valve covers

[asiancivicmaniac]

Sometime this summer, after I'm done with my summer semester I plan on changing my spark plugs. Since the earlier VQ35 is known for leaking oil into the spark plug holes, I'll be changing the valve cover while I'm at it. I already bought a pair of used valve covers that came off a 08 Maxima with 20k on it.

First, they are dirty. What's the best way of cleaning them without leaving contaminants? The inside looks baffled. It's sort of like a chamber to route air into the breather tube. The rear one has the PCV on it too. I'm trying to figure out how to get dirt out of the chamber so it won't be dropping it into the engine. I might take a pic later.

Also, the seller also sent me the gaskets. They don't look cracked or worn, but is it standard procedure to replace them or can they be reused? TIA

 

[The Critic]

Replace the gaskets and used brake cleaner to clean the inside of the cover.

 

[Gearstix]

I heard oven cleaner was good too, but it may strip paint off and I'd wash it with something afterwards.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Here are pics of what I'm talking about. As you can see, the cavities are potential dirt holding areas.

 

[willix]

That cover looks like a composite material and will clean up well with a stiff brush & strong detergent & hot water. The parimiter gasket is usually reusable but the well seals should be cleaned and resealed with an appropriate sealer .

 

[eljefino]

Is this new valve cover a better design than what's on your car? Just wondering why you don't reuse what's already there.

Regular old gasoline would clean them well. Wear nitrile gloves if you're using it or any other solvent. You don't have to eat off them so only go as crazy as you feel like.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

They must have redesigned it for the 04+ years or something because it remedies the issue.

This is what happens. Since accessing the rear side of the engine involves removing the intake manifold, I'm doing it while I'm at it for the spark plugs. Don't even know if mine is leaking like that.

 

[mechtech2]

Time is on your side.
Consider dropping them off to be professionally cleaned.
It probably is well worth it, overall. Time, materials, PITA factor, etc..

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Time is on your side.
Consider dropping them off to be professionally cleaned.
It probably is well worth it, overall. Time, materials, PITA factor, etc..


Seriously, what's so difficult about getting a can of brake clean or some diluted Castrol Super Clean and cleaning it yourself?

Don't worry about killing your brain cells. You probably kill more at the bar every Friday night.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Originally Posted By: The Critic

Don't worry about killing your brain cells. You probably kill more at the bar every Friday night.


Which I don't visit

 

[PandaBear]

If it is composite I wouldn't worry about cleaning it too much, because you may trap some detergents in the plastic that cause more harm than a few loose particles that will get filtered out.

Wash it with water, dry it with towel, and leave it air dry for a day or 2 will be all it takes.

 

[HTSS_TR]

I would wash it in the dishwasher (without any dishes) and air dry a couple days.

 

[mechtech2]

My dial up is not a good mate for pictures!
Those pics [1/2!] show pretty clean parts. You certainly could do them yourself.
Previously, I considered the worst case scenario.