Nissan Altima 2.5 Valve Cover Spark Plug Tube Seals

[@simonparkinson1053]

7:47 we've not been hearing the brake cleaner sound effect for a while. It's almost like an SMA trademark. Thanks for adding it to this video Eric!

[@undecidedmiddleground5633]

We need a sound effect for the pocket razor blade to go with it!

[@daviddelle774]

Welcome back to the brake clean sound effect.

[@duanebuck193]

Loved the "Yes - it hit the floor" at the 13 minute mark!

[@richardthomas1743]

"KY for cars" , the way that some shops frig a person and car over they should hand out a big blob of KY! Thanks Eric, I hope that everybody is doing good there!

[@gadogconcrete]

Thank you made my job so much easier changing the plugs

[@NickMyers1]

How Green of Nissan to make a valve cover that must be replaced instead of just a gasket lol. Modern cars provide great entertainment. Nice work as usual sir!

[@sharedknowledge6640]

Ever since Renault took control most Nissan vehicles have become unreliable expensive to own junk as this video demonstrates.

[@mynock250]

I agree, .but an almost 20 year old Nissan is hardly modern

[@JackS425]

You should replace the valve cover at that age anyways. Its probably warped and putting new gaskets in it is a waste of time. Its not like you gotta change it every oil change.

[@snoopdogie187]

@@JackS425 That means the valve cover isn't made correctly. I doubt my Jeep 4.0 valve cover has warped with time, but then again, it isn't made from plastic.

[@JA-rc4uy]

Got a 1996 nissan maxima, almost 240,000 miles. Original valve covers, and no leaks, just needed to replace the gaskets as the original ones were stiff as a rock. Runs great with original engine and transmission. Nissans are still more reliable than many other brands, but 1999 is probably the last year I would buy, since Renault took over in 2000 and quality indeed has dropped.

[@dendkmac]

Another job completed by Eric O, fixing the tube leakers.

[@D989501L]

I first came accros this in the late 70's, instead of buying a new mirror glass for my handlebar mirror on my moped, Honda only sold the whole thing? I was very surprised, but 50 years on nothing has change except my waste size and sense of Humor 😁. Well done Eric for showing them up 👍. Regards to all Richard 🇬🇧

[@wssides]

Back in the 70s most small towns had a glass cutter who would cut you a mirror and put it in place at a very reasonable price unless they were very busy.

[@D989501L]

@@wssides hi their, that is exactly what i did, Bridgewater Glass, water lane Watford, just looked it up and it's still there👍

[@torquewrenchdaddy8032]

That my boy , is a man who takes pride in his work.

[@thomash1923]

This means it’s gonna be a good day. Morning in the campground with SMA. Thanks my guy.

[@logicalguy488]

Tube seals. Part Number: 13276-53Y0A Supersession(s): 01211-53Y00; 13276-0M300; 13276-4F100; 13276-53Y00; 1327653Y0A

[@toethumbmechanics]

Nice. I was just looking to see if anyone was able to find a work around for that.

[@knurlgnar24]

Top tip on how to properly torque those valve cover bolts: Carefully tighten them up until you feel them twist off, then back it off a quarter turn. Works every time.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Thanks for the info

[@shadetreemech290]

Hey that's my method.

[@donho3617]

@@SouthMainAuto There are actually two steps to tightening the VC bolts. First step torque to 26 inch lbs then torque to 82 inch lbs working inside to out. That is what Nissan told us at the training center so it will compress the gasket correctly and not distort the plastic VC. Most guys at the dealer would speed handle the bolts down and then torque to 82 inch lbs to save time.

[@JohnnieBravo1]

Geez Mr. O !! My little 97 Sentra had that exact problem. So, I made a simple jig out of wood, attached the valve cover to it upside down, used my milling machine with a boring bar to machine out the old seals, and silicone in new ones. Cost me about $7 bucks (and whatever time to remove and reinstall the cover. I never thought about offering that service up to other folks. It was very simple and easy to do, and WAY less costly than a new valve cover.

