1995 J30 / Leaky Valve Cover Gasket - Stop Leak reccomended?

[CT-Croat]

Hi,

Just got back from an oil change at the dealer who says the valve cover gaskets are leaking. They want $1300 but the car already has 170,000 miles. Is it worth it? Car was pretty much babied by previous owner (0--120Kmi). I've had no other major issues and am wondering if it's worth it. Can this car take to me to 300K?

If not, a buddy of mine says throw in some Stop Leak and also put a bead of Black Silicone around the exterior. He swears it will work.

What do you think?

[driverdriver]

Find a 300ZX shop in your area or a competant mechanic familiar with the 300zx engine (The J30 has basically the same engine has the 300ZX with a different ECU). They can do the repair for significantly less.

[elwesso]

I dont trust that.... Dont add anything to the oil.......!!!! If he wants to add some stuff around the outside thats fine, it wont hurt to try..... but you could always just remove them and reseal them the right way...

Really the engines are ROCK solid in these cars... The VG30 is among the best V6s nissan has ever built... These things religiously go to 250k-300k easy..... not to mention, if they die, they are cheap to replace since they are so common!

[CT-Croat]

Thanks for the advice. So, I'll try to locate a 300ZX mechanic and have them do the repair but while they've got the thing apart would you reccomend replacing other stuff while they're in there? Head Gasket, Timing Belt??? I really have no idea what comes apart when you're replacing the valve cover gasket.

I'm not much of a mechanic...I stick to carpentry - wood is cheap!

[elwesso]

Timing belt is a good idea if it hasnt been done..... Hopefully its been done at least once... Timing belt may not have much overlap but its good idea to do it...

no reason to replace HGs...