Hi,
I had to replace the rear crankshaft seal and as a result, I ended up pulling the engine. What a process and I can't express how difficult and frustrating the whole process was - especially separating the A/T transmission from the engine.
Considering how hard this is, I want to make sure I replace any preventative part on the engine now that I have it out of the body. The engine has roughly 95K miles on it.
I'm replacing the rear and front crank seals, upper oil pan gasket, oil cooler gaskets, thermostat and gasket, throttle body gasket, valve cover gaskets for both heads, VVT solenoid gaskets, intake and exhaust gaskets.
Anything else that I should replace? Is it needed to replace the water pump?
Thank you!
Preventative items to replace when engine out
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2001_qx4_guy
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2025 7:31 am
- Car: 2001 Infiniti QX4 A/T 4WD
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
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mdmellott
- Posts: 1183
- Joined: Mon Sep 02, 2019 3:32 pm
- Car: '13 Kia Soul+ 2.0L AT
'02 Pathfinder SE 3.5L AT P/4WD - Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Re: Preventative items to replace when engine out
The PCV valve is typically a routine PM replacement item on most vehicles, but on our R50 models it is anything but routine, being hidden under the intakes. Easy and low cost peace of mind to replace it while you deal with those valve cover gaskets. If your QX4 has aluminum valve covers, the spark plug tube seals pressed into the aluminum covers are also something to consider replacing. If they are plastic covers, like mine, the seals are not replaceable.
My water pump is original with 235K miles on it, still doing its job well, leak free. Life span is shorter in areas with extreme hot or cold weather. I personally would leave it alone if it's still doing its job well. The replacement procedure isn't terrible, if it ever does need replacing at some time in the future.
My water pump is original with 235K miles on it, still doing its job well, leak free. Life span is shorter in areas with extreme hot or cold weather. I personally would leave it alone if it's still doing its job well. The replacement procedure isn't terrible, if it ever does need replacing at some time in the future.
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2001_qx4_guy
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2025 7:31 am
- Car: 2001 Infiniti QX4 A/T 4WD
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
Re: Preventative items to replace when engine out
Thanks so much for your response!
I already have the OEM PCV on my pile of replacement parts, although I didn't mention it since I thought it wasn't a big deal. The list of items I'm replacing is huge, including front wheel bearings, all the related seals, drive belts, etc.
I don't know what kind of valve cover I have but I have already purchased the spark plug tube seals from RockAuto (FEl-Pro).
I'll leave the water pump alone then. I used to have a 3.5 Altima (VQ35DE) that had timing chain issue and I had to take the engine out twice to get to the timing chain, and while in there, I changed both the water pump and the oil pump. But that engine was mounted transmission and would make accessing the timing cover almost impossible.
I already have the OEM PCV on my pile of replacement parts, although I didn't mention it since I thought it wasn't a big deal. The list of items I'm replacing is huge, including front wheel bearings, all the related seals, drive belts, etc.
I don't know what kind of valve cover I have but I have already purchased the spark plug tube seals from RockAuto (FEl-Pro).
I'll leave the water pump alone then. I used to have a 3.5 Altima (VQ35DE) that had timing chain issue and I had to take the engine out twice to get to the timing chain, and while in there, I changed both the water pump and the oil pump. But that engine was mounted transmission and would make accessing the timing cover almost impossible.