Help a fellow zed stuck in deciding...

[sam350z2013]

Hi,

 

Wanted to ask other Zed owner's opinions. I found oil on the spark plugs whilst changing them recently.

 

I read around that the rocker covers and gaskets may need changing. But I'm currently on bit of a budget and won't be able to change these yet. So wondering if I continue to drive the Zed and top up the oil levels regularly. Will this do any damage to the engine ?

 

Any input will be greatly appreciated!

 

Thanks.

[KyleR]

It won't damage anything to the best of my knowledge, just get the offending rocker cover with gaskets changed when you can

 

I have a bit of oil in spark plug 5 with no ill affects.

[-Bradders-]

If anything oil is a great conductor! so you wont lose any spark!

[GIXXERUK]

Just keep an eye on the oil level, these usually only weep a small amount, there is no chance of it getting past the plug as its an air tight seal

[Sam Mcgoo]

Just make sure it doesn't get too deep.

If it gets high enough (to the top of the spark plug) it can short out and damage the coil pack.

[gsexr]

I would get some thin rag and very carefully push it down around the plug to soak up the oil. ( use a thin long screwdriver ) Take your time and dont be aggressive and break the plug.

You can then inspect a week later and see how bad its leaking. This will help you decide how important it is to get the job done or if you can wait a while.

One things for sure it will only get worse and not better but but the leak may not be as bad as you imagine.

Edited February 27, 2014 by gsexr

[sam350z2013]

Ok thanks for the replies ppl.

Decided to take plugs out to inspect and they look bad ish (pic below).

 

Would you say changing the rocker cover gaskets and/or covers itself is a DIY possibility ?

 

[Keyser]

If your handy with the spanners then it's not a hard thing to change.

 

The problem is when the seals around the plugs go you can't just change the gasket you have to change the cover (plug seals are pressed in)

Be sitting down when you get the price for a new cover

[GMballistic]

You can change the rocker covers/gaskets yourself if you feel up to the task. I've never done it myself but shouldn't be too difficult as Alex mentions in the quote below.

 

Zmanalex said: "Very easy to fit mate and take less than 1 hour per side as a DIY

 

You will also have to replace the gaskets."

 

First you will need the below items;

 

http://www.350z-uk.com/topic/80779-rocker-cover-gaskets-for-oil-leaks-vq35de/page__hl__rocker

http://www.350z-uk.com/topic/80780-new-nissan-cam-cover-assembly-vq35de/page__hl__rocker

 

The link below should help you out but if you still need help I'd try a PM to Zmanalex as he's a fountain of knowledge.

 

Page 41 onwards should help; http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/350Z/coupe/2004.5/em.pdf

 

Hope that helps some.