I have a 2006 Nissan Maxima and have been told the valve covers are plastic, so they have to be replaced. They cannot replace jus
My 2006 Maxima has an oil leak and I've been told by the repair shop who was told by their parts supplier that the valve covers are plastic and they can't replace only the gaskets, but both covers have to be replaced. Is that right? I've seen Maxima valve cover gaskets for sale online.
My car has 202000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. As far as I’m aware, the valve covers on a V6 3.5 Liter Nissan engine are made of steel and not plastic or a polymer. If the valve cover was a strong polymer (or plastic), the valve cover gasket would still be separate from the OEM valve cover and could be replaced. However, the spark plug O-rings inside the valve cover are not replaceable, so it is recommended to replace the valve cover and gasket at the same time. This video should explain what I’m talking about.
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If the gasket is worn out, it will leak engine oil and the top of the engine will be likely be covered in oil. It can also expose your engine to dirt, debris and other pollutants with the ability to cause permanent damage. You`ll need to get an immediate replacement to prevent serious damage to your engine.
Although valve cover gaskets don`t necessarily need sealers or cements, it`s a common practice to glue the gasket to the valve cover. There are a number of sealant choices, too. For this application, Permatex No. 1, RTVs or Permatex High Tack gasket sealant work well.
While the source of oil leaks can be hard to locate, a common and relatively easy to repair source is located where the valve cover meets the cylinder head. If oil is going missing and the area around and under the valve cover is soaked, then it could be time to replace the valve cover gasket.
It is not recommended that you drive with a leaking valve cover gasket, as this can lead to overheating and engine insufficiency, as well as extensive engine damage.
It`s really a pretty simple system, but does an important job. The re-circulating air removes moisture and combustion waste from the crankcase, preventing sludge. This extends not only the life of your oil, but the engine as well. The PCV relieves pressure in the crankcase, preventing oil leaks.
It should be possible to run the engine without the valve covers on if the engine is not leaking oil. If there is an oil leak, it could cause the engine to overheat and damage the vehicle.
Generally speaking, gaskets serve as a static seal between flat surfaces, such as joints, while seals are used in more dynamic environments between active components such as rotating shafts, pumps, and engines.
Recommended Services. The engine valve cover gasket should last for about 8 to 12 years. If the gasket is leaking, then the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve is plugged up causing the engine to build up too much crankcase pressure blowing out the gasket.
The valve cover gasket seals the top of the engine, and if it leaks, oil can drip down onto the valves and cylinders. This can cause the engine to misfire, and as a result, the engine will run Rough idling is often caused by an imbalance in the air-to-fuel ratio.
Sometimes when oil leaks from a valve cover gasket it leaks all the way down to the spark plug well and eventually seeps inside the spark plug tubes. This will cause a misfire or reduce engine performance.
This can manifest as a rough idle, stalling, or difficulty starting the vehicle. In severe cases, engine misfiring can lead to damage to the spark plugs, which can be costly to replace. Excessive oil consumption is also a potential sign of valve cover gasket failure.
One way to check whether a PCV valve is functioning is to remove it from the hose or tube and shake it. If you can hear a metallic rattling noise, it`s likely in good working order. If you do not hear anything when you shake the valve, it is likely that it is no longer opening and closing like it should.
The most critical engine oil leaks are those that starve your engine of oil. If you see a large puddle on the ground, don`t try starting your engine. You may not have enough oil left to lubricate your engine and can cause permanent damage that can only be repaired by an engine rebuild or replacement.
Yes, if the valve cover gasket is leaking, oil can leak down into the recesses where the spark plugs live, soak the rubber boots from the coil, and cause the plugs to misfire. If severe, considerable misfiring and stalling can result.
Even though you will be fine to drive with a missing air valve cap, we recommend replacing it when you get the chance so that you can keep dust and debris out of your tires. Luckily, air valve caps are very easy and affordable to replace and can be found at chain auto parts stores and online retailers like Amazon.
Loose or missing bolts or screws.
If you tighten them too much, you risk breaking the valve cover; if they`re too loose, they can fall out again and cause an even worse leak.
A leaking valve cover is a prime issue in a gasket. The common signs of a leaked valve cover are filthy cover, oil burning smell, engine failure, engine knocking, and a lit check engine light. Sometimes you might also see white fumes from the engine.
Metal-seal valves do tend to operate quicker than rubber-sealed valves, but their valve spools will not hold position and could cause mid porting if the valve is subject to vibration or is mounted vertically. These valves usually have a mechanism for keeping them stable, such as spring force or a detent.
Under the right circumstances and having the right tools to hand, you can restore rubber gasket seals and have them working as good as new in no time. Rubber gasket seals provide a seal between two separate mechanisms, providing airtight seals to keep liquids and gases in place.
