97 Q45 valve cover gasket repair

[clsrbkm]

An Infiniti dealer diagnosed the hint of burning oil smell coming from my engine as a head gasket problem. The dealer informed me they would gladly repair the problem for an unreasonable amount of money. Does anyone know how much this job should cost? Also, does anyone know the name of a good Infiniti mechanic in New Jersey (Central NJ)?
Modified by clsrbkm at 9:07 PM 1/27/2009

[Infinitiguy19]

Keith Vanmeter in Mantua is an ex-Infiniti Senior technician.

Keith Vanmeter Auto Repair(856) 415-2022395 Wenonah AveMantua, NJ 08051

See him.

Welcome to NICO.

[clsrbkm]

Thank you!

I'll call him tomorrow.

[maxnix]

Head gasket or valve cover gasket? Big difference.

What's an "unreasonable amount of money" to repair a head gasket? Not sure you would want to do that without verifying the cause. A lot is involved with removing the head in a DOHC engine, as reading the FSM will verify.

[clsrbkm]

Excuse me, it's both valve cover gaskets. I'm taking it to another mechanic for a second opinion. Unfortunately, this mechanic isn't an Infiniti specialist. What's an 'FSM'?

[clsrbkm]

Does anyone know of anymore Infiniti specialists in central (Woodbridge area) or north (Fort Lee) New Jersey area?

[Q451990]

Excuse me, it's both valve cover gaskets. I'm taking it to another mechanic for a second opinion. Unfortunately, this mechanic isn't an Infiniti specialist. What's an 'FSM'?

FSM = Factory Service Manual

Download the 1998 version here, the 1997 one is incomplete for some reason. http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Q45

I know it's a bit of a haul to Vanmeter, but don't rule it out. Using someone local that's not familiar with your car can cause more damage that the convenience is worth!

Heath

[clsrbkm]

Thanks!

[maxnix]

Believe me, if you care about your Q45, it is well worth the trip to Keith.

He is an ex Senior Infiniti Technician.

And it is a lot of work. You will want to change plugs if they are any where near 40K (NGK PFRG5-11). Cleaning the throttle body, plenum, lower runners, EGR and IAC valves and that pesky little EGR tube that runs into the plenum are not labor saving but are beneficial.

[unknown007]

If your tight on budget just do the covers and sparks my suggestion.I suggest going to Keith.I did mine myself but if you know nothing and can't risk maybe messing up then have it done by Keith.Good luck.

If you have Keith do it have him inspect the car too just so you know what needs to be done asap and what can wait.

[NightRiderQ45]

Believe me, if you care about your Q45, it is well worth the trip to Keith.

He is an ex Senior Infiniti Technician.

And it is a lot of work. You will want to change plugs if they are any where near 40K (NGK PFRG5-11). Cleaning the throttle body, plenum, lower runners, EGR and IAC valves and that pesky little EGR tube that runs into the plenum are not labor saving but are beneficial.

Changing the plugs after 40k...these things are rated for 100k. Of course I do know that you shouldn't keep them in for that long, but isn't 40k too short of a life span.

To the OP (original poster), what prices have you heard for the VC gasket job? We should be able to tell you if the prices are reasonable. You can search my VC gasket thread which has labor prices in it.

[qship96]

The reason you change plugs now is to save the $400-500 labor charge to do them at a later date- if you put fresh plugs in while resealing valve covers- they will last til the next time you need to do valve covers---always do together to avoid duplication of labor.

[NightRiderQ45]

The reason you change plugs now is to save the $400-500 labor charge to do them at a later date- if you put fresh plugs in while resealing valve covers- they will last til the next time you need to do valve covers---always do together to avoid duplication of labor.

Makes plenty of since...I understand that logic. I was just stating that if the 100k plugs only had 40k, I feel that isnt' a lot of miles. Well in my case, I can put 20k on my car in one year with my commute.

[Q451990]

I'm not sure when Nissan changed to the "double platinum" plugs, which I think are rated to 100K. The G50 series came with single platinum plugs that are only rated to 60K.

Heath

[JOHNQ]

my mechanic is in palisades park next to fort lee. ive brought all my cars to him for the last 10yrs. without any problems and he warranty his own shop work. he replace both of my valve cover gaskets on my 1999 q45 for $375 including parts and labor. he changed my spark plugs in the same process for free(i had the spark plugs already). he also did an intake induction/fuel system cleaning service for $100 that gave me 3+more mpg

[maxnix]

I'm not sure when Nissan changed to the "double platinum" plugs, which I think are rated to 100K.

Heath

There are no "double platinum" plugs. The VH41DE uses the same plugs as the VH45DE. So one has to ask, "How did a 60K plug become a 100K plug?" I don't think it is the coil packs.

It is a no-brainer for any one who has examined the plugs at the various mileages.

I just replaced the PFRG6 in my VH45DE at ~50K. Replaced the VH41DE at about 50K.

[Q45tech]

And the up to 60k only applies to the first change, as we know progressive wear creates more blowby from rings and valve stem seals SO each subsequent interval will get shorter and shorter and shorter.

