Debating holding off on valve gasket fix

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98_Q45
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Joined: Mon Oct 16, 2017 12:12 am

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So when to change my spark plugs and boots last week...only to find the first plug on drivers side I pulled was immersed in oil. Definitely bad, definitely misfire going on...at times.

I'm debating if I should work on it before I drive it 1,800 miles back home. I know that sounds like easy answer, but I like I mentioned I'm working with limited tools and time at a storage facility area. Also the gasket seems to take 3 days to arrive according to most shops...may need to check pep boys.

Basically asking if I'm likely to run into too much issues if I continue driving. I know the Maxima has valve cover leakeage for awhile too, but it wasn't that bad to where the plugs were immersed in oil. But it also took me 4 days to finish the job and can't risk that when I don't have the second car with to fall back on.

How easy is the job? My mechanic told $400 parts and Labor and that's NOT including the plugs and boots that I already bought. I'm like hell to the no. It doesn't even look that hard. Being this is a front facing engine, it seems I can reach all the appropriate bolts...but there's so much oil everywhere and I know what seems easy could turn into not having a car for a couple days which I don't really want to deal with.

my other option is to just replace the easiest or most leaky valve cover first..which looks like the drivers side


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Q451990
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I don't think driving it would be a problem...

98_Q45
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Joined: Mon Oct 16, 2017 12:12 am

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Q451990 wrote:
Tue Dec 19, 2017 1:05 pm
I don't think driving it would be a problem...
Even with plugs immersed in oil?

EdBwoy
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I agree with Q451990.
I mean they've been like that for who knows how long... Not ideal, but not deadly.

my12by60
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Location: Fountain Hills, AZ

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I paid a mobile guy $250 for labor ($50 hour rate) to change both of my valve cover gaskets. He worked for 5 hours straight and seemed to be fairly efficient. I bought the gaskets myself at IOS for $50 or so as I recall. So the $400 quote your received for parts and labor is not terrible.

98_Q45
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Joined: Mon Oct 16, 2017 12:12 am

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my12by60 wrote:
Wed Dec 20, 2017 6:59 am
I paid a mobile guy $250 for labor ($50 hour rate) to change both of my valve cover gaskets. He worked for 5 hours straight and seemed to be fairly efficient. I bought the gaskets myself at IOS for $50 or so as I recall. So the $400 quote your received for parts and labor is not terrible.
It wouldn't be terrible but just replaced rack and pinion and control arms. So I'm pretty much spend. I've given the mechanic guy over $1,200 since I got the car couple months ago.

When it comes to engine work, sometimes I rather use the money spent on labor to buy the tools for it myself. Seen a really good extension socket set that could make the job a breeze. But like I was asking...it may have to wait. Just can't see myself wanting to do any more projects until I get home.

Plus I checked all the stores in the area and no one has the gaskets in stock. So annoying.


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