Spark Plug change labor hours

[shadow191]

RWD cars will always be longitudinal since the engine is spinning a driveshaft. Even the AWD FX is primarily AWD.

FWD cars will always be transverse since the engine spins the transmission directly.

Good info.

I'm assuming the 45 engine is in the same configuration, I don't think I've ever taken the engine cover off to look.

I read somewhere else mention the "spark plug tube seal" along with the value cover gasket be changed. I've found the value cover gasket, but were can I get the tube seals? And is it necessary?

---------- Post added at 02:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:39 PM ----------

Most of the parts are the same on both versions of the VQ35DE. The VQ was actually first used on a Nissan Maxima back in 1995. It was a VQ30DE and pretty revolutionary at the time. 190 hp and 205 ft/lbs was a lot in a family sedan. Until they came out with the G and Z in 2003, it was the only car using the VQ. Then they had a DE-K for 00-01 and in '02 came out with the VQ35DE.

My first modified car was a '97 Maxima. Lot of fun to learn on, even built a custom turbo from scratch. Nobody made parts so we Frankensteined stuff - J30 MAF, 300ZX injectors, cobbled Walbro fuel pump, etc.

Oh yes you are right my brother had to do his maxima in the same way. Didnt know that engine was referred to as a vq35de as well. Always good to learn something new.

---------- Post added at 02:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:48 PM ----------

So there's not space on the transverse VQ35 at all? Plenum has to come off? I haven't looked at one in a while so that's interesting. On my old VQ30 Maxima, they had spaces between the runners for access to the plugs. It had a plenum with really long runners and so the throttle body fed the collector, then they split off into the 6 runners and they manipulated the shape so the plugs were accessible.

Spark plugs on a longitudinal vq35 is cake. Transaxle vq35 is a little more work since plenum removal is needed.

Good thing for u is, the fx has it mounted the long way. I would rate it between cold air intake and brake pads.

Handful of bolts to remove, some extentions and spark plug socket. Takes about an hour. Everything is on top.

 

[silk]

Around 2 to 3 hr

 

[guslackerdas]

So....... should the valve cover gaskets be done at the same time as the plugs?

Are the OEM 2003 FX45 plugs Platinum or Iridium?

Thanks!

 

[la_fx35]

Spark plug and valve cover gasket are two separate jobs. If you see oil in the spark plug holes, that's mean you need a to replace the valve cover. The oil is leaked in via the gasket that seals the spark plug hole/tube and it is permanently pressed in between the outer and inner layer of the valve cover.

 

[guslackerdas]

Gotcha. The plugs seem easy to do, so Ill just wait until I do them, if I see any oil I will then do the gaskets. Easy enough.
Thanks!

 

[la_fx35]

If you see oil, you need new replacement valve cover. Can't just replace the gasket.