Dreaded Valve Cover Oil Leak, Looking For Advice

Csmall · 06-06-2020, 09:29 AM

Hey guys and gals....
So my 2011 has 70K. For some time now the oil has been leaking oil from a valve cover gasket...now it is happening from both. I have done some research and apparently this is a common problem. I am looking to replace the gaskets, but before I do, I wanted to get some opinions from any who have encountered this problem. From the videos and other info on the internet, it is possible that the valve cover bolts are just loose, and the gasket is fine. Here are my questions:
1. If you have changed the gasket(s), did you find the originals to be in good shape?
2. Is there significantly more labor in removing the valve covers vs. accessing the cover bolts and just tightening?

My thoughts are to try to tighten/torque the bolts before changing the gaskets.

Any input would be welcome, thanks!

dave11 · 06-06-2020, 09:42 AM

It can't hurt. It may be an easy fix.

Rusty · 06-06-2020, 12:12 PM

Clean everything up around the valve covers. Retighten the bolts. If you find that none of the bolting is loose. Good chance that you will have to change the gaskets. If you find a couple of the bolts loose. You may get lucky and stop the leak. Only time will tell with this.

BettyZ · 06-06-2020, 11:23 PM

It's not just removing the valve covers. To change the gaskets you need to pull off everything in front of the motor. Then remove the front timing chain cover. Shop labor on that is around 1k and I can gaurangoddamntee you that the shop will screw up something.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

SonicVQ · 06-07-2020, 04:51 PM

Be very carful not to over tighten the valve cover bolts.
They are a stepped collar design (see link below) and can snap, leaving the threaded portion in the head.

Also, tightening them a little more will not increase the clamping force between the valve cover and cylinder head.
If it is leaking, the rubber gasket has shrunk and needs to be replaced.

https://conceptzperformance.com/niss...1a_p_25546.php

Good luck with whatever you decide to do

SonicVQ · 06-07-2020, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BettyZ

It's not just removing the valve covers. To change the gaskets you need to pull off everything in front of the motor. Then remove the front timing chain cover. Shop labor on that is around 1k and I can gaurangoddamntee you that the shop will screw up something.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

The OP is talking about valve cover gaskets, not the rear timing cover oil galley gaskets.

BettyZ · 06-07-2020, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SonicVQ

The OP is talking about valve cover gaskets, not the rear timing cover oil galley gaskets.

It is legit not possible to torque all the valve cover fasteners down without removing the radiator. So the same problems still remain.

Rusty · 06-07-2020, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SonicVQ

Be very carful not to over tighten the valve cover bolts.
They are a stepped collar design (see link below) and can snap, leaving the threaded portion in the head.

Also, tightening them a little more will not increase the clamping force between the valve cover and cylinder head.
If it is leaking, the rubber gasket has shrunk and needs to be replaced.

https://conceptzperformance.com/niss...1a_p_25546.php

Good luck with whatever you decide to do

With these bolts. Once tight, that's it. If OP doesn't find any loose bolts. Then the gasket has to be replaced.

SonicVQ · 06-07-2020, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BettyZ

It is legit not possible to torque all the valve cover fasteners down without removing the radiator. So the same problems still remain.

I don't think we are talking about the same part.

To replace the valve cover gaskets, you don't need to touch the rad.
You will need to remove the intake boots, upper intake plenum and ignition coils.
Then loosen the bolts that hold on the valve cover and gently pry it off.

Gooch · 06-07-2020, 10:36 PM

To my knowledge, accessing the bolts and removing the covers shouldn’t be much difference in labor costs. Also, check your spark plugs before you do this. If they are oily you should also replace the entire covers along with the gaskets, as the spark plug seals are inherent with the whole valve cover assembly. Good luck..

MattWll · 06-09-2020, 08:49 AM

it is easy to fix and it is not necessary to take the original in good condition. You can whack an analog, which will be quality no worse.

JARblue · 06-09-2020, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gooch

Also, check your spark plugs before you do this. If they are oily you should also replace the entire covers along with the gaskets, as the spark plug seals are inherent with the whole valve cover assembly.

There are new valve covers you can buy for the VQ engine that have serviceable spark plug tube seals, which can be purchased separately

https://www.z1motorsports.com/cylind...iABEgKn1_D_BwE

Gooch · 06-09-2020, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JARblue

There are new valve covers you can buy for the VQ engine that have serviceable spark plug tube seals, which can be purchased separately

https://www.z1motorsports.com/cylind...iABEgKn1_D_BwE

The more you know!

