CountKyle Posted June 15, 2017 Share Posted June 15, 2017 Hey Guys, I've just got my car back from the bodyshop after getting the paintwork tidied up. She's been sitting for over a week. I drove the short journey home through town, and when parking up, I noticed smoke coming from the engine. The car feels normal and pulls ok. I had a look and can see visible signs of an oil leak from quite high up - I'm thinking valve cover gaskets? Anyway the smoke was really worrying. It wasn't billowing out, but it was pretty visible. I tried to get an oil read using the useless dipstick and I think she's low, but it's hard to tell. How worried should I be? Is the valve cover gasket an easy enough job, or is there potentially a more serious problem? Is the smoke like coming from oil on the manifold or cat? Cheers Kyle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willsy1980 Posted June 15, 2017 Share Posted June 15, 2017 If oil is dripping on to the manifold, yeah it will smoke. Was there a leak before you took it in is the question ? Does your mileage etc checkout ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CountKyle Posted June 15, 2017 Author Share Posted June 15, 2017 Yeah, it didn't move when it was at the bodyshop, thankfully! Mileage is just over 120k Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willsy1980 Posted June 15, 2017 Share Posted June 15, 2017 Ah right, so at least they have not been out hooning it. Could just be coincidence that the gasket has dried out/failed don't think its a big job to replace but if it's leaking enough to drip and cause smoke then it needs attention asap. May as well do both sides and full oil change while your stripping it. Fingers crossed it's just the gasket for you, the covers are pretty pricey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keyser Posted June 15, 2017 Share Posted June 15, 2017 You sure its not just overspay or dust from the body shop thats burning off? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CountKyle Posted June 15, 2017 Author Share Posted June 15, 2017 It's definitely oil. Gonna see about getting the gaskets and replacing them this week. I am comfortable doing brakes and the like but haven't attempted anything like this before... Is it more time-consuming than difficult? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keyser Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 The upper gaskets are easy enough, take your time remember what you took off, take pics if you like, I'm sure there is a guide on here. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pedro85 Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 I think the valve covers need a small application of silicon when you change the gaskets, a spot in each corner if i remember correctly. Bookmark this link, its very handy, have a look under "EM" (engine mechanical) and you should have all the info you need. http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/nissan-350z-factory-service-manuals.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CountKyle Posted June 16, 2017 Author Share Posted June 16, 2017 @pedro85 Cheers! Thanks for the heads up 😊 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CountKyle Posted June 23, 2017 Author Share Posted June 23, 2017 Hey guys, Got the valve cover gaskets done and everything seems to be ok. Gave the engine a bit of a steam clean whilst I was at it and it looks good so far. Thanks for the tips 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.