valve cover gaskets and plugs

[reefscape15]

So I need to do gaskets, figured I may as well do a new set of plugs while I'm at it. Any recommendations on where to order gaskets, and what plugs do you guys all run? Anything else I should change while I've got things apart? Thanks in advance.

[Ilya]

I'd do PCV valves too...cheap and you'll have access.

As for spark plugs, ONLY NGK. Nissan/Infiniti products notoriously hate anything but NGK. The newer Y51, evidently, has Bosch as the OEM spec in the V6 and NGK in the V8 which is odd...but you can Google the stuff that's happened to Nissan motors that didn't stick with NGK in the 90's and 2000's.

[EdBwoy]

For most Nissans, especially this time period, NGK plugs or bust.

For gaskets, I can't exactly remember where I bought mine from, but I have bought a lot of parts from infiniti parts dot net. It's run by an infiniti dealership in Arizona I believe, and I've found their online catalog and customer service impeccable. I might have looked up the part number to see what they go for on eBay as well, but I think I decided to pay the premium for OEM if they'll last just as long.
Otherwise, I've used Felpro or Victor Reinz gaskets in my vehicles in the past.

Other related parts - PCV valves (the infiniti site didn't sell the O-ring with mine, but when I bought from O'Reillys they came with O-rings). Also check those vacuum tubes before you remove the valve covers. If they're dry rotted, buy some replacement tube to have handy. Mine tend to break right at the nipple.

Other other things? air intake filter, cabin filter behind the glove box, check accessory belts, accessory drive + idler pulleys.

Oh, give the engine a quick wash a day or so before going down there. You'll thank yourself for the reduced mess, but you'll also be able to notice any new drips etc.

[EdBwoy]

Lol. He's quicker with his fingers.

[Ilya]

Lol. He's quicker with his fingers.

What I usually do for parts shopping is I go to an OEM parts page like the one mentioned above and then after getting the part number hit up Google, Amazon, eBay, etc. to see who has the OEM part cheapest. Sometimes Amazon does, sometimes a dealer does, etc.

[cruzad3r]

agree with ed with an exception of buying oem gaskets as the aftermarket are equally good. on plugs, make sure you check the gaps before replace.

[EdBwoy]

Shiiieee... no offense taken. Even I don't agree with myself on that one.
I looked at my eBay history and it seems like I bought the VS50444 gaskets a couple of times. I chose the Victor brand although there are other cheaper ones.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/262816679813?_mwBanner=1
They were good enough that I bought another set in 2015 after buying my first ones in 2014. Not only that, when that engine blew, I put those 2015 gaskets on the replacement engine.

These guys aren't paying me and as you can see from ebay, the OEM ones can be had for cheaper. It seems like Stone is the manufacturer.
Story of my life. Deals always appear after I buy stuff.

[Ilya]

Regarding plugs, another reason to go with NGK: they are pre-gapped for our spec.

[reefscape15]

Thanks guys! All very good things to know, and I'm glad NGK are the plugs needed. I use them in everything that doesn't call for somehing specific, they're the only plugs that havent fouled in my tractor and in the jet ski. Also good point on washing down the engine before hand. Ill gets parts on order this week. Thanks again!