Tractionless · 06-10-2020, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattWll

it is easy to fix and it is not necessary to take the original in good condition. You can whack an analog, which will be quality no worse.

Csmall · 06-13-2020, 10:19 AM

Thanks guys, I have decided to replace the gaskets to include the spark plug well seals and the spark plugs themselves. I have found a local guy who I trust that will do it for less than half the stealership price is 1K

06-06-2020, 09:29 AM	#1 (permalink)
Csmall Base Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 30 Drives: 2011 370z sport/tour Rep Power: 12	Dreaded Valve Cover Oil Leak, Looking For Advice Hey guys and gals.... So my 2011 has 70K. For some time now the oil has been leaking oil from a valve cover gasket...now it is happening from both. I have done some research and apparently this is a common problem. I am looking to replace the gaskets, but before I do, I wanted to get some opinions from any who have encountered this problem. From the videos and other info on the internet, it is possible that the valve cover bolts are just loose, and the gasket is fine. Here are my questions: 1. If you have changed the gasket(s), did you find the originals to be in good shape? 2. Is there significantly more labor in removing the valve covers vs. accessing the cover bolts and just tightening? My thoughts are to try to tighten/torque the bolts before changing the gaskets. Any input would be welcome, thanks! Spartan 1771 likes this. __________________ 2011 Touring Sport Eibach Antiroll Magnaflow Catback

06-06-2020, 12:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
Rusty Ronin Samurai - Assassin Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fayettenam,Pennsyltucky Age: 68 Posts: 35,190 Drives: 2011 Nismo GM 6M Rep Power: 2684437	Clean everything up around the valve covers. Retighten the bolts. If you find that none of the bolting is loose. Good chance that you will have to change the gaskets. If you find a couple of the bolts loose. You may get lucky and stop the leak. Only time will tell with this. Spartan 1771, ZoomZ and BettyZ like this. __________________ 浪人 - 殺し屋 "The Difficult Anytime, The Impossible By Appointment Only" http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...o-journal.html

06-06-2020, 11:23 PM	#4 (permalink)
BettyZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Chicagoland Age: 37 Posts: 5,261 Drives: A Garage Queen Rep Power: 2684371	It's not just removing the valve covers. To change the gaskets you need to pull off everything in front of the motor. Then remove the front timing chain cover. Shop labor on that is around 1k and I can gaurangoddamntee you that the shop will screw up something. Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk __________________ '14 MB Nismo \| Boost Lab 6870 1.32 AR 553 HP / 471 ft.-lbs. Betty Mods

06-07-2020, 04:51 PM	#5 (permalink)
SonicVQ Base Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Ontario Posts: 230 Drives: G37 Sport Rep Power: 6720	Be very carful not to over tighten the valve cover bolts. They are a stepped collar design (see link below) and can snap, leaving the threaded portion in the head. Also, tightening them a little more will not increase the clamping force between the valve cover and cylinder head. If it is leaking, the rubber gasket has shrunk and needs to be replaced. https://conceptzperformance.com/niss...1a_p_25546.php Good luck with whatever you decide to do Spartan 1771, JARblue and Rusty like this.

06-07-2020, 10:36 PM	#10 (permalink)
Gooch Base Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Washington State Posts: 69 Drives: 15 370z 6MT Nismo Rep Power: 9	To my knowledge, accessing the bolts and removing the covers shouldn’t be much difference in labor costs. Also, check your spark plugs before you do this. If they are oily you should also replace the entire covers along with the gaskets, as the spark plug seals are inherent with the whole valve cover assembly. Good luck.. __________________ '15 370z Nismo Tech 6MT Magnetic Black, V2 BP Kit 6467 Unexploded Turbo \| '06 350z Touring 6MT Carbon Silver

06-06-2020, 09:42 AM	#2 (permalink)
dave11 Base Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 141 Drives: 2020 370Z 6M Rep Power: 2979	It can't hurt. It may be an easy fix.

06-09-2020, 08:49 AM	#11 (permalink)
MattWll Base Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Florida Posts: 3 Drives: Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 5	it is easy to fix and it is not necessary to take the original in good condition. You can whack an analog, which will be quality no worse.

06-13-2020, 10:19 AM	#15 (permalink)
Csmall Base Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 30 Drives: 2011 370z sport/tour Rep Power: 12	Thanks guys, I have decided to replace the gaskets to include the spark plug well seals and the spark plugs themselves. I have found a local guy who I trust that will do it for less than half the stealership price is 1K Spartan 1771 and Rusty like this. __________________ 2011 Touring Sport Eibach Antiroll Magnaflow Catback

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