[@JohnnieBravo1]

BTW, that's that little Sentra we just can't kill.

[@fascistpedant758]

Why change the seals if you're using silicone anyway?

[@JohnnieBravo1]

@@fascistpedant758 you have to fill up the space with the seal. The seal "seals" against the tube, and the new seals are held into the valve cover with silicone.

[@danielbutler578]

It's crazy how much plastic is used on modern engines. My 91 Nissan Sentra has 395,000 miles on it. The last 300,000 were mostly from my wife driving it. In the time we've had it it had only 5 oil leaks. 3 were the front crankshaft seal which first failed at about 115,000 miles. It would fail about every 100,000 miles. 1 leak was the oil pressure sensor and the last was the valve cover gasket. That 1.6 liter engine was well built and designed. At 375,000 miles all valve clearances were well within specs and that was with solid lifters. They were never adjusted and the head has never been off the engine. Timing chains and guides were replaced because of timing chain slap. It only got parked because it was going to cost more to replace the struts and paint it than the car was worth. I wish I had just done the work without telling my wife what it was going to cost.

[@UtahDarkHorse]

I'm here in Florida. I don't envy the rust and corrosion you have to deal with and I don't envy the 8 months a year of freezing cold weather, but I do envy the fact that most of the time, you can work on a car without being blinded by sweat every 10 seconds. Here there's not much rust but it's like trying to work on the surface of the sun most of the year. and I don't have a garage, so I'm just out in the yard lying in the dirt. Love your videos and thanks for sharing 😊

[@jd-kv9in]

Brakleen! I am now completely satisfied. 😀😀

[@G31mR]

Mrs. O is NOT an interruption to our video viewing. Not at all. It's like icing on the cake.

[@richhelm21]

The brake cleaner dramatic entrance is back! 😊👍 Its gonna be a good day at SMA!

[@basshunter428]

You did a vid a while back where someone had a taillight out (I believe it was a Chevy) and she had to but the entire taillight assembly (something like $300)! So it's not difficult to grasp that Nissan wants the seals sold with the "$cover". It's all about draining the wallet after the initial sale. I was surprised that the cover fit as well as it did, and the seals worked. There are lots of aftermarket parts that are just plain useless garbage! Great vid, Eric! 👍

[@jerrys2346]

The parts washer and brake parts cleaner commentary get a thumbs-up from me!

[@swany8393]

Absolutely love and watch all your videos. You have GOT TO make a video dedicated to all your sayings, how you say all your sayings differently, about 100 “WHOAS!”consecutively, “It won’t be long before it’s headed to the crusher”, etc etc.

[@glassvial]

Absolutely has to say "There's your problem, lady!"

[@alan2804]

I m now catching myself saying “Hey there viewers welcome back to the South Main auto channel…” but just remember if I can do it, you dan do it. Keep up those slick videos.

[@galegregory97comcast]

Alright you got me you got me on the cleaner the Shake of that can Shock Me not seen it in a while thanks I almost went through some withdrawals LOL

[@billyrayvalentine5220]

When doing these jobs, I use bungee cords from the hood to hold wiring harnesses up and out of the way. This wasn't too bad, but the ford focus is a different story. Enjoyed the video as always, glad you got that high score playing Plinko with the bits!

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

I will keep this in mind when I do my 4.3 S10 intake. Thanks

[@htownblue11]

Napa, SPONSOR THIS MAN! Very common issue and glad to see SMA showing the average Joe how it’s done.

[@richard1835]

So there you have it. It is ok to use some dielectric grease on the c.o.p. before installation. If Eric does it then its ok. I have heard a couple people say it upsets the spark but I have found nothing wrong with using it. The spark is directed to ground not the grease. Thank you SMA

[@SimiNelsonFamily]

I’ve been using Simple Green full strength in my parts washer. Works very well and is easy on the skin.

