1998 Pathfinder...Valve Cover Gasket Replacement.

[Leo1998]

I just bought a '98 Pathfinder with 112k miles, the passenger side engine compartment is smoking. I have searched internet and Forum, I found this to be a regular maintenance for these vehicles. So my question is when i replace the valve cover gaskets, what else should i replace while I have it tore down. I will be giving it a tune up...Suggestions on oil to use? Filter? Gasket set? any tips you have will be appreciated. Thanks

Leo

[Leo1998]

I will be starting the job on Saturday...No responses? I don't want to forget anything, then do it all again a week later when a part fails i could of swapped out with a new one. Thanks in advance .

[Towncivilian]

I'm unfamiliar with the VG33E engine so I can't provide very specific help. I would suggest replacing the PCV valve while you're at it, it should be very easy to do. Use an OEM one only.

The passenger side valve cover is relatively unobstructed, correct? I don't recall.

Engine oil - any 5W-30 meeting API SN specifications (look for the starburst on the back) and any oil filter will work fine for 5k mile oil change intervals.

[Leo1998]

Yeah that's the one with the easy passenger side. I did pick up a PCV valve, wires, plugs(autolites ok?) fuel filter, air cleaner, valve cover gasket set(need new grommets or reuse?)anti-seize for plug, RTV Silicone Ultra-Grey(Okay? will it harm the hard rubber gaskets, the silicone.) Oil filter(No oil yet...Maybe Maxlife 5w30 High Mileage?) What about EGR valve gasket? I think i take that off, not sure yet.

Thank you for your reply, i plan on keeping this Pathfinder til the end. Love It! My GF named her Luna.

[Towncivilian]

I would strongly recommend OEM specified NGK plugs.

Permatex Ultra Grey is perfect. What will you be using that for specifically?

If the grommets are not too expensive, I'd get them too.

Valve cover gasket set is specified to be replaced when removed.

MaxLife 5W-30 is great. Pair it with a Purolator classic for 5k mile OCIs.

If you remove the EGR valve, do replace the gasket.

[Tacticalsaint]

I just did this fun job two week ago on mine. Make sure you disconnect the battery first. you will need a EGR valve gasket make sure it's the aluminum one not the cheapo. You will also need a plenium gasket all for the drivers side. and of course your valve cover gasket set, get the kit with the new cover screw grommets. While the Plenium is of is the time to change out the infumious #6 plug, use the factory OEM NGK plugs and wires. MAKE SURE you replace any and all... vacuum and water and PCV hoses as needed while your in it. I had to cut most all of my lines including fuel lines. A little KY jelly or equivalent will help get them all back on great tip to have. Also when you clean up your covers check the lip tabs make sure they are not bent in to far this can happen from over tightening the cover screws, they should only be slightly bent in. Forget the permatex wont need it it's also messy. When removing the plenium it's good to have a extra hand or two, if it feels hung up that's because there is a wire connector underneath the plenium at the back that will need disconnecting (smaller hands the better). Good luck, it's not as bad as it sounds.

[Leo1998]

Thanks for the info, every bit helps make it go smooth. I haven't done this kind of job in a while, so i have always used Cork gaskets with the RTV stuff. How did you get the gasket to stay in place when putting back on? If i put oil on the Rubber Molded gasket(like with a oil filter) will that help hold it in place when ready to reassemble? #6 plug? i will research that! thanks. I did find a video on youtube showing how to take off the plenum, it's a good video. It shows him getting hung up with it trying to take it off and shows the wire that needs disconnected.I think it is actually a Infiniti he is working on. I just checked and it's an Xterra. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjL24ojaYtM

[Tacticalsaint]

Ya, he makes it look so easy lol. The before mentioned "tabs" are in the cover lip you will see it and will help hold it on but, a couple dabs of rtv wouldn't hurt here and there to help "secure" it in place if you wish, Cheers!

[Leo1998]

Success! I finished the valve cover gasket job. I didn't have to take off the EGR valve, had to replace some small coolant hoses in the back of the engine, didn't like the grommets that came with the kit, reused stock ones because they were better. Did the plugs while plenum was off, made it much easier. Other than that it went smooth...next is the timing belt! Thanks for all the tips, much appreciated.

[Leo1998]

One more thing for everyone who changes their own spark plugs or has someone do it for you. The heads are Aluminum and the plugs need Anti-seize spread around the threads before putting in, also wouldn't hurt putting the stuff (came with the spark plug wire set,I forgot what it's called) into the spark plug wire boots before snapping onto the plugs. This will make it easier to remove next time. I suggest this because of what i ran into when i bought my '98 Pathfinder, the plugs didn't have the anti-seize on them and were a PAIN IN THE A$$ to get out, i thought i was going to break them. So yeah, a piece of advice for anyone putting spark plugs in Aluminum heads.

[Tacticalsaint]

Great to hear it went well. Keep on keeping on...