redcoat

quoted $460 to change both front and rear valve covers on my 95 Maxima...so I'm thinking of doing it myself.

Found some useful step throughs on here - seems more time consuming than tedious.

But, I would like some recommendations on which parts to use? Is it best to use original if I can find them? Or are the aftermarket sets I see online ok?

cheers,

David

Shift_A32B

iTrader: (14)

OEM valve cover gaskets are not that expensive. You can also use Fel-pro

Slamrod

iTrader: (11)

Yeah youd have to be insane to pay that much. Shouldnt be a difficult job at all just time consuming. You cant ever go wrong with OEM.

While you have the intake out you may wish to replace your knock sensor while your at it.

Edit: if for whatever reason you need to replace the covers themselves and not just the gaskets, your best bet would be the junkyard. No need to buy it brand new and get scraped by the dealership.

jholley

iTrader: (13)

Here is a thread that can guide you in replacing those valve cover gaskets

rear-valve-cover-gasket-repair-info

I installed the FEL-PRO valve cover gasket kit 2 years ago and it has held fine. The PN is FEL-PRO VS50494R. You'll find them at rockauto.com for $36 + S/H. You'll also want to clean these parts and replace their gaskets while the plenum is removed:

http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...g-dummies.html

LTXMitch

take your time when doing it, $460 sounds right for a shop. i did it myself. clean your EGR, IACV and check all vacuum lines that make be broken

deezo

iTrader: (3)

Make sure to go over your hoses to make sure they're all reconnected and use RTV sealant to keep the new gaskets from leaking. I replaced the front cover first and it still had a little leak without the sealant.

tosheto

iTrader: (5)

Change your PCV valve, and clean your TB and IACV.

98maxaholic

Ya OP my 98 with 100k is just starting to collect dirt on the front valve cover on the side, but its not leaking alot cuz i never have to put a drop of oil in between chages..and when i did my tuneup(plugs and etc.) to my pleasant surprise none of the plug cylinders had any oil in them at all,which 4th gens can be known for ,after they get some age to em.. bone dry(Thank god)

anyway if you do decide to do them yourself, keep us posted on how hard it was, ive done v/cover gaskets in the past but none that i had to take off the manifold!!aaaarrrgggh!!

redcoat

Well, I found a local mechanic that was prepared to do both front and rear for $200, including the $60 kit.

Couldn't really pass that up, so he did it today. He said he guarantees it for a year, too - if they leak in the next year, fixes them for free.

Deal!

LTXMitch

Shoot I would of payed someone $200 just to do the rear one. That's a good deal

cashoit

Thats a dope price