How do you replace spark plug seals on valve covers?
 

So I need to replace my valve cover gaskets, and already have the oem gaskets actually, but I also need to replace my spark plug seals.

I know Nissan only sells valve covers now as a complete kit basically which includes new valve cover gasket and spark plug seals as well....but I don't really need to spend over four hundred and sixty dollars when I've heard that there's a way to take spark plug seals from a Maxima valve cover and transfer them over? Can someone link me to a tutorial or more info on that?

How hard is it and what exactly are people doing? Buying a brand new Maxima valve cover (which I assume must be dramatically cheaper or this is pointless of course) and then transplanting over to the Z's stock valve cover?

I have an oil leak out of the valve covers, and have oil in my spark plug tubes. I'd like to get everything fixed as inexpensively as possible and kill my oil leaks as I hope to boost the car at a later date, probably in a year or so.

Thanks for the help,

Saved

How about $175 per valve cover from RockAuto? That is the route I took.

Thanks for the suggestion....trying not to spend even that much, but I'll probably have to.

How long have you been running the Rock Autos?

Is there any advantage to the oem version versus Rock's Auto clone?

I may supercharge the engine next year so I just don't want any issues with oil leaks of course from inferior seals?

Saved

I just reused the covers with new gaskets and applied RTV silicone around the rim of the spark plug tubes. No issues after a few months.

Honestly, save yourself the trouble and buy new valve covers.

There was a company selling versions with replaceable spark plug seals. It would mean new valve covers, but after that one last spend, it should only be cheaper spark plug gaskets...

EDIT: found 'em, it is a DIY kit to rework your original valve covers: http://www.rndfactory.com/Web/NISSAN-vc%20kit.html

RTV sealant, checked inside after two months and its as dry as a bone inside the spark plug chamber still. Honestly, **** taking everything apart and spending that much on a piece of **** designed way of sealing by Nissan. Some RTV sealant, a few paper towels to soak up the oil residue, some sticky fingers, done.

They have only been on the car for 5 months with no issues (daily driving) plus 3 or 4 track days. RockAuto offers several brands, I went with BECK/ARNLEY parts, these valve covers were made in Japan. I assume they are as good as OEM. The fact that people fix the OEM part with sealant tells you this isn't a high tech or precision piece, its just a molded plastic composite with a gasket.