Oil in Spark Plug Tube?!

[Daniel23]

I decided it was finally time to change the Oil Valve Cover Gaskets, and I'm sure we all know how that task is. I also decided to swap out the spark plugs. When I removed the first coil (Passenger side closest to the front of the car) the tube was filled with oil, meaning the seal/o-ring isn't working properly. I did a bit of research and found this to be a common problem. The most "obvious" solution is replacing the valve cover, but they're $200/each on InfinitipartsUSA. I did see that some people with G's would pull the seals and replace them with seals from a Nissan. The most cost effective solution was using RTV. Has anyone gone with the RTV route and how did that turn out? I'm a bit tempted to try it and see how it turns out, just keep an eye on it.

[Larz]

Probably worth looking into. Trouble is that M45's have a checkered history with oil burning, etc. It might be worth going with the OEM part just to reduce the possibility that something goes wrong. If it makes the $200 easier to spend, consider how much you save over the dealer price for parts and the exorbitant, excruciating labor costs they would bend you over for if not doing this yourself. Perhaps others have tried this fix before and can provide their expertise.

[LIBRILZ]

I have this same problem, mine is so bad the oil in the front and rear cyl pool oil and then begin leaking it out the side and onto the exhaust manifolds, Im gonna try to RTV the tubes and see how that works..

[Daniel23]

A little update, I went with the RTV route to try it out. So far everything has been working fine and no leaks. I did however, let the RTV sit without any tampering overnight in order to let it bond properly. I had went to O'Reilly for a different issue, one of the counter sales associates owned an Infiniti and told me that typically you would want to replace the whole valve cover. However, if you go to the dealership and find a parts associate that actually knows what they're talking about, he would be able to get you the seals. The difficult part is putting them back onto the valve cover correctly. Since they're made from a bonded aluminum and rubber I believe, meaning they don't just slide back in. If it isn't done correctly the leaking could possibly become even worse. I had already put the RTV but also wouldn't want to go through that trouble. LIBRILZ make sure when you do it, to replace the gaskets. Mine were also leaking from the side, when I pulled them they were pretty stiff compared to the replacement ones.

[LIBRILZ]

Thanks, noted..I actually replaced my gaskets thinking they were the problem, but once I took it off it was pretty pliable, of course I changed it anyways, but now I still leak oil which makes me believe it's the tube seals leaking and the holes filling u with too much oil and overflowing..mine was full of oil last time I took a looksie..my tube seal on the front and rear had a crack in it though so not surprised..

Did you leave the valve cover on and do it or what? I really don't want to remove it again lol, I heard from 350z guys it can be done with the covers still in place

[EdBwoy]

... one of the counter sales associates owned an Infiniti and told me that typically you would want to replace the whole valve cover. However, if you go to the dealership and find a parts associate that actually knows what they're talking about, he would be able to get you the seals...

FYI, not to get anyone's hopes up. It depends on what year and model Infiniti the O'Reilly's associate owned. The earlier metal valve covers had replaceable spark plug tube seals, but the black plastic ones don't... Unless something has changed very recently.

From the pathfinder group:
- 2002-qx4-valve-covers-t612886.html
- vq35-valve-covers-t607238.html


I have used RTV in the past on other VQ35 valve covers, but luckily the m45 doesn't typically suffer from tube seal leaks, so I just keep a bunch of spare used covers in case that day ever comes.
Even the 200k mile engine that had hardened VC gaskets, still had reasonably pliable tube seals.

[Daniel23]

Thanks, noted..I actually replaced my gaskets thinking they were the problem, but once I took it off it was pretty pliable, of course I changed it anyways, but now I still leak oil which makes me believe it's the tube seals leaking and the holes filling u with too much oil and overflowing..mine was full of oil last time I took a looksie..my tube seal on the front and rear had a crack in it though so not surprised..

Did you leave the valve cover on and do it or what? I really don't want to remove it again lol, I heard from 350z guys it can be done with the covers still in place

LIBRIZ, since I was replacing the gaskets as well, I had taken out the whole valve cover. I would say take the whole thing off, even though we all do it's such a "lovely" task to do. When I added the RTV, I put some on the inside of the seal, especially where the crack in the seal was. Once I put the valve cover back in place, I added a bit more RTV where the spark plug tube and seal make contact. That way it would provide a little bit of extra support. Once that was done, that's when I let it sit overnight. You don't technically have to do this, but since I didn't need my urgently, I had the time to do it. Maybe perhaps a few hours would be fine just to play it safe. *I apologize for the late reply* :/ I hope this helps, if you have any more questions, just let me know.

[LIBRILZ]

Thanks!

Also I found another alternative in case people don't want to buy a VC or use RTV, this website sells seals that can be used in place of the OEM ones, at least on the VQ35, doubt its much different for the V8

http://rndfactory.com/Web/FEATURE%20PRODUCTS.html