WD-40® High Performance Silicone Lubricant is ideal for use on rubber materials. After you have allowed time for the glue to dry and settle, spray the entire rubber surface with WD-40® High Performance Silicone Lubricant, and wipe away with a clean microfiber cloth.
Quick Tips. Silicone sealant should almost never be used where a paper, cork, metallic, or rubber gasket is intended. For instance, it shouldn`t replace a cylinder head gasket or a rubber oil pan gasket that the manufacturer requires.
This can manifest as a rough idle, stalling, or difficulty starting the vehicle. In severe cases, engine misfiring can lead to damage to the spark plugs, which can be costly to replace. Excessive oil consumption is also a potential sign of valve cover gasket failure.
The valve cover gasket seals the top of the engine, and if it leaks, oil can drip down onto the valves and cylinders. This can cause the engine to misfire, and as a result, the engine will run Rough idling is often caused by an imbalance in the air-to-fuel ratio.
The valve cover gasket seals the top of the engine, and if it leaks, oil can drip down onto the valves and cylinders. This can cause the engine to misfire, and as a result, the engine will run Rough idling is often caused by an imbalance in the air-to-fuel ratio.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I have a 2006 Nissan Maxima and have been told the valve covers are plastic, so they have to be replaced. They cannot replace jus
ANSWER : Hi there. As far as I’m aware, the valve covers on a V6 3.5 Liter Nissan engine are made of steel and not plastic or a polymer. If the valve cover was a strong polymer (or plastic), the valve cover gasket would still be separate from the OEM valve cover and could be replaced. However, the spark plug O-rings inside the valve cover are not replaceable, so it is recommended to replace the valve cover and gasket at the same time. This video should explain what I’m talking about.
I have a 2001 Toyota Tundra 4.7 V-8. When replacing the valve cover gasket, what should I torque the valve cover back to when rein
ANSWER : The valve cover bolt is tightened to 60 inch pounds.
Valve cover replacement? 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
ANSWER : Hi there – manufacturers are using plastic for valve covers, intake manifolds, and other engine components more and more often for weight and expense savings. Unfortunately, with repeated heat cycles, some of these plastics become brittle, or warp and won’t seal properly. You may very well need to replace the valve covers for this reason, but it should not happen again during the life of your vehicle. For assistance, I would recommend a valve cover gasket replacement by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, and repair this problem.
After valve cover gasket replacement, compressor broke
ANSWER : Hi there. Thanks for writing in about your 2000 Lexus GS400. Compressors can go bad due to oil saturation. It is likely that the technician spilled additional oil on the compressor when replacing the valve cover. The technician may have dealt the final blow to the already weakened compressor if they did spill such additional oil onto it. Unfortunately there is no real way to prove if this was done or not. If you need to have this taken care of, a qualified professional, such as one from YourMechanic can take a look at the car and replace the compressor if necessary.
I would like to know what parts I need to replace VVT ECCENTRIC SHAFT SENSOR and Valve cover
ANSWER : Although we would need to confirm using your VIN number, the required valve cover in your application appears to be part #: BMW-11127552281. The required BMW Eccentric Shaft Sensor (Valvetronic) is part #: VDO-S119565001Z. These OEM parts can be installed more economically for you by a mobile professional mechanic versus the cost you will see at a dealer. If you desire that these parts be replaced by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request quotes for valve cover/gasket replacement as well as VVT sensor or solenoid replacement. Once you set up an appointment, the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
When replacing the AC Compressor, do I need to replace both expansion valves as well or just the front
ANSWER : Hi there. Anytime you replace major air conditioning system components like the AC compressor, it’s recommended to purchase all supporting hardware and replace it at the same time. AC works as a series of individual components working efficiently together to create cool air that flows into your cabin. As such, if you’re replacing the front expansion valve, it’s a good idea to replace the rear at the same time. This increases overall efficiency of the system, reduces the potential of small component failure and allows the parts you replaced to last longer.
Was told that I need my valve cover gasket replaced. It is the drives side 1998 Mercedes C280
ANSWER : Hi there – I believe the "gasket" you mention that is actually leaking is one of a handful of rubber grommets for the bolts that hold on the valve cover gasket. They require removal of the valve cover gasket to replace, and should be replaced at the same time as the valve cover gasket. They get hard with age and heat, and will leak in a similar time frame as the valve cover gasket. I recommend a valve cover gasket replacement by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, and replace the gasket and grommets, resolving the leak.
Approximately, how long will a warranty last on a replaced or resealed valve cover gasket?
ANSWER : The engine valve cover gasket should last for about 8 to 12 years. If the gasket is leaking, then the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve is plugged up causing the engine to build up too much crankcase pressure blowing out the gasket. I recommend replacing the PCV valve and the valve cover gasket. The only time the warranty is applied to a valve cover gasket is from the manufacture time (new cars) or a company that offers a warranty for their products. If you need further assistance with your oil leaks, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
