Valve Cover gasket Question

[flex128]

Ok this is my question has any one rebuilt their Valve covers? and does any one know if the Nissan maxima Valve cover gasket fits are engines ?
I know we can mod the outside of the Maxima Valve Cover to fit but can't remember if they used the cover specific gasket or car specific gasket i mean if the Valve covers fit then the gaskets should be the same right ?

[svard75]

I'm sorry but am not familiar with the maximas but in any case why would you buy a maxima gasket over an infiniti gasket? Most nissan dealerships can order stuff for infiniti if not in stock.

[CPJ LB]

just get the OEM valve covers...if you shop around, you can get good prices (try OC Infiniti online store). since I live in CA, I was able to shop online, get the reduced price and pick up the order.

or try Z1 http://www.z1motorsports.com/350_g35/pr ... ts_id=3576

another option is by R & D, they make a kit that replaces the grommets / o-rings to the spark plug tubes... use your existing valve covers and cut out the old grommets / o-rings, then install the kit. http://yhst-13387653796039.stores.yahoo ... acore.html

[flex128]

Thnx for the reply guys but after allot of searching I found my answer.

The valve cover gasket from any where that you look if you get one that says infiniti or 350z will run you close to $20 each where as the maxima is about $8 each after searching I found out they are exactly the same.

As for the valve covers the maxima ones are around $38 each where are covers run 180+ each the rear one bolts right on the front one has two issues. 1 is their is a mount hole that we don't need that interferes whit are plenum so it needs to be filed down the other is the number 6 coil is turned so you need to extend the wire for tht coil pack cost to do this is around $100. That's alive covers and gaskets .

I'm aware of the kit r&d sell but their asking to much for those parts I already have an extra set of good valve covers I just need the gasket I'm going to rebuild my old ones but I will be trying the grommets that nissan sell for another vehicle using the same engine as us at $4 each ill test it and of thy work ill post it so that people won't be getting ripped off. 6 grommets at $24 and VCg at $17 is allot better then paying $120 for a rebuild kit

[asavage]

I will be trying the grommets that nissan sell for another vehicle using the same engine as us at $4 each ill test it and of thy work ill post it so that people won't be getting ripped off.

Except, you didn't. Post the result or the part No. of that seal.

After a couple of hours reading, I'm aware of at least five ways to fix this problem:

• The solution using the 2004/2005 Maxima valve covers with minor modifications -- pretty well documented, and cheap at well under $200 for parts;
• The R&D Factory rebuild "kit" (that has a loaner mandrel guide bushing for the hole saw) -- slick, but at $130 net kinda expensive if the tube seals are only $5 or so;
• The ill-fated L-Fab valve cover rebuilding endeavor -- pretty, but seem to be NLA, and again, pretty expensive if one only needs the parts, not the expertise to install;
• The "clean the seal and smear it with high-temp RTV" solution -- a decent, low-buck fix but not my first choice, since I've got to have the VCs off anyway;
• Factory valve covers -- $207 per side plus gaskets.

I'm still looking for a part No. for a replacement tube seal that I can glue in myself. Something that someone has actually used successfully. RTV is best in small spaces, not filling 1/8" gaps when that's unavoidable, and it seems that other Nissan seals my have an OD that's too small. Several people have mentioned that there's a Nissan spark plug tube seal that actually fits well, but I'm not finding anyone who's actually posted reproducible info.