Should I replace valve covers on my 2011 G37?
03-14-2018, 03:45 PM
#16
In my case, because my mechanic said they needed to be replaced. I would have second-guessed the dealer, but I didn't question my local shop - especially since they know I like to supply my own parts and they aren't making any extra money on replacing the covers vs. just the gaskets.
I mean, they're plastic, so it seems feasible that sometimes when the gasket goes, the cover itself could get compromised.
I mean, they're plastic, so it seems feasible that sometimes when the gasket goes, the cover itself could get compromised.
03-15-2018, 04:43 PM
#18
Well, I doubt he mistakenly related it to a G35 common issue as it's a small town in central ohio and there are maybe 4-5 cars with Nissan VQ engines total driving around, but who knows, maybe I should have dug deeper. I'm not enough of an expert to say how likely it is that a given part will need to be replaced on specific models of any make other than what I've experienced. But like I said, it was a reputable shop that I've had a good relationship for some time, and they had no motivation to lead me astray on the issue.
03-15-2018, 04:51 PM
#19
that makes me wonder even more then where he got the idea that the covers needed full replacements. like u said small town and not really nissan experts at all. shops make mistakes all the time they cant know everything about every car. even my friends shop that i go to i corrected him a lot of times for specific things about my car. im not mad i cant expect him to know everything about every car he works on. im just glad i know enough to correct things before he waste his time and my money on things i dont need. im not just gonna believe everything a shop tells me unless maybe if its at the dealership but even they get it wrong sometimes
03-16-2018, 11:40 AM
#20
Registered Member
that makes me wonder even more then where he got the idea that the covers needed full replacements. like u said small town and not really nissan experts at all. shops make mistakes all the time they cant know everything about every car. even my friends shop that i go to i corrected him a lot of times for specific things about my car. im not mad i cant expect him to know everything about every car he works on. im just glad i know enough to correct things before he waste his time and my money on things i dont need. im not just gonna believe everything a shop tells me unless maybe if its at the dealership but even they get it wrong sometimes
)
08-15-2018, 08:04 PM
#21
I didn't want to open a new thread so I hope the op wouldn't mind.
I have leaking valve covers. So I have spoken with an infiniti and Nissan dealer.
Since I am at it I wanted them to change the spark plugs too. Well both of them gave me similar quotes:
Infiniti dealer $950
Nissan dealer $975 ($680 labour $300 parts including spark plugs )
I mean parts are ok (expensive compared to Amazon but ok) but the labor for valve cover leak seems excessive. Not to mention the Infiniti dealer is CHEAPER !!!
I will appreciate any information on this.
I have leaking valve covers. So I have spoken with an infiniti and Nissan dealer.
Since I am at it I wanted them to change the spark plugs too. Well both of them gave me similar quotes:
Infiniti dealer $950
Nissan dealer $975 ($680 labour $300 parts including spark plugs )
I mean parts are ok (expensive compared to Amazon but ok) but the labor for valve cover leak seems excessive. Not to mention the Infiniti dealer is CHEAPER !!!
I will appreciate any information on this.
08-15-2018, 08:35 PM
#23
I read it and that is not the point, I am ok with the price of parts , I think he will just change the gaskets etc not the covers anyways. What I am asking is the labor, even if I don't change the covers they will probably still charge 680 for the labor.
08-16-2018, 12:38 AM
#25
I wish I had a garage, I could have probably done it myself. Well i may take it to the Infiniti dealer and maybe ask for some discount.
08-22-2018, 01:34 AM
#26
I think I will try an independent mechanic. Is it possible to tell if you need new covers quickly ? I have a feeling that at 83k miles I don't need new covers but who knows.
Can someone who did this repair help me telling me necessary parts ?
I am planning to get gaskets (should i get OEM or is there a better aftermarket option)?
If the mechanic tells me that the covers has to be replaced then I am planning to order them too.
Can someone who did this repair help me telling me necessary parts ?
I am planning to get gaskets (should i get OEM or is there a better aftermarket option)?
If the mechanic tells me that the covers has to be replaced then I am planning to order them too.
08-22-2018, 03:07 PM
#27
Valve covers, being metal, tend to last a long time. Gaskets are usually the source of top-end leaks. Of course, nothing is perfect and a valve cover could have a casting flaw the creates a weak spot that could eventually crack under the thousands of heat cycles it'll see over its lifetime.
Last edited by slartibartfast; 08-22-2018 at 03:13 PM.
08-22-2018, 03:11 PM
#28
Valve covers, being metal, tend to last a long time. Gaskets are usually the source of top-end leaks. Of course, nothing is perfect and a valve cover could have a casting flaw the creates a weak spot that could eventually crack under the thousamds of heat cycles it'll see over its lifetime.
08-22-2018, 03:28 PM
#30
Should I try to get the OEM gasket set (I think Nissan dealers usually sell them for a total of $50-60) or would an oem substitute like Mahle will work? I am not trying to cheap out on the parts it is just that if I leave it to the mechanic I don't know which one he will use. I can try to bring my own parts but that is usually a hassle with indie's.