For your 2004 Nissan Maxima, we now offer 12 Valve Cover Gasket options to select from, with prices ranging from $11.49 to $32.49. For the 2004 Nissan Maxima, Advance Auto Parts sells Valve Cover Gasket components under 5 different reliable brand names in addition to reasonable costs.
In This Article...
What are gaskets for valve covers?
When screwed into position, valve cover gaskets provide a seal between the cylinder head and the valve cover, sealing the top of the engine and preventing oil leaks.
- Bolts compress the valve cover gasket between the cylinder head and valve cover.
- Simple cork gaskets that are formed to fit the valve cover flange are one type of valve cover gasket. Other types include rubberized materials, molded rubber over steel carriers, and full-rubber molded seals.
What causes my Nissan Maxima to smoke?
Engine bay smoke is uncommon, and when it happens, the problem is usually already serious. Smoke is not a reliable sign that an engine problem is developing; a better diagnostic tool is the color of your car’s exhaust. Smoke that is produced by an issue inside the engine will escape through the exhaust if there is one.
Smoke may be produced by a failing valve cover gasket as a result of oil dropping onto a hot manifold. You might notice the oil spilling on your driveway or garage floor if the leak is significant enough.
Smoke from a fire beneath the hood would be followed by flames, creating an extremely dangerous situation. If this ever occurs, get out of the car as soon as possible and drive far away.
Once more, smoke from the exhaust is almost usually found during diagnostic procedures instead of smoke from the engine. Continue reading for frequent problems that can result in exhaust smoke.
What is the time required to replace the valve cover gasket?
For many vehicles, the price of replacing the valve cover gasket varies greatly. This is typically caused by the variance in labor costs for carrying out such a task across various engine designs.
Replacement of the valve cover gasket can frequently be done in 1-2 hours with only minimal labor costs. On other, more complicated engines, the same task could take up to 4-5 hours to accomplish. Of course, the labor cost will be substantially higher for this.
Additionally, the price of valve cover gaskets varies greatly from vehicle to vehicle. Some only cost $15, while others sell for well over $100 at retail. This must be taken into account when estimating the total cost of such repairs.
However, the typical cost of replacing a valve cover gasket ranges from $90-$400. The lower end of this pricing range often corresponds to replacement on 4-cylinder domestic engines, while the higher end of this range deals with replacement on “V configuration foreign-made engines.
Q: Can you drive a car with valve cover leaks?
Insofar as there are few oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and the oil isn’t getting on hot engine components like the exhaust manifold or pipes, you can drive a car with a valve cover leak. If this is the case, driving your automobile is generally safe up until the point at which you can either take it to a repair shop or attempt to fix it yourself.
Q: Is a valve cover gasket leak serious?
How serious is a valve cover leak? The valve cover gasket will degrade and leak over time as a result of the engine’s high temperature, frequently leading to problems with oil leaks, diminished engine performance, or drivability. A valve cover gasket leak can seriously damage an engine if it is not addressed right away.
Q: When should a valve cover gasket be replaced?
Because the valve cover gasket is constructed of rubber, it tends to shrink and become brittle with time and under excessive engine heat, which is the most frequent reason for oil leaks around the valve cover. When should it be changed? There are no upkeep requirements for the valve cover gasket. Only leaks or shrinkage should occur. However, while doing significant engine repair, the valve cover gasket is frequently changed.
Q: How long can you drive with an oil leak?
It is wise to never drive a car with an oil leak. But until your oil level drops, a short trip within the city—less than 15 miles—is not as risky as driving when you have an oil leak. In short, do not drive the automobile at all if there is a significant oil leak.
Q: Can a valve cover gasket leak cause smoke?
Oil that escapes from the valve cover gasket eventually runs down till it contacts the exhaust manifold or pipes. While the engine is running or idling, the oil and exhaust will also heat up. You’ll notice white smoke emerging from under your hood as soon as this occurs.
How can a leaking valve cover gasket be stopped?
The best course of action is to apply BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak if you discover leakage signs. Add 8 ounces. It is guaranteed that applying BlueDevil oil stop leak to your vehicle’s engine oil will completely stop any oil leaks. Unlike other stop leak products on the market today, BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak is not a petroleum distillate. That means BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak won’t clog or harm your engine in any way, but it can serve as a valve cover gasket sealer and stay in your engine oil until your next oil change. By restoring dried, broken, or shrinked seals to their normal size and form, BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak enables them to reseal and stop your leak.
