Nissan Almera Classic (also known as Nissan Sunny B10/N16 in some markets) is a reliable car, but with a mileage of over 100,000 km, owners often encounter oil leak from under the valve cover. The reason lies in the wear and tear of the rubber gasket, which over time loses its elasticity, cracks or “dumbs.” The problem cannot be ignored: oil gets on the timing belt, spark plugs and other elements, which can lead to engine overheating or even broken belt.

In car service centers for replacing the valve cover gasket with Almera Classic they ask for from 2,500 to 5,000 rubles (depending on the region), but the procedure can be completed independently in 1–2 hours. In this article - step by step instructions with photos, a list of necessary tools, tips for choosing spare parts and answers to frequently asked questions. We will also look into typical mistakesmistakes that beginners make, and we’ll tell you how to avoid them.

Signs of valve cover gasket wear

The first signal about the need for replacement is oil smudges on the cylinder block or around the valve cover. However, there are other symptoms that are often overlooked:

  • 🔥 Burning smell from under the hood (oil drips onto the exhaust manifold).
  • 💡 Oily spark plugs - leads to misfires and unstable engine operation.
  • 🛢️ Constantly decreasing oil level no visible leaks under the car (oil escapes through microcracks).
  • 🔧 Traces of oil on the air ducts or air filter housing (typical for engines GA16DE And QR20DE).

On Almera Classic with engine GA16DE (1.6 L) valve cover gasket fails more often due to overheating — this engine is prone to high temperatures during traffic jams or aggressive driving. Owners of versions with QR20DE (2.0 l) the problem is less common, but is also relevant after 150,000 km.

⚠️ Attention: If you ignore an oil leak, it may end up in timing belt, which will lead to its slippage or breakage. On Almera Classic with engine GA16DE broken timing belt valve bending — repairs will cost 50,000+ rubles.
📊 How long ago did you change the valve cover gasket?
  • Never changed
  • I change every 100,000 km
  • I change it at every oil change.
  • I don't know when the last change was

Which gasket to choose: original vs analogues

Original valve cover gasket for Nissan Almera Classic has an article number 13270-4M000 (for engine GA16DE) or 13270-5M000 (for QR20DE). Cost - from 1,200 to 1,800 rubles. However, many owners choose analogs that are cheaper but not inferior in quality.

Brand Article Price, ₽ Features
Nissan (original) 13270-4M000 1 200–1 800 Soft rubber, long service life
Elring 725.350 800–1 100 Resistant to high temperatures, suitable for turbo engines
Victor Reinz 71-36350-00 900–1 300 Reinforced, does not harden over time
Corteco 23037008 700–900 Budget option, suitable for replacement every 80,000 km

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to gasket material:

  • 🔹 Rubber - cheaper, but last 60,000–80,000 km.
  • 🔹 Silicone - more expensive, but can withstand temperatures up to +200°C and last up to 150,000 km.
  • 🔹 Reinforced (with a metal frame) - the best option for Almera Classic with mileage.
⚠️ Attention: Don't buy unbranded pads or those labeled "Made in China" without certificates. Cheap fakes are often flow every 10,000 km and may damage the surface of the lid.
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Before purchasing, check the gasket for flexibility: if it is hard to the touch or has cracks, it is defective. A high-quality gasket should bend easily and return to shape.

Necessary tools and consumables

To replace the valve cover gasket with Almera Classic you will need:

  • 🔧 Socket set and ratchet wrench (dimensions: 10 mm, 12 mm).
  • 🔧 Socket wrench on 8 mm (for cover bolts).
  • 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for prying off the old gasket).
  • 🧴 Carburetor Cleaner or kerosene (to remove oil deposits).
  • 🧴 Sealant (For example, Loctite 574 or ABRO 11-AB).
  • 🧤 Gloves and rags.

Also prepare:

  • 📦 New valve cover gasket (see article number above).
  • 🛢️ 1 liter of engine oil (for topping up after replacement).
  • 🔥 Hairdryer or fan heater (to warm up the sealant).

☑️ Preparing to replace the gasket

Done: 0 / 5

Important: If you are planning complete oil change, do it after installing a new gasket - this way you will avoid dirt getting into the engine.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the gasket

Valve cover gasket replacement process Nissan Almera Classic takes about 1.5–2 hours. Follow the instructions strictly in order to avoid mistakes.

Step 1: Preparing and dismantling the attachment

1. Disable negative battery terminal (key to 10 mm).

2. Remove air filter together with the pipe (unscrew the 4 bolts with the head on 10 mm).

3. Disconnect throttle cable (on engine GA16DE it is attached to the throttle body).

4. Remove ignition coils (unscrew the bolts on 8 mm and disconnect the connectors).

Step 2: Removing the Valve Cover

1. Carefully unscrew all cover bolts (there are 12 of them, the key is on 8 mm). Start at the edges and work towards the center to avoid distorting the lid.