[@ianide2480]

Just did this exact job on my Nissan 2.2L... Turns out the seals are available if you know proper part number, for my engine anyway. They were for a completely different motor but I took a chance and trusted what I was told by a completely different source and they fit like a glove (youtube video that actually showed the part numbers in video and it was my engine that he was replacing them on). The problem with my year of vehicle is that most all of the engines came with a plastic valve cover. My engine has an aluminum valve cover and they were easily replaceable. Not truly certain who decided what and why, but Nissan didn't make replaceable seals on plastic valve covers. On my car someone dropped the ball somewhere and it doesn't show a listing for seals anywhere from Nissan or the aftermarket, just a full plastic valve cover. It ended up being the seals for a 1 year later model 2.5 or something similar. This vehicle you are working on is MUCH newer than my old beater though. I don't find it surprising that seals aren't listed for it. I seem to recall a story from "somewhere" (getting old, my memory sucks) that in the early days they sold the seals regularly but to many techs were messing up when seating them. Nissan switched to selling the entire cover to combat the issue. Take this story with a grain of salt tho, I could be mistaken.

[@jmac1099]

Oh yeah, oh yeah.. the led in the background!

[@dipwadz]

Looks like one of the good valve covers. My '05 had an after market one on it and the baffle was held on by melted down plastic dowels, one or more of those failed causing oil consumption through the PCV system going through a quart of oil every tank full of gas. Blue smoke at start up etc. On the good valve covers, you can see the sonic welding patterns holding down and sealing the baffle.

[@johnsteger]

Starting a morning with Eric O has to be a good day

[@cbsctomh]

I use the Dollar Store's "Awesome" cleaner in my parts washer and in my Ultrasonic cleaner...but use care, the stuff will cut the paint on a car if left on for a while. I believe this fine liquid to be very ecofriendly.

[@scottjohnson4319]

Am I that immature that the Brake Kleen gag gets me giggling every time? Yes, yes I am. Great info Eric and great job.

[@jonminer9891]

Hi, Mr. O. I was going to say something about the Polar Bears but thought better of it. Good job on the valve cover. Thanks for sharing! Stay healthy!

[@paulstaf]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I googled 2005 Nissan Altima Spark Plug Tube Seals and got this: FEL-PRO VS 50304 R-1 Valve Cover Gasket Set

[@brianmoose9896]

Great engineering from Nissan! Spark plug tube seals made into valve cover, you can buy the valve cover gasket’s but what’s the point of pulling the valve cover if you don’t replace the tube seals also, which you cannot buy separately forcing you to buy a valve cover! At least yours looks pretty easy to replace, in my 2010 Rogue I have to jack up the motor remove the passenger side motor mount to get to the valve cover bolts, way to go Nissan!!

[@DM-hw4cr]

I took my 08 rogue to the dealer for valve cover replacement and an only took them 1 hour of Labor. Maybe you were confused with the process.$300 parts and labor.

[@youcrackmeupdude]

14:00 They outlawed single use plastic bags at grocery stores in CA. Now we have to buy plastic bags to line our little trash cans. Same amount of plastic going into the dumpster.

[@lexmaximaguy8788]

gotta love this design. The v6 engines are the same. Leaky tube seals means the entire cover needs to be replaced.

[@_zigzak]

Yep, noticed this the last time I did plugs on my car. Stupid design

[@sergeeternal3778]

Applying silicone for the sleeves, it's like "KY" for cars, lol, good one!

[@tombeilman5579]

Just changed the plugs on my 2011 Altima with 111,000 miles, plugs were amazingly clean and not overgapped, no oil in tubes

[@thepetehill]

I had to do this exact repair last year, except all of my spark plug tubes were filled with oil. It was an easy fix.