On my 320,000 engine 50k appears visually to be way too long, now! But I'm driving less per year so 4 years has worked for last 2.

All part of annual $3,000 in M&R costs..............where plugs are just $20 per year+ time.

[Jesda]

I had to read the thread title twice. I think I can count on one hand the number of NICO members who have had to replace head gaskets on any Q45.

[Q45tech]

And the up to 60k only applies to the first change, as we know progressive wear creates more blowby from rings and valve stem seals SO each subsequent interval will get shorter and shorter and shorter.

On my 320,000 engine 50k appears visually to be way too long, now! But I'm driving less per year so 4 years has worked for last 2.

All part of annual $3,000 in M&R costs..............where plugs are just $20 per year+ time.

Shocks/boots which last 4 years cost $100 per year.

[maxnix]

I had to read the thread title twice. I think I can count on one hand the number of NICO members who have had to replace head gaskets on any Q45.

None that I can think of as such an overheat would cause significant damage.

[BadQ45t]

The 2000 Q I think was the first one with the Platinums so the 97 for sure needed new ones at 60k, I have 90k now and will probably do them at 100k.

I know lots of the older Q's that needed head gasgets (my Dad's 92' blew out under warranty) but if I were you I would take it somewhere for a diagnsis and see what they say instead of just taking it to them to do the job.

[qship96]

Lots of misinformation in this thread.

1. All q45 from 1990 on have used platinum sparkplugs from the factory- specifically "double platinum plugs", meaning both the ground AND center electrode tips are platinum{ some cheaper "platinum" plugs,including cheaper ngk`s are a single platinum type plug where only 1 of the 2 are tipped with platinum}

The double platinum plugs specced from the factory will easily last well past 100,000 miles IN A PROPERLY OPERATING MOTOR.

My factory installed plugs were changed at 69,000 miles and came out looking fine, and no noticable difference was felt whatsoever with their replacements. I kept these plugs in use from 69,000 miles til 203,000 miles{134,000 miles of use} and when changed looked fine and again NO difference whatsoever in idle quality, MPG, or power- and because these were changed on a round trip from Md to Atlanta{T3} I was able to accuratly track MPG on both legs of the almost 700 mile trip.

Bottom line,my car will make it to 299,999 miles with only 2 plug changes instead of 4 - quite a savings in my book for zero loss of power/mpg/smoothness- at labor of $500 and plugs at $90,thats almost $1200 saved to put to other maintenance needs of the vehicle over its lifetime.

[maxnix]

Looking at the Nissan NGK PFR6G-11 box there is not even a mention of Platinum.

At the NGK website, they are the identified as the "Laser Platinum" series:

LASER PLATINUM®

Laser Platinum® spark plugs provide high ignitability and longer service life. Dual platinum surfaces ensure slow wear rate providing stable idle, superior anti fouling, improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

* Laser welded Platinum center electrode tip * Platinum disc welded to backside of ground electrode provides long life * Trivalent Metal Plating provides superior anti-corrosion and anti-seizing properties * Faster starts and quicker acceleration * Better fuel economy and lower emissions * Best Platinum spark plug available * Original Equipment Manufacturer approved design

Mine were fine where they fired, but had built up some mild discoloration around the insulators and a feathery debris on the back side at the base of the wire electrode. Yeah, you might get a spark out of them at 200K, but changing them when the VC gaskets fail is an obvious and easy choice for most.

I will now continue to changing the passenger side plugs and VC gaskets and perfecting my Japanese obscentity vocabulary.

The VH series uses the same plug and always has.

[elwesso]

I edited the thread title...

IMO most mechanics shoudl be able to do a valve cover gasket job, just an R/R procedure, nothing funny.

[maxnix]

Thanks, Wes. Now Just correct the misspellings of the other thread titles and search will work!

[clsrbkm]

The 2000 Q I think was the first one with the Platinums so the 97 for sure needed new ones at 60k, I have 90k now and will probably do them at 100k.

I know lots of the older Q's that needed head gasgets (my Dad's 92' blew out under warranty) but if I were you I would take it somewhere for a diagnsis and see what they say instead of just taking it to them to do the job.

I got a full diagnostic at a Infiniti dealership. They quoted me a shameful price to fix it and they don't even know what they're doing. I was told by the dealer the plenum needs to come off to replace the gasket, called T3 and Ty the tech I spoke to quickly cleared this up. This weekend I plan to get a second opinion.

[clsrbkm]

my mechanic is in palisades park next to fort lee. ive brought all my cars to him for the last 10yrs. without any problems and he warranty his own shop work. he replace both of my valve cover gaskets on my 1999 q45 for $375 including parts and labor. he changed my spark plugs in the same process for free(i had the spark plugs already). he also did an intake induction/fuel system cleaning service for $100 that gave me 3+more mpg

JOHNQ please provide the name and number of your mechanic.

Thanks!

[maxnix]

The plenum does not need to be removed to replace the valve cover gaskets. I know, I have done it. However it is easier, and I guarantee that it is overdue.

The main benefit besides cleaning the inside of the plenum is the EGR tube that goes in from the rear is most assuredly clogged. The IAC and EGR valves and TB will need cleaning also.