08 Versa S Valve cover leaking.

[Diplomat440]

Hey guys, I noticed back in August my VC was leaking, slowly. I took it to the dealer, they replaced it. I was putting some new washer fluid in today, and it is leaking, in the same spot, AGAIN! If You're looking at the engine, its the very right front corner thats leaking.

Anyone have any issues with this?

[alonsorules8]

Is it a major leak like oil running down the block or is it like a little seepage were the spot in question is a little wet? If it is the later most engines have that condition and is perfectly normal.

[shiryu0]

if its the front of the engine, on top of the timing cover, they probably forgot to put silicone were the cover meets the head/valve cover.........

[mightyversa]

What if they overtorqued the cap screws holding the VC on the head, resulting in a small fracture causing the leak, gasket jobs are easy and fun and how would one miss a certain part to silicone. Funny they didnt use a cork or rubber gasket for replacement. You should never use 2 types of gaskets in one application, IE cork gasket with silicone, gasket shilack is perfectly fine for keeping gaskets in position in tight spots, but never use 2 types in one application. Hope this helps, look for a fracture.

[BBISHOPPCM]

I am not familiar with the Versa's valve cover sealing system, but according to the manual, it's simply a rubber gasket. The most likely cause of your leak (if it really is a leak... in the same spot), is a defective gasket. It's possible that they inadvertently reinstalled the same gasket. As for a cracked valve cover due to over torquing, the bolts that hold it down are designed to prevent this (they have an oversized shank). Another possibility is a damaged sealing surface on either the block or the valve cover, or a porous casting. What this all comes down to is bring it back to the dealer and have them look at it again.

Before doing this, try to wash the engine down with warm water, just to make sure it really is leaking.

As for using silicone with other gasket materials, some automakers specify this. I know the VW 1.8l 8v motor uses small rubber gaskets in combination with a cork gasket, which requires silicone to seal between the rubber and cork gaskets. However, since Nissan uses a reusable rubber gasket, this is not the case, and using silicone is not recommended. I have never had to use silicone on any rubber gaskets.

Hope this helps!

[Diplomat440]

Finally got the time to take it to the dealer. Turns out the valve cover gasket wasn't the issue this time around. The plate under the valve cover that holds the camshafts in place was leaking quite badly by the time I got it to the dealer. They took it apart, cleaned all the surfaces, used new silicone (orange rather than grey for some reason or another, I trust them though) Had to remove the cam plate, the cams, timing chain and all that stuff. After re-assembling, did an oil and filter change.

On my way back home with it, about 30 mins of driving it at 60 - 65 MPH, the service engine light came on. The engine didn't sound any different than normal, and everything seemed to be working as normal. I really hate the thought of another hour trip to the dealer back to back, and our local autozone doesn't scan for codes anymore. Is there anything simple I can look for? A sensor connector that may have come loose, anything. The new cars are somewhat mysterious to me as I am coming from driving a 70's vintage dodge pickup all my life, haha.

Any help/suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[shiryu0]

sounds like something was left unplugged.......

im gonna guess its an EVAP code

try to find somebody with a scanner, or buy a simple one, the cheapest just pull the codes and you can look it up on the internet........

[Diplomat440]

Back from the dealer again... Service dept. told me they looked at it and scanned the code, timing / misfire. Gotta take it back down as they didn't have a loaner for me to take today.

Did I get a lemon here?

[Bubs daddy]

I'm sure you took a picture of the leak. Can you show us?

[Diplomat440]

they fixed the leak.

[Bubs daddy]

I understand that. I thought maybe you had snapped a photo when this was all going on.

[Diplomat440]

sorry dude, didn't take a pic. I don't even own a digital camera :-/