Leaking Valve Covers

[nuctech99m]

I had my plugs changed a few weeks ago and sure enough there was oil in my # 6 cylinder, I went to the dealer that I have gone to for some service and was told that they have no idea that this is a known issue, the service guy wants to do an oil consumtion test, but I am not having a consumtion issue as far as I know.

Is there something that Infiniti has in writing that discusses the issue of the valve covers leaking, so I can prove that this indeed is an issue with more than just a few peolpe.

Also what is the fix if I need to do the repair myself, is it a gasket issue or something else.

Thanks

[tollboothwilley]

you have to replace the entire valve cover, they don't have replacement gaskets...

they never recognized this as a "common problem" and my giess is just to avoid a recall

most dealerships are familiar with this problem though

[nuctech99m]

Thanks for the info, I was wondering you say that the entire valve cover needs to be replaced, but Infiniti does sell a valve cover gasket you can click on the link to see an exploded view. If this is the case do you think replacing the gasket would correct the issue.

http://www.trademotion.com/par...gid=0

[SteveTheTech]

I have been with Infiniti for a long time and I know that my dealer is not aware of an issue with the valve cover gaskets. I have taken many top ends apart for various reason and have only personally seen a small few that had a failed.

The valve cover gasket is available OTC if you are interested in doing it yourself. Number 5 in the pic below sells for <$20. I do not have the PN right now but if you are interested I can get it for you, if you are going to DIY then ask the dealer is there is an updated PN for your year,engine.

All manufacturers are required to issue a recall(whether willingly or government imposed) based on safety related issues. Something like a small oil leak is not a safety issue that would warrant a recall. I hope that everyone here if they have this issue gets it addressed while it is still covered, but there is not a wide spread problem that everyone should panic over. So there would not be a recall a bulletin would be issued if there were a specific model range and documented concern as they do try to keep people happy.

[RED_DET]

How many miles on the car? Steve, should this be a warranty claim if within the mileage.

[SteveTheTech]

Yeah it should be covered under powertrain warranty.

[tollboothwilley]

powertrain 70,000 mile warranty

Steve, would that gasket fix the issue with leaking valve covers?

I was told the gasket was part of the cover and was not replaceable.

Can you find the part # on that for me if it will fix it

[SteveTheTech]

OK I am wrong I stand corrected. You for some reason cannot get the hole inserts seperatly. I do not know why that is, I do think the part was updated as there are 20+ available VC assemblies.

Sorry to get your hopes up. On almost every other car we have they are available as a kit. I learned something new today.

[tollboothwilley]

damn. how much are these valve cover assemblies Steve?

it'd be nice to do just the gaskets...

Do you think there is a way to do the repair without the whole assembly?

[SteveTheTech]

You can email or aim me if you want to know what the estimated price will be (I need your vin). I can get you the prices if you are interested, my dealer is working on setting up online sales so they should be able to ship them if you are interested. Plus there is a repair for temporary repair that I will not publicly note, as it is not the right way to do this job.

I will say that if you have this issue you may want to check your coil pack in #6. I have measured them on other cars that have had seal leaks and they tend to swell and that will effect sealing efficiency.

[tollboothwilley]

ya, when i swapped my plugs i noticed that they were swollen and weren't sealing very well. I want to swap out all the coil packs but i want the valve cover to not be leaking.

I'm gonna send you an email Steve. Hit me back.

[SVTCOBRA]

My 05 G35S w/50K miles was leaking as well.Infiniti told me that it should be covered under warranty.I ended up trading it for my 04 G35C before having it fixed.

http://forums.g35club.org/zerothread/355022

[tollboothwilley]

Ya, I need to fix this. The covers are expensive though. And i'm gonna need some ignition coils for the ones that are absorbing the oil a little and swelling.

I'm gonna post up a HOW-TO when i do fix it though.

[joe603]

I find it disturbing that the gasket is not sold separately...Any aftermarket ones that can be used?

[tollboothwilley]

nothing available...

the problem is that its the gasket inside the cylinder on the valve cover.