2. Pry off the cover with a screwdriver (but not too much so as not to damage the surface!). If it gets stuck, tap the edges with a rubber mallet.

3. Remove the old gasket and clean the seats from oil and dirt carburetor cleaner.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal brushes or abrasives to clean the surface of the cylinder block! Micro scratches will lead to repeated leakage even with a new gasket.

Step 3: Installing a New Gasket

1. Apply a thin layer of sealant to corners and joints cylinder block (not on the gasket itself!).

2. Place new gasket starting at the corners. Make sure she lies flat in the grooves.

3. Install the valve cover and evenly tighten the bolts in the order shown in the diagram:



5   3   1   9


7   11  10  2


8   6   4   12

4. Tighten the bolts to 2 approaches:

- First: torque 5 Nm.

- Second (after 10 minutes): torque 10 Nm.

What happens if you overtighten the bolts?

Overtightening the valve cover bolts leads to deformation of the aluminum cover or squeezing out the gasket. The result is a new oil leak or even a crack in the cover (repair will cost 5,000+ rubles).

Step 4: Assembly and Testing

1. Reinstall the ignition coils, air filter and throttle cable.

2. Connect the battery and start the engine. Check if there is oil leaks along the edges of the lid.

3. After 200–300 km be sure to check the oil level and inspect the cap for leaks.

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The main thing when replacing the gasket is that the bolts are evenly tightened and the block surface is clean. Even slight dirt or misalignment will lead to repeated leakage.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Many owners Almera Classic encounter problems after replacing the gasket due to mistakes made. Here are the most common:

  • 🔧 Using old sealant — remnants of the old sealant interfere with the tight fit of the new gasket. Solution: Clean the surface thoroughly with solvent.
  • 🔧 Uneven bolt tightening - leads to distortion of the lid. Solution: Tighten the bolts crosswise in 2 stages.
  • 🔧 Saving on gasket — cheap analogues last 10,000–20,000 km. Solution: Choose Elring or Victor Reinz.
  • 🔧 Forget to check the breather — a clogged breather increases the pressure in the crankcase, and the oil squeezes out the gasket. Solution: Clean the breather before replacing.

Critical mistake: using silicone sealant instead of the special one for gaskets. Silicone cannot withstand high temperatures and after 5,000 km begins to crumble, which leads to leaks.

When to change the gasket: regulations and tips

The manufacturer does not indicate the exact procedure for replacing the valve cover gasket for Almera Classic, but the experience of the owners shows:

  • 📅 Every 80,000–100,000 km - scheduled replacement (even if there is no leak).
  • 📅 Every time you remove the cover (for example, to adjust valves).
  • 📅 After engine overheating — high temperature destroys rubber.

If you operate the car in difficult conditions (frequent traffic jams, high loads), the gasket should be checked every 50,000 km. Signs for unscheduled replacement:

  • 🔥 Oil on spark plugs.
  • 🔥 The smell of burning from under the hood.
  • 🔥 Visible cracks on the gasket (can be seen by removing the cover).
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If you often drive short distances (up to 5 km), the engine does not warm up to operating temperature, and condensation accumulates under the cover. This accelerates the wear of the gasket - in this case, change it every 60,000 km.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to drive with an oil leak from the valve cover?

Short term - yes, but risky. Oil can get on the timing belt, causing it to slip or break. On Almera Classic with engine GA16DE broken timing belt valve bending — repairs will cost 50,000+ rubles. If the leak is severe, it is better not to drive the car until the gasket is replaced.

Do I need to use sealant when replacing the gasket?

Yes, but only special for gaskets (For example, Loctite 574 or ABRO 11-AB). Apply it thin layer only on the joints of the cylinder block, and not on the gasket itself. Excess sealant can clog the oil passages.

What is the tightening torque for the valve cover bolts?

For Nissan Almera Classic Valve cover bolt tightening torque - 10 Nm. Tighten in two stages: first 5 Nm, then after 10 minutes - the final 10 Nm. Use a torque wrench for accuracy.

Can I reuse an old gasket?

No! The rubber gasket becomes deformed after dismantling and does not provide a tight seal. Even if visually it looks intact, when reinstalled guaranteed to leak. The exception is high quality silicone gaskets (for example, Elring), but it is recommended to change them too.

What should I do if after replacement the gasket leaks again?

Reasons for repeated leakage:

  1. Uneven tightening of bolts.
  2. Dirt or remnants of old sealant on the surface of the block.
  3. Defective gasket (often with cheap analogues).
  4. Damaged valve cover (cracks or deformation).

Solution: remove the cover, clean the surfaces, replace the gasket with a high-quality one and repeat the procedure.