valve train noise and leaky engine cover

[rb25crazy]

hey guys

i have a little problem when i start my car i hear some valve train noise, but it goes away after like 3-4 secs.

i also have an leaky engine cover or that's what it looks like.

could my valve train noise upon start up be because of this? looks like the oil pressure is a little bit to low when started it up but then once it goes up it goes away. the low oil pressure could be attributed to the leaky valve cover is my guess.

unsure.

so, what do i need to replace a valve cover gasket and what not? like what sealents should i use? or do i even need that?

would kragen, pep boys or whatever valve cover gasket be good enough?

just noticed this today, but it's been going on for like a week or two now. car still pulls strong so i didn't think anything of it till i thought i'd do some oil checking today and saw that.

please let me know what tools i'd need and parts required, i'd really appreciate it.

never done an valve cover change before or gasket change before so excuse the newbie questions looked around the faq/archive section nothing there so that's why i decided to post here.

thx thx!

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p106/97s14a/DSC00339.jpg

[Ceepo]

i dont thank oil all over the valve cover would cause any noise, or come from a noise, maybe the lifters??? Im unsure with the ka24de, checker, kragen, autozone should have the valve cover gasket, its easy to replace, when you replace it look at everthing under it and see if you can see any problems...

[Bigsyke]

Get it fixed asap. Once oil fills up a spark plug cylinder, it will prevent a possible spark if the boot isnt sealing correctly, this may cause cylinder wash and lead to other things. This may be the extreme, however after a while under low load you may notice the engine cut a cylinder for a quick second.

Carefully remove spark plug wires, Pull all 10mm bolts off after removing your Strut bar. remove valve cover, install NEW OEM spark plug gasket and valve cover gasket. Make sure you use some permatex grey where specified in your FSM.

Torque bolts to 7lbs done. Also check your plugs.

Noisy valve train seems to be your tensioner, AND chain guides.

[gprb25]

Your local auto parts store has everything you need to replace the valve cover gasket. When you buy the VC gasket set, it has a spark plug gasket as well. It looks like your spark plug gasket has a leak.

Now you can take the valve cover off and just replace the spark plug gasket, which would be a very easy, fast fix. Or you could go ahead and replace both. Just make sure you seal the actual valve cover gasket really well and space it perfect.


Here's a simple write-up on this.


AutoZone.com | Vehicle Selection - Year (http://www.autozone.com/addVehicleId,2352201/initialAction,repairGuide/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c15280078851)



As for the noise... when you checked the car for oil, was it low at all?

Two things that come to mind are low oil level or timing chain rattle.

[rb25crazy]

As for the noise... when you checked the car for oil, was it low at all?

Two things that come to mind are low oil level or timing chain rattle.


the noise only occurs for 2-3 seconds ONLY when i start the car up after it gets cranked and sparked. after those initial 2-3 seconds it goes away and is smooth and quiet again.

the oil level is actually normal it's ok.

[lflkajfj12123]

timing chain rattle

sounds like a ticking or slight knocking correct?

valve cover gasket is easy

i don't suggest buying an oem from nissan one (i just did it was $60) if you can get an oem one cheaper fine but i'd just go with a felpro you can find them for like 30 bucks

[Bigsyke]

timing chain rattle

sounds like a ticking or slight knocking correct?

valve cover gasket is easy

i don't suggest buying an oem from nissan one (i just did it was $60) if you can get an oem one cheaper fine but i'd just go with a felpro you can find them for like 30 bucks

24.99 for OEM valve gasket and plug gasket.

http://www.frsport.com/OEM-1327070F01KIT-1995-1998-Nissan-240SX-KA24DE-Valve-Cover-Gasket-Kit_p_1319.html

Sorry to hear you wasted $35.05

[rb25crazy]

sounds like a ticking or slight knocking correct?

yes, it only lasts for 2-3 secs and then goes away though. it's really abrupt. so, i guess it's time to change my timing chain i suppose? i do have 142k miles on my car.

[JRas]

I'd buy OEM valve cover gasket and plug gasket

check FSM for more information

are your spark plug wires fully in, correctly? seems like they are angled, may just be the picture or me.

[rb25crazy]

I'd buy OEM valve cover gasket and plug gasket

check FSM for more information

are your spark plug wires fully in, correctly? seems like they are angled, may just be the picture or me.


yeah, it's in correctly, just kinda weird how it pops up a little on the wire, but it's sealed tight. just wanted them to be all aligned the same way hehe not some going left, right, up down hehe.

guess ima get that frsport oem gasket not bad price.

[BoostSlideWayz]

Knocking in the valve train in my opinion would be because one or more springs are worn tight.... so the rockers are tapping on the seats untill the metal warms up, the springs extend and the gap between the two close..

like others have said if you dont have a tight connection with your plugs the spark kinda gets out and with the wires you got on there the spark would sound pretty snappy.

Good luck

[rb25crazy]

Knocking in the valve train in my opinion would be because one or more springs are worn tight.... so the rockers are tapping on the seats untill the metal warms up, the springs extend and the gap between the two close..

damn, that makes sense too lol... i think i'll just take it to my family mechanic and just let him do everything lol, thought it'd just be a little thing. can't have my daily going out of commission now =(..

thanks for the help though!

[BoostSlideWayz]

Knocking in the valve train in my opinion would be because one or more springs are worn tight.... so the rockers are tapping on the seats untill the metal warms up, the springs extend and the gap between the two close..

damn, that makes sense too lol... i think i'll just take it to my family mechanic and just let him do everything lol, thought it'd just be a little thing. can't have my daily going out of commission now =(..

thanks for the help though!


Your welcome, dont get too down tho you dont know if its forsure. i would deffinatly take it to a friend machanic deffinetly since hell tell you the truth insted rip you off and tell you its somthing huge.

[BillWatcher]

Hydro lifter is leaking, they are losing there prime. I dont even know if the KA has hydro lifters but if they do, I bet thats what it is. That is what it was with my SR.

[rb25crazy]

Torque bolts to 7lbs done.

is it really supposed to be that low? the fsm says like 69-95 lbs torqued down.

let me know thanks!

didn't go to my mechanic after all buddy just came by and told me that's all i'd need to do so save myself a trip hehe.

[240sxdrifterS14]

just make them tight, just dont go to tight because you can easily strip it and then it sucks balls

[rb25crazy]

ohhhh, so just hand tighten it is good enough then right? don't need to make it excessive thanks!

[devnull]

is it really supposed to be that low? the fsm says like 69-95 lbs torqued down.


Check it again...the torque icon that has a black wrench with a white background calls for inch-pounds. The difference between an inch-pound and a foot-pound is a factor of 12, as in 12 inches in a foot.

So to get from inch-pounds to foot-pounds: 95/12 = 7.9 foot-pounds.

The threads in the head are unbelievably easy to strip...take your time and use the smallest tool you can for them.

[lflkajfj12123]

just make them tight, just dont go to tight because you can easily strip it and then it sucks balls


you don't do it like this because you want to get an even seal at every spot so you don't create a weak spot for a leak