replacing Q valve cover gaskets

[sandor]

Hey guys, I have a base 94 Q (not LSD, active, or t model)) It looks like I have to remove the plenum to access the left valve cover. Is there any way to aviod this? Other than using sealant at the "90 deg corners" of the new gasket--is there anything else to be aware of? I couldn't find the torgue specs in the FSM, what should they be?

Thanks!

Sandor

[elwesso]

For the drivers side, you dont need to remove the plenum, as it would only make it marginally easier.

You would want to remove the TB and the EGR pipe. WIth those you should be fine.....

The torque specs are about 10 ftlbs. Do the corner and middle bolts first, tighten LIGHTLY, and then fully tighten the rest. IF you dont have a torque wrench that reads that little torque (not many do), just make sure there snug and not too tight. I think it has the pattern in there....

[sandor]

Thanks for the tip! The EGR tube and TB seemed to be in the way-but I'd rather remove the TB than the plenum. Will the cover clear the EGR pipe?

[elwesso]

No. PLEASE dont waste as many hours as I did trying to avoid it.

Easiest thing to do is to undo the EGR valve from the plenum, leave the valve on (mine was fused to the tube), and then start jerking it, firmly but nicely to the right (or to loosen it). IT will eventually break free and keep moving it around until its VERY loose, then you can reach down there (either from the top if you have skinny arms) or from the bottom.

I thought it was somewhat easier from the top, but i have skinny arms. Putting it back in is another story!!

[DAEDALUS]

The spec for '90-'93 models is 4.6 to 6.1 foot-lbs. Maybe the solid gaskets have larger bolts and take more torque? I would be shocked if it isn't in the FSM, maybe in one of the exploded isometric views. You don't want to go above what's called out. All it takes is a single sheared fastener to ruin your day. Does the manual call out RTV on the corners of the gasket?

[elwesso]

If you were talking to me, it says apply a continuous bead of liquid gasket to the mating surface.

WHen I had a mini "bible" 90 FSM, it DID NOT have the torque values and tightening pattern for the valve cover gaskets.

[DAEDALUS]

The liquid gasket is for the '90. I thought the '94s had solid gaskets. If the FSM says to use RTV on top of the solid gasket, I will suggest it's a mistake. Is the mini bible the one that comes with the car? Mine shows torque values on EM-31.

[elwesso]

The bible one is the one that comes with the car, IE not the HUGE one. I noticed it ommitted a few things....

Yeah theres a typo in there, thats why we were unsure if its good to RTV the half moons (which i didnt do, which i should have done,but didnt know)

[Q451990]

I think the only area that needs RTV on the 94+ is on the bottoms of the "half moons" - even though they're integrated into the rubber gasket. The 96' manual seems more specific about that - at least in the drawings.

The nuts should be tightened in a very specific order (see service manual) and in two phases. First to 35in/lbs, then to 87-104in/lb.

Heath

[Jeff Williams]

I think the only area that needs RTV on the 94+ is on the bottoms of the "half moons" - even though they're integrated into the rubber gasket. The 96' manual seems more specific about that - at least in the drawings.

The nuts should be tightened in a very specific order (see service manual) and in two phases. First to 35in/lbs, then to 87-104in/lb.

Heath

Please read Heath's torque ratings carefully!!

That is INCH pounds, not FOOT pounds!

[sandor]

Rats! I've got the left cover loose but it won't clear the metal pipe directly under the TB. There is a recess cast into the cover for clearance of the pipe--but the cover won't clear the studs. I've taken the upside down mounting bolt for the pipe off, but it won't more enough. I could loosen the plenum to gain the 1/4 inch extra needed, but I'd rather not. Any idea please?

sandor:(

[DAEDALUS]

It's a bypass tube. Put the longest 3/8" extension in there that will fit, and then just gorilla bend the pipe upward. Not pretty, but that's how I was told to do it by an Infiniti tech. You can always tell if that valve cover has been removed before by the crease in the pipe.

[sandor]

Yup, it worked to bend the tube. Thanks for the tip! What a pain--at least I have the easy side to do tomorrow. Amazing that the original gasket lasted this long. Mobil 1 has really kept the engine clean, there was absolutely no varnish or sludge buildup.

[Jeff Williams]

It's a bypass tube. Put the longest 3/8" extension in there that will fit, and then just gorilla bend the pipe upward. Not pretty, but that's how I was told to do it by an Infiniti tech. You can always tell if that valve cover has been removed before by the crease in the pipe.

OUCH, that sounds brutal. Is that the only way, without removing the plenum? -This is my next project.

[sandor]

The plenum is not as bad as it looks. Be sure to replace the manifold gaskets. I'd rather do injectors again than valve cover gaskets. (Except the cost!) My next job is the tension rod bushings. Hopefully I'll be able to get another 100K out of her...

[DAEDALUS]

OUCH, that sounds brutal. Is that the only way, without removing the plenum? -This is my next project.

The pipe routes directly under the plenum, attaching under it, toward the firewall. There's no way I can see to remove the cover otherwise with the plenum on.

[elwesso]

Jeff..... IF I were you id wait for the plenum to come off to do the drivers side.....

[Jeff Williams]

I was thinking of cutting the pipe, and using a hose to splice it later, then decided to just wait.

I am sure I will need to get under there, and replace the hoses, and knock sensors, eventually. The driver's side is leaking a bit, and it drives me crazy.

[slaughtermimms]

[quote=" sandor My next job is the tension rod bushings. [/quote]

I bought the bushings from Scottdales and never used them.....if your interested ti buy them, let me know. They are NEW and in the box.:ylsuper

[natsoundup]

still have the tension rod bushings ...I have a 94 and would like them if price reasonably.