1997 Nissan 4x4/Replacing valve cover gasket

[brc19761]

Hi, I am new to this forum, but not new to Nissan trucks. Since I was able to drive (which was 22 years ago:) I have driven nothing but Nissan trucks. Most of them the hardbody plus I have two Pathfinders. I would first like to say hello and nice to meet everyone.

This is my problem. I have a 1997 Nissan hardbody 4x4 that I need to change a leaky valve cover gasket on. I know the gasket is rubber and they say no silicone is needed in replacing it. But I have been doing some research on the net and some people say to put silicone on it anyway. Some say you only need it in certain areas. I want to do the job right. I checked the FSM, but it does not say anything about replacing the valve cover, except torque specs. So, silicone or no silicone?

Thanks,

[whomadewho]

Silicone is not necessary. Clean the contact area,insert the gasket,torque to specs. For best results,use a thread sealer on the cover bolts.

[brc19761]

Thanks for the reply. I just finished up the job a few hours ago. The only silicone that I did use was on the half moon shaped plastic pieces that came with the gasket. The reason I used it was when I took the old ones out I could see where the factory had placed some sort of sealant b/c I had to scrap it off. Also the new half moon pieces did not want to fit flush. I was going to use the old factory pieces but one of them cracked on me.

Bad thing is I know the torque specs but I did not have a torque wrench. I put it all back together and test drove it twice. I did not see any oil leaking. I also changed spark plugs. I bought the truck new in 1997 it has a little over 134,000 miles on it.