Valve Covers Leaking 94Q

[rob1]

I have 125K on 94Q and after freeway runs a slight oil burning smell but no smoke. The dealer says valve cover gaskets need to be replaced for $900.

Questions:

1)if only slight leakage, is it really necessary to replace the valve cover gaskets? how long can I postpone this repair?

2)if I have the work done, what other repairs/part replacements would be cost efficent (besides spark plugs) at the time valve cover gaskets are being replaced?

[Jeff Williams]

They are crispy-fried, and nothing will help, but replacement. It took me about 4 hours total to do both of mine. It was a PITA. Good time to do the plugs, and clean the throttle body, EGR, and PCV since you will have all the accessories off.

There are some pictures im my member's ride section of Layla's gasket replacement.

You can postpone this as long as you can stand the smell and smoke. Trust me, the smoke will come. Usually when you are out to dinner with your wife. The kid standing in the crowd by the valet stand will say "Look, that car is on fire!"

If you have lots of patience, a steady hand and some mechanical skill, you can get the gaskets for about $40 and do it yourself.

[Q45denver]

Dealer prices are insane. But at least they are somewhat competent. I had some temporary sucess on my 1995 (almost a year so far) tightening the valve cover bolts. But I don't dirve it that much.

[tkd_q45]

You might want to try this first -

http://www.auto-rx.com/

I have not had any leaks but I have used this product and swelling seals is one of the things this product is supposed to do.

I does really do a good job of cleaning your motor and I've noticed from 1 - 3+ MPG increase (the latter on my 92 400e).

[Q451990]

You 94+ G50 have it easy! At least you don't have to try to place a rocker cover fully loaded with RTV back on the head after an hour or two of scraping and cleaning!

I'm all for replacing the plugs at the same time. If you've had a lot of oil leaking into the plug cylinders it might be worth replacing the coil pack boots too - there are some cases of corrosion on these boots that have a lot of oil cooking in them.

Heath

[rob1]

Jeff, 4 hours for both sides? You must have done this before? and you used pneumatic tools? Seems like a first timer would take a full weekend to figure out what to do and then do it withour an air compressor.

By the way besides valve cover gaskets, what other parts will need to be replaced e.g. other gaskets, etc...

[Q451990]

I would have a throttle body and EGR valve gasket on hand... other than that, it's basically just whatever breaks (brittle PCV hoses, etc) as you're doing the job! Plenum removal isn't necessary and there's not a great deal of overlap between the jobs...

Heath

[Magnum PI]

I had the same problem about a year ago. After I could stand the smoke and smell no longer, I had my independent mechanic (no Infiniti dealers on my island) change out the gaskets as well as a whole load of hoses, plugs and stuff while he was in there. He called the nearest Infiniti dealer in Honolulu who gave him the list of parts he would need. I provided the shop manual. It was worth it. About $600 P&L if I recall. The car ran like new again.

[Jeff Williams]

It was my first time on the gaskets, but I had changed plugs twice before, so I had the procedure fairly down pat.

Most independents charge about $20 an hour cheaper than the dealership, and some can do it just as fast. My local independent shop has quite a bit of respect for me, since they found out I have done the gaskets and plugs. They have a lot of experience with the first gen Q.

[qsiguy]

My 94 Q is doing the same thing. What about lightly tightening the bolts up? This would buy a little time wouldn't it as long as you didn't go too tight and mess something up.

[rob1]

I remember tightening the valve cover bolts on older cars 1960s etc, but the Q45 bolts are tight.

[qsiguy]

Since my last post, I tried to tighten a few of them and you're right, they are already pretty tight. Guess it's time to make replacement plans. Need to get some alternate transportation so I can have the time to get it done in my spare time.

[nuQ]

DEFINITELY change the plugs while you have it apart,,,and basically anything else that's within easy reach while it's apart!!!!

[Jeff Williams]

Since my last post, I tried to tighten a few of them and you're right, they are already pretty tight. Guess it's time to make replacement plans. Need to get some alternate transportation so I can have the time to get it done in my spare time.

When you get it off, you will notice that the rubber gasket has now turned in to a hard plastic.

[teamturner]

New to the forum, but this post is perfect timing.....

I've a 94 Q45 and have had oil leaking for a little over a year. I've got some major repair work that I am facing with a mechanic that I've used over the past couple of years and I'm starting to wonder if I am getting gouged based on what I just read. He's quoting 1300 - 1400 to replace the valve covers. Is there any reason it would be this expensive?

BTW, do any of you know a good Infiniti mechanic in the Dallas/Richardson Texas area?

[maxnix]

Welcome in, pardner.

Glen (aaacomp) is up there and may have mentioned one.

