Spark Plug tube seals replacement issue!

ericmckinney · Dec 20th, 2011, 04:18 PM

I replaced the valve cover gasket but have an issue with the spark plug tube seals. Can someone please help me with the installation of the spark plug tube seals. I am trying to get them out of the valve cover assembly but can not. It looks like there is a piece that is glued or something inside the valve cover but not sure. The tube seals I am replacing are dry rotted and they are crumbling when taking them out. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

**smj999smj** · Dec 20th, 2011, 10:25 PM

I've always just used a seal puller to pull them out, like Lisle tools P/N: 56650.

ericmckinney · Dec 21st, 2011, 08:45 AM

I understand that I can use a seal puller but what I am saying is where they are installed in the valve cover they will not come out without tearing them up because the seal do not flex and bend to get them out and then for the new ones to be installed I can not damage them to get them in. When you take the valve cover of and you turn it over there is like a light brown plate on the underside of the valve cover and it looks like it comes off so you can get the old seal out and the new seals installed with ease. Is this true. Please let me know because I do not need to cause anymore damage then I have to. Thanks for any help.

**smj999smj** · Dec 21st, 2011, 11:22 AM

Assuming we are talking about a B14 Sentra, I've never had to take any cover off of the bottom side of the valve cover to remove spark plug tube seals. They should be sitting in a slight recess for the seals. If they are brittle, spraying them with some carb cleaner might soften them up a little. The only plate on the bottom of the valve cover that I can think of is the baffle plate for the PCV, which shouldn't be in the way of the spark plug tube seals.

wilburk · Dec 29th, 2012, 01:01 AM

Ok so I know this is a dated post, but I just replaced my valve cover gasket (along with a bunch of other things).

You can't replace the spark plug gaskets because they're under the piece of plastic on the underside of the cover. Found this out the hard way when I stabbed through them on accident with a screwdriver trying to replace them.

A good cleaning should do--otherwise, hit pull-a-park for a cheap replacement cover.

b13er · Jan 4th, 2013, 01:05 AM

I checked rockauto.com and they sell kits that come with the valve cover spark plug seals for both the b13 and b14: More Information for BECK/ARNLEY 0361823

I wish I knew if you all were talking about a b14 or a b13 or what, because I was planning on replacing mine since I always see oil in my spark plug tubes.

wilburk · Jan 4th, 2013, 01:56 AM

Quote:

I checked rockauto.com and they sell kits that come with the valve cover spark plug seals for both the b13 and b14: More Information for BECK/ARNLEY 0361823

All gasket replacement kits come with spark plug gaskets, even though you can't replace them. I don't know why.

Here's a picture of the underside of my cover.

You can see the spark plug gaskets--it looks like they would be replaceable, but they're not. They're attached UNDER that piece of orange plastic.

So if your spark plug tubes have oil in them, I would recommend doing one of two things:

1. Clean the seal, and then patch up any tears with RTV
2. Just get a new cover--they're like $30 at the junkyard

Hope that helps...

**smj999smj** · Jan 4th, 2013, 06:47 AM

I would just use some brake cleaner and a rag to clean the oil off of the seals and the spark plug tube, put a thin layer of RTV silicone on the seal and put it together before I'd purchase a junk yard cover. Chances are the junkyard part isn't much better than what you have already. Always replace that small, rectangular PCV baffle gasket shown in the picture. Their famous for failing and causing oil to get sucked directly into the engine, making a real mosquito killer!

wilburk · Jan 4th, 2013, 11:54 AM

Also wouldn't hurt to do a little cleaning of some of the sludge that's accumulated.

que4dog · Jan 28th, 2013, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilburk

All gasket replacement kits come with spark plug gaskets, even though you can't replace them. I don't know why.

Here's a picture of the underside of my cover.

You can see the spark plug gaskets--it looks like they would be replaceable, but they're not. They're attached UNDER that piece of orange plastic.

So if your spark plug tubes have oil in them, I would recommend doing one of two things:

1. Clean the seal, and then patch up any tears with RTV
2. Just get a new cover--they're like $30 at the junkyard

Hope that helps...

I had the same problem but I will make an attempt to provide a fix. I did a temporary fix but not sure if it will work at this time but I should be able to come up with something better. I will order more seals and report back.

wilburk · Jan 29th, 2013, 12:53 AM

Tell us about your temporary fix...Was it just silicone sealant?

que4dog · Jan 29th, 2013, 12:34 PM

I purchased the gasket with seals and modified the seals by placing grooves and curving out some of the old seal. I didn't do a good job but have an idea for my next attempt. I purchased more seals and will take pictures.

BeyondBiscuits2 · Jan 29th, 2013, 03:02 PM

In my experience with the GA16DE, it is much easier to go to a salvage yard and pick up the aluminium valve cover from the '91-'94 Sentra models. They have the screw-in style PCV (better design, and not prone to popping out), as well as serviceable spark plug tube seals. Plus, they are metal and not the hard plastic Nissan used in the B14 models. All in all, much better!

que4dog · Feb 1st, 2013, 09:52 PM

I finally came up with a solution and I did a complete write-up!!! Wilburk I used your picture in one section.
Here's the link so enjoy!!!
http://www.nissanforums.com/ga16de-1...ver-spark.html

wilburk · Feb 1st, 2013, 11:09 PM

Nice! I'm glad my picture could help. Looks like you got creative and it worked! Crushed it. Boom.