2000 Q45 - Vavle Cover Gasket Replacement

[sanjuandelsur]

HAving valve cover gasket replaced. Saw a recommendation to replace plugs while "in the neighborhood". Any other maintenance items that would be cost effective while VC is being replaced?
Modified by sanjuandelsur at 11:24 AM 1/18/2010

[maxnix]

PCV valves, any bad hoses.

[bullittandy]

If you have the money ($600) then replace the coils. They have to come off anyways and there MAY be a correlation with the mechanical removal and coild failure but this is PURE speculation. The other reason to replace them is that at least one will fail soon and its sometimes hard to figure out which one failed because they computer will usually say "random misfire" and so sure fire way to solve problem is to replace all coils. Also, once one fails they are all due eventually and maybe soon.

If you dont have the money or dont plan on keeping the car for 2 more years then spark plugs only along with Maxnix idea for pvc and hoses (but hoses are likely to be soft and not needed.)

Done this job on 3 97+ cars-search for my post as there is a bracket on the driver's side which makes the driver's side valve cover impossible to remove with the bracket in place and the bracket is very difficult to remove. I simply cut it off with a dremel tool.

Maybe some fine soul will find my post?

[maxnix]

... there is a bracket on the driver's side which makes the driver's side valve cover impossible to remove with the bracket in place and the bracket is very difficult to remove.

This is not true! The bracket is angled so the valve cover can be removed and be replaced with care. I did it, so anyone who wants to can if they are careful and precise.

[bullittandy]

I'm neither careful or precise but I believe you that it can be done.

[allmotorcoupe]

i always have a hard time having the half moons setting properly in the groove

[3Q Jay]

best if you take the crumpled up rubber gasket out of the package, and lay it out neatly overnight to relax it. install to completely clean cover first, use the grey rtv (i like the permatex) judiciously at the points of the half moons as specified in the fsm, and torque evenly in three increments again using fsm sequence.

[maxnix]

...use the grey rtv (i like the permatex) judiciously at the points of the half moons as specified in the fsm, and torque evenly in three increments again using fsm sequence.

I use the Nissan orange RTV, but one must use a very accurte torque wrench, and I highly recommend new rubber washers on the later VC as the old ones are hard and deformed. Undoubtedly the FSM assumes the original elasticity of new rubber washers. They are not inexpensive but there is no substitute of which I am aware. Lubricate the bolts with antiseize.

All of this is much easier with the plenum off.