[@colinbryan2738]

Same problem happens on BMW 6 cylinder engines in the Z4, central plug well gasket fails as well as the main cam cover gasket. Plug wells fill up with oil and oil leaks onto the exhaust manifold. Thankfully you can get a gasket set which includes the 15 round rubber cam cover bolt seals included.`All these gaskets and seals go rock hard over time and heat cycles, always worth putting new round bolt seals in as they can be compressed to achieve a good seal as opposed to reusing the old hard seals. Have also seen the plastic cam cover getting cracks in it and the naterial crumbling that introduce air leaks that mess the fuel trims up.

[@edchenal821]

I hope this helps. Gel-Pro Spark Plug Tube Seal ES72523. Cost $4.49 Auto Zone

[@davidnull5590]

RockAuto has valve cover gaskets sets, some are just the gasket, some also include the spark plug tube seals gaskets too, "ENGINETECH VCNI25B {VCNI2.5-B} Valve cover gasket set. Includes spark plug tube seals." and "APEX AVC558S Includes Spark Plug Tube Seals" Price is around $16

[@anthonykendrick1418]

I like to use a mixture of mineral spirts and kerosene in my parts washer. I love using the GM Grey sealant over all the rest. Another great video with great tips to stay away from those wasteful comebacks that we all dread.

[@PaulysAuto]

Solid repair Eric, Nissan always loving their sealant...for real though.

[@Mrflash222006]

Toyota and Scooby also have seals as part of the cover too, It turns $10 part into $100+ part, oiled piston just because they didn't suck the oil out before changing the plugs

[@jeffjankiewicz5100]

Scooby?

[@dieselhatz4247]

@@jeffjankiewicz5100 Suburus are known as Scoobies, not a clue why?

[@robertclines7519]

"KY for cars....." that is a classic.

[@andreim841]

Erico saving the day again 🙂

[@recoveringnewyorker2243]

I had to do the same job on my wife’s 2010 Accent. Tubes 1 and 4 were leaking and the coils were soaked. However , was able to get a new vc gasket (silicone rubber) and tube seals. It needed spark plugs anyway (95,000 miles) so I replaced them. Just for good measure I also replaced the coils. Great video!

[@dustinwerner870]

I just bought aftermarket valve cover gasket that came with the tube seals off rock auto only one I could find anywhere I just got it about to put it on its for 2012 altima 2.. but good helpful video man thanks.

[@kaafromoz]

Thanks Eric enjoyed seeing the removal of oil from the piston video LOL Keep Safe Keep Strong 🦘🦘🦘🚗🚗🚗

[@michaelcosta7235]

Since moving on from being a tech, I became a NAPA store manager and ask once a month when we will sponsor you, lol.

[@michaelguglielmo2749]

Just wanted to say thank you for my new SMA tee shirt , delivered yesterday . I’ll be wearing it proudly !

[@richard1835]

That is a great tip using the silicone on the coil seals. I also use it on the A/C system o rings. Appreciate your videos.

[@davidgriffin14]

I never would have thought that Eric O. Would be working on a Nissan Altima.

[@Mr2004MCSS]

I did a similar job a couple of years ago on a 2008 Ford Focus. It was running rough and had oil down inside a couple of the spark plug wells. Luckily on that car the gaskets to seal the spark plug holes were built into the valve cover gasket so you didn't have to buy a new cover. I did buy new plugs and coil boots and all of those things fixed the leaks and the rough idle.

[@Sojourning_]

Simple green works well for some things. used it in a hot tank years ago.

[@RDLouks]

Here you go Eric. Maybe good for future reference. Found them at Auto-Zone FEL-PRO Spark Plug Tube Seal ES72523

[@barred16]

Will those work on the 2.5 Nissan motor 02-06?

[@inoahmann7542]

A lot of shops just put silacone on the tube seals. It's not ideal but it works in a pinch.