[rob1]

Infiniti Dealers should quote 8 hours at usually about $90 per hour for labor. $720 plus parts of $40 for valve gaskets, a few other gaskets plus whatever brittle parts need replacing. Should budget $900 at dealer cannot see $1300 plus.

They should only charge an extra 1/2 of labor to replace the plugs since the plugs are fully exposed. At least at the dealer you get a free loaner.

BTW, does your engine smoke or just smell from burning oil. I am stalling this non-mechanical repair as long as possible.

[sultan]

mine have leaked for at least two years. started off with just a little oil smell since it leaks on the exhaust mani. then it smoked a bit if parked on an incline. now it smells and smokes while on flat surfaces.

but mine only leaks when it's cold out, in the summer it's not really a problem.

[qsiguy]

I need mine done, not sure if I want to invest the time to do it myself. I checked with my friend who owns an auto shop and has worked on my Q before. His "book" says 10 hours if you have TCS. so it was in the $700-800 range. And he was the same on parts $40.

[maxnix]

My 94 Q is doing the same thing. What about lightly tightening the bolts up? This would buy a little time wouldn't it as long as you didn't go too tight and mess something up.

Can you say helicoil? Why risk stripping the aluminum recievers in the head?

If the gasket has no more resilience, it is toast. Don't play this game!

[Q45denver]

They tend to leak more in cold weather. Your 1994 is much easier DIY due to the solid rubber gaskets and makes it much less likely to screw up. 10 hours for someone who has never done it before and has little mechanical apptitude (clumsy) sounds reasonable. Be sure to do the plugs and use a torque wrench if you are not good at gauging torque. Might be a good time to check the plenum hoses knock sensors and clean your throttle body also.

[off2sobe]

Does your Q have TCS? If so, the throttle control over the driver's side valve cover makes this job a bear.

[Q45denver]

Might add 15 minutes to remove the throttle body?

[miata007]

In the middle of replacing the knock sensors, I want to replace the gaskets for both valve covers (rocker cover gasket-fsm calls them). While reading the fsm for my 97 Q45, it says to use a new gasket. In addition, it says the following:"Apply a continuous bead of liquid gasket to gasket arch in the dimensionsshowned in the figure (EM40). "

Does that mean Y33 does not use rubber gasket? I am confused because while checking for gaskets they do have them for both (left and right valve covers). My guess is to use both the rubber and the liquid gasket. Anyone have some more insights on this ?

Thanks!

007

[maxnix]

In the middle of replacing the knock sensors, I want to replace the gaskets for both valve covers (rocker cover gasket-fsm calls them). While reading the fsm for my 97 Q45, it says to use a new gasket. In addition, it says the following:"Apply a continuous bead of liquid gasket to gasket arch in the dimensionsshowned in the figure (EM40). "

Does that mean Y33 does not use rubber gasket? I am confused because while checking for gaskets they do have them for both (left and right valve covers). My guess is to use both the rubber and the liquid gasket. Anyone have some more insights on this ?

Thanks!

007

Probably refers to the semi-circular plugs along their radius. Read it carefully.

[teamturner]

A little smoke, but mostly the burning oil smell. That and the ugly oil spots it leaves out front. It's been doing this for about 2 years now. I'm trying to decide if I should bite the bullet and fix this or just put up with it. I'm also looking at some serious money to replace the shocks (they're gone) and to fix what the mechanic has described as a "weak point" in the front suspension.

I need to find my notes from the call so I can float a few more things out to the forum.

BTW, have any of you had to deal with replacing the plastic fan? What did that cost you?

[qship96]

fan is cheap if ordered from Joe at infinitiparts.com,50-60$ if i remember correctly- easy 4 bolt 15 minute do it yourself repair.

[Q451990]

"Apply a continuous bead of liquid gasket to gasket arch in the dimensionsshowned in the figure (EM40). "

It means to put RTV on the "half moons" on either gasket. A small bead should be on each edge should work...

Heath

[kimrober]

Local acquintence who owns shop did mine for around $500 last year. I couldn't stand the smoke.. what a shame for a premium luxury car to have smoke come out of hood at restaurant parking lot.. Definitely do it before it gets worse.

[rob1]

I started this thread two and half weeks ago and these guys called it. Colder weather set in which is the 40's is Southern California and a couple of drops of oil on the ground then a week later the engine started smoking. The car is at the dealer getting the valve cover gaskets replaced and new plugs. At least I have a G35 loaner, but prefer the 94Q.

For the experts out there, what other major repairs should I expect. 94Q original owner, 125M, fuel injectors replaced, fuel pump. Maintained meticously as far as oil changes every 3M, trans flush every 30M, etc. I am planning new struts next year. I would like to see if I can hold on to this car until 200M.