is being burned (or leaked), you have to keep adding more. If you have to keep adding oil, use the less expensive stuff.

3 - Yes. What you were hearing was probably pre-ignition or "pinging". Between worn spark plugs and a bad camshaft timing unit, the pinging situation has most likely been taken care of.

 

Thank you so much Dennis, I really appreciate your insight!

I didn't get the spark plugs done just yet, he wanted me to see how the car would run first. It drove great again today.

So regardless if I had a leak or not with the spark plugs, it would still require a big job, or does the gasket replacement require extra work?

Thanks so much again!

 

I think the leaking gasket he is referring to is your valve cover. It leaks into the spark plug wells and will eventually cause misfiring.

Unfortunately with these cars there is no replacement gasket and the entire cover needs to be replaced! I bought a 6th generation (2004) b/c it was cheaper and in stock. Exact same part different numbers. The parts guy was shocked.

I replaced only the fire wall side b/c it is covered by the intake. I think that's why its prone to leak with increased temps. The front cover is still good at 160k. If it starts leaking its and easy change.

The job ends up costing a lot. NGK lazer plugs (like $80), removal of intake and replacement of intake gaskets ($?), valve cover (think 80$ or so). Also, inspect and replace coil packs as needed. Probably couple hours in the shop...

Nice part is the plugs are apparently good for 100 000 miles!!