Moe747

So I changed the spark plugs in my car and found a bit of oil on the drivers side spark plugs, the spark plug that had the most oil was the one at the end. So this is not an unusual issue after some researching was done but I still don't have a clear answer to this. Should I change my valve cover gaskets or the valve covers + valve cover gaskets? Also I just bought a 5/16 plenum spacer from MotorDyne that I plan on installing while I change out the gaskets.

92K1500

iTrader: (1)

You can try the R&D seals if you're mechanically inclined. If not you have to buy new valve covers.

They should come with new gaskets.

Moe747

Is it really that tough to replace gaskets? I have some mechanic friends that can help me out if it really is necessary but I'd like to accomplish this myself.

Koolsilver

It's not too bad to replace the seals just read the instructions on how to do it. You just have to be very accurate with your drilling. And you will have to buy the seals from rd there's no way around that.

Moe747

There's drilling involved?! Also what do you guys mean rd seals? I was planning on purchasing this if I went through the gasket replacement:http://www.thenismoshop.com/NISSAN-F...5DE_p_779.html

92K1500

iTrader: (1)

That's just the outer gasket. Replacing that wont stop the oil leak in the spark plug tube.

The seals for that are part of the valve cover. You have to use a hole saw to cut a hole in the baffle to replace the seals with the ones from R&D.

Or spend the money on new valve covers.

92K1500

iTrader: (1)

$115 for just the spark plug tube seals.

http://www.rndfactory.com/Web/NISSAN-GROMMET%20SET.html

$175 for the kit which has an alignment tool for drilling your holes, plus valve cover gaskets and pcv o-ring.

http://www.rndfactory.com/Web/NISSAN-vc%20kit.html

Or you can do option 3 on the last link and just get reman covers from them and send them your old ones for $320 with a $130 core charge.

Moe747

It says on option 3 that it is unavailable due to lack of cores. I assume by cores they mean valve covers? So do they want me to send my valve covers in and they drill it and send it back with all the gaskets and rings ready for installation?

Moe747

Wait so I can just buy this: http://www.z1motorsports.com/350_g35...oducts_id=7167
and replace what I have with the new valve covers and valve cover gasket that I'll be getting from that link and that's it?


Edit* This would work too right? http://www.thenismoshop.com/Nissan-F...35_p_1130.html

Koolsilver

Yes those will both work.

rustyschopshop

go with the 04+ maxima valve cover swap. There are a few simple diys on this. I am planning on doing this eventually. If you buy the parts from the dealer it is approx $150, $220 plus ship from enjukuracing for the swap kit.

350z-Helsinki

iTrader: (1)

Maxima covers just went up in price this year. They used to be 35$ per cover. I just did the install and it was relatively simple if you are mechanically inclined. A little bit of dremeling the covers and cutting the lower plenum to give some space for the oil cap. Only thing you need to do for the covers exept cut some tabs is extend wiring on plug no. 3 or just plastic weld some threads that you can cut off from the cover. I chose to do the latter option.

http://www.enjukuracing.com/products/upgraded-vq35-valve-cover-set.html

Diy

http://www.**********.com/forums/173-nissan-350z/82962-diy-maxima-valve-cover-retro-fit-350z.html#/forumsite/20795/topics/82962

Starred portion is three50z-tech (three replaced with 3)

There is also a long how to video in youtube.
The service manual is needed for torque specs.

Resmarted

iTrader: (2)

IMHO the oem ones last long enough that if you shop around it's worth it. Considering the amount of time to diy put in seals, I went with just getting both new covers.

And the pita if you mess it up. I wasn't down to pay a shop to drill plastic for me. Just simpler and easier to buy the full set. I want to say it was $400 shipped to me for both with new gaskets... But I honestly can't recall.

92K1500

iTrader: (1)

They have an alignment tool for it now now you can't really mess up the drilling.

Moe747

$400 is about what they go for. I honestly just want something strong and reliable. I fear if I buy a new valve cover off of eBay or some other site that the same issue will occur 20k miles later.

Moe747

$520 CAD, damn I might reconsider buying the valve covers and just do the Maxima method or replace the spark plug seals myself.

Moe747

I bit the bullet and chose option #2 from R&D factory. Link here http://www.rndfactory.com/Web/NISSAN-vc%20kit.html

This is one of the cheapest and easiest solutions in my opinion, especially with the alignment tool now. The Maxima solution has problems with the oil neck/cap touching the lower plenum and the sixth cylinder coil harness has to be cut an extended. Buying the valve covers is just too much cost wise.

Bigsyke

Has anyone thought about putting some type of really thick o-ring around the coil packs to prevent oil from reaching the spark plug instead of worrying about replacing the leaking valve covers? I cannot see why it wouldn't work?

Lube the o-ring up with dielectric grease and it wont matter how much your spark plug gaskets leak. The problem is finding an o-ring sized properly.

If you guys are wondering what I'm talking about: http://www.autozone.com/engine/unive...ng/156063_0_0/

Resmarted

iTrader: (2)

Mine took 44k+a rebuild before one side went.

I'm fairly certain these new ones will outlive the short block

350z-Helsinki

iTrader: (1)

This might sound like a tough job, but I found it to be easier than to drill out the covers. With a grinder and Dremel it takes around ten minutes to modify the lower plenum. Problem might be that you get little pieces of metal everywhere in the lower intake manifold and you should have compressor to clean the manifold with pressurized air so non of the small bits enters your engine.

Plastic weld worked for me so there was no need to extend the wiring.

I read somewhere that Maximas don't have the same problem with spark plug seals and the seals should last longer. That was one on the reasons I chose to take that route.

Here is mine installed so you can see the fitment of the oil cap.