[@Nighthawke70]

Super Lube is the same stuff they sold through Rat Shak (radio shack). Great stuff, I still got mine and use it to slick or rehab my sleeve bearing fan motors. They run for decades, or until the blades goop up with enough crud they quit running good. Then it's bath time.

[@larryoliver6935]

Always a pleasure to watch you work..

[@Brysonandmason320]

Ahhh nothing better than drinking coffee and watch south main auto the best auto youtuber hands down, well any who thanks eric! love the content welp off to work for me lol i work for a GMC dealer!

[@thomasburch2190]

This was great made it really easy for me! Thank you

[@williamgagnonroadboxservice]

Ultra made by Dorman for NAPA I’ve used General Motors GM oil seals on the Nissans use the micrometer and the tubes are same size work well for me!! Let’s say no comebacks in about five years now

[@mblake0420]

Part number?

[@robertdunn7756]

My 17 year old son replaced the cracked intake on his 5.4 Ford this weekend by himself I am pretty proud of him it had a miss and was running way lean

[@Nitrodr1]

Thats crazy stuff about parts washers. Her in the "Land of Enchantment"(NM) there are no restrictions. A parts washer out here is a tub or coffee can with diesel or gas! Clean your parts and start a fire at the same time!

[@FishFind3000]

Gotta stay warm on those cold desert nights

[@aussiefirestorm]

Had to fit a doorman product today. Thinking of your wisdom I nearly threw it back across the counter at the parts shop. When I finally got it to seal up properly I wish I had...

[@DIYDaveOK]

*Sigh* can't buy tube seals...awesome. Thanks as always, Eric! Hope you and your family had a great vacation!

[@majorpayne4098]

The Master at work saves the day

[@michaeld9731]

Glad to see the brake cleaner sound effect is back! Great video, as usual.

[@mikeperth6670]

we used a household dish washer on hot water as a parts washer, it was the best parts we ever had

[@ronaldanderson9263]

I like your green Grinch gloves. 👍

[@arkyump]

I love the green weenies and their overthinking of what is dangerous to the environment when you change oil and can never stop some of the oil from getting into the landfill on dirty rags or partially emptied containers.

[@rawcado]

You do know it's 4am in California, right?? Thanks for waking me up. 😆

[@vadim7590]

Can't miss the Altima video...

[@nathanrspain]

Exactly! Lol

[@tucksmith8300]

Least you got it fixed Eric

[@mike_svt93]

Did this with my 92 2.2L Accord. The real culprits were the lower tube seals below the rocker assy.. Removed assy. and replaced seals. Re-torqued to spec., cleaned everything and applied Honda bond sealant to gasket corners. All OEM seals were available.

[@JBlake-moon-shdo]

I was waiting for the " runs smooth like butter ". Great video again Mr. O.

[@chrissmithz314]

7:46 Reunited and it feels soo good!

[@franksgarage8551]

I have seen this a few different times. My own nissan had a gas smell, turned out all the spark plugs were loose.previous owner sold it cheap, gas smell being one of the reasons. The fact we cant by the tube seals is a crock! Similar to the cruze pcv valve.

[@bigdaddymak1439]

Would be a very good reason not to own a Nissan or a Cruz both junk

[@wesgagnon7914]

Nok

[@wesgagnon7914]

Nok

[@robertgestier2013]

I remember ETCG installing a Dorman valve cover on a similar Nissan engine and it went “bang-bang-bang-bang-bang-bang-bang” as soon as he started it. The cam lobe was hitting the plastic baffle which wasn’t exactly made to factory specs or clearances. At least this one didn’t do that.

[@douglash3129]

Hi Eric and the Lovely Mrs.O. the day is complete!

[@douglash3129]

@WhatsAp☩①②⑧①⑥①⑥⑦②⑤⑥ Hi Eric, I'm returning your message.

[@moparmikesms2774]

Live in Cali that also has the green parts washers that years ago have gone to the soap and water route....................