Pick up BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak right away at one of the participating BlueDevil auto parts retailers:
- AutoZone
- Automotive Warehouse Prime
- Auto components at CarQuest
- Advance Automotive
- O’Reilly Automotive
- Boys Pep
- NAPA
- Bentley Automobile Supply
Is the valve cover gasket worth replacing?
The valve cover gasket does not need to be replaced if it is not leaking. Combining the two procedures makes sense if it’s leaking and your spark plugs need to be replaced soon because a lot of the work is similar.
For the 2012 V6 Ford Edge, for instance, replacing both valve cover gaskets and all 6 spark plugs will result in a slight increase in labor and spark plug costs.
How simple is a DIY valve cover gasket replacement? If it’s a straightforward 4-cylinder engine, it’s a “3” work on the difficulty scale, which ranges from 1 (easy) to 10 (tough) (leave it to pros).
The valve cover gasket is available in kits and can be ordered through a dealer, bought online, or picked up at a nearby parts store. You could also require a unique sealant. The valve cover gaskets’ corners and narrow spaces are sealed with sealant by mechanics.
Can you drive a vehicle with a leaking valve cover?
Yes, as long as there is little oil pouring from the gasket and no oil is getting on hot engine parts like the exhaust manifold and pipes, you might drive a car with a leaking valve cover. If so, it is reasonably safe to drive your car until you can find a repair facility or take care of the problem yourself.
Is the valve cover gasket leak a cause for concern?
Exists a big valve cover leak? Due to the heated temperature of the engine, the valve cover gasket gradually loses its efficiency and begins to leak, which frequently causes oil leaks, poor engine performance, and drivability concerns. If not fixed right away, a leaking valve cover gasket could cause a serious engine failure.
When is it necessary to replace a valve cover gasket?
The most common reason for oil leaks under the valve cover is the rubber valve cover gasket, which shrinks and becomes brittle when exposed to high engine temperatures.
When is the right time to change my valve cover gasket?
There is no upkeep required for your valve cover gasket. It can only be that it is leaking or contracting. However, the valve cover gasket is mostly replaced while performing significant engine repairs.
How long can you drive if you have a valve cover leak?
In most cases, it is wise to steer clear of driving your car if it has any oil leaks. Less than ten miles, or a short excursion within the city, is not as risky as continuing to drive with any oil leak until your oil level drops. Avoid driving if there is a big oil leak in your car.
Can a leaking valve cover gasket result in smoke?
Oil dribbles down your exhaust manifold or exhaust pipes as it leaks from your valve cover gasket. While idle or running, your engine warms up, heating the exhaust and oil in the process. When this happens, you will see white smoke coming from under your hood.
Do valve cover gaskets have sealant?
Remove the old gasket by peeling it off, then wipe the valve cover with a clean cloth and brake cleaner. The engine’s gasket mating surfaces should then be cleaned. To clean the area between the timing belt cover and cylinder head of any remaining old RTV, use a plastic putty knife (never a metal one). With the use of a rag, prevent the old RTV from falling into the engine. Apply fresh RTV in the same spots and attach the replacement gasket after the cover and mating surfaces are clean and dry. Don’t add sealant to the gasket’s face because valve cover gaskets are meant to be “dry” sealed.
Keep in mind that valve cover bolt torque parameters are typically printed in inch/lbs., not foot/lbs., so to convert inch/lbs. to foot/lbs., simply divide by 12. To complete the procedure, tighten the valve cover bolts to the torque specifications in your shop manual.
Fire it up after replacing all of the cables, hoses, ignition parts, and electrical connectors.
How much should a valve cover gasket replacement cost?
The typical price range for a valve cover gasket replacement is between $100 and $350. The cost of the parts will normally range from $30 to $50, while the cost of the labor will fall between $70 and $300.
That said, some vehicles include valve cover gaskets that can cost up to $100, or labor expenses can be substantially higher owing to a complex engine arrangement.
But replacing this element in your car often won’t cost you much money. The cost will vary depending on the quality (and quantity) of your parts and the hourly rate of your mechanic.
You can reduce your labor costs if you hire a qualified mechanic who works swiftly and charges a cheaper hourly rate.
thoughts on “4 Symptoms of a Valve Cover Gasket Leak (and Replacement Cost)
How much would it cost for a mechanic to replace the valve cover gaskets on a 1986 Corvette? The car has barely 40 000 kilometers. I’m grateful.