[@michaelschumacher3702]

I always suspected that the parts cleaner simply moved from the sink to the spray can. Thanks for confirming that Safety-Kleen has now become brake parts cleaner!

[@kthwkr]

I have watched your channel enough that I'm pretty sure I recognize the sound of your employee in the background. He's doing a brake job.

[@kjbunnyboiler]

Please note, the background noise is Mrs O trying to get Eric’s wallet open🤣🤣

[@IyamNadanumber]

You could mold an Ultragrey (high temp silicone) seal. Either 3d print a 2 part mold, or make the mold on a milling macine with a round nose end mill and a rotary table. If desired embed kevlar or carbon fiber tow.

[@richard1835]

That is strange that the valve cover gasket set does not include the coil seals. Does not make a lot of sense. Thank you SMA for another great Automotive Repair video. Thumbs up

[@AC-gu7rg]

Great video Eric !

[@johnnychun59]

Just did a Honda 1.7 with leaky tube seals. Oil in every tube. Luckily, the tube seals are replaceable and are included with the new valve cover gasket.

[@DoMeWrongDoMeRight]

I did this job on my 05 Sentra (same 2.5L engine) a few years ago. Iirc the spark plug seals and PCV valve are welded into the valve cover, so if any of that stuff fails the only fix is a new valve cover. ETCG did a video on this a few years ago with an after market valve cover that was a complete disaster and he had to redo the repair with an OEM part.

[@trssho91]

OH yeah, the SE-RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR .... sorry I had to.

[@feyxukyutub]

I'm holding both valve covers for a 2006 Frontier in my hands. Got them from ebay, made in china. Didn't find the time to install them yet. The quality appears to be excellent, no imperfections as far as I can tell. The soft rubber/silicon gasket sits in a groove and will not fall out during installation. The seals for the spark plug well do NOT come out, they seem to be molded into the plastic material. that means they cannot be replaced even though I saw them advertised on ebay once. My problem is oil consumption. The stealer ship said it's leaking and burning off on a heat shield. No smoke, no trace under the engine or on the ground. I can see the leak but don't quite believe that it accounts for a quart / 200 miles.

[@Jpilgrim30]

There’s no way you’re holding both valve covers in your hands and typing that comment at the same time. I call BS!

[@dullonion797]

Bravo, great channel, regardless of how menial job might be, always interesting.

[@guns-gas-diesel]

Took awhile before I realized you are saying south main auto channel. I thought you were saying self made auto channel. Lol

[@timtimtimmay4654]

Does Mrs. O know you are in the shop fooling around with all those foreign hose?... 🤣

[@romeo_alpha0176]

When I used to work in an independent shop, we had similar issues with the VQ engines that came in the 350Zs, G35s, and other Nissan/Infinity vehicles that came in. I found that the 91-93 GA16DE tube seals were the same diameter for the tube seals on majority of the VQ series engines. What I did was modify a hole saw of the same outer diameter as the seal, and replaced the drill bit with a aluminum guide that was the same outer diameter of the spark plug tube. I drilled just enough to remove the molded plastic on the valve cover, and then extracted the old tube seal and replaced it with the GA16 seal. Saved my customers a ton of money that way, and never had any of them return. Perhaps one day you find what would work for the QR25 as well!

[@phprofYT]

Used up a couple three cans of brake cleaner thus last week.

[@wafflesnfalafel1]

We had an 05 Altima SL with the 2.5 for a number of years. The interior was a little low rent and we had one fuel injector die at just 25k, but once that was replace it ran good until we traded it in...

[@k4x4map46]

had me hanging for the transition as well lol awesome video! liking the crc ringtone!!!

[@throttlebottle5906]

not sure about those exact valve covers, but I've found a lot of the plastic ones mushroom out around where the seals/o-rings go and that makes them compress less and sometimes leaking will still occur or it wont last long before the seals lose tension and start leaking. probably best to replace the whole cover and seals at the same time.