Replacing the valve cover gasket on a Nissan Almera: when is it needed and how to do it correctly

Valve cover gasket Nissan Almera (especially in models G15 And N16 with engines HR16DE or QR20DE) is a consumable that is often ignored until obvious problems appear. Meanwhile, its wear leads not only to oil leaks, but also to dirt getting into the lubrication system, which accelerates the wear of camshafts and hydraulic compensators. If you notice oil stains under the hood or smell burnt oil, this is a reason to check the condition of the gasket.

In this article we will look at all stages of replacement: from fault diagnosis to assembly, taking into account typical errors. You will learn what tools you will need, how to choose a high-quality gasket (original vs analogues), and why it is important not to skimp on sealant. And also - why does an Almera with an HR16DE engine after 2015 often require replacement of the cover mounting bolts along with the gasket.

Signs of valve cover gasket wear

First signal - oil smudges on the cylinder block or around the valve cover. But there are also less obvious symptoms that many attribute to other problems:

• 🔥 Burnt oil smell in the cabin or under the hood (especially after the engine has warmed up). This oil ends up on the hot manifold.
• 💧 Reducing oil level no visible leaks under the car. The gasket can allow oil to leak inside, onto the spark plug wells.
• ⚡ Misfires or engine tripping. Oil that gets on the spark plugs interferes with sparking.
• 🔧 Air duct contamination. If you remove the pipe from the air filter to the throttle body, there may be an oil film inside.

On Almera G15 with engine HR16DE there is a specific sign: oil accumulates in plastic timing belt casing. If during inspection you see black deposits there, the gasket definitely needs to be replaced. But on N16 with QR20DE Spark plug wells are more often affected (oil flows down them into the cylinders).

⚠️ Attention: If you ignore oil leaks from under the valve cover, over time this will lead to oiling the timing belt (on HR16DE) or oil entering the combustion chamber, which will cause carbon deposits on valves and will increase fuel consumption.

Which gasket to choose: original or analogues

The original gasket from Nissan has the article number 11060-4M000 (for HR16DE) or 11060-5M500 (for QR20DE). It costs about 1,500–2,500 rubles, but is not always available. Alternatives:

Brand	Article	Price, rub.	Features
Nissan (original)	11060-4M000	2 200–2 800	Best quality, but often counterfeited
Ajusa	13017000	800–1 200	A good analogue, but may require additional sealant treatment
Elring	725.170	1 300–1 600	Resistant to high temperatures, suitable for turbocharged versions
Victor Reinz	71-36986-00	1 500–1 800	Soft material, but may sag when bolts are tightly tightened

If you choose an analogue, pay attention to material:

• 🔹 Rubber - cheaper, but tans faster in the cold (relevant for regions with cold winters).
• 🔹 Silicone - more expensive, but lasts longer and withstands temperature changes better.
• 🔹 Cork/cardboard - only for older models (for example, Almera Classic), not suitable for HR16DE.

Important nuance: on Almera G15 after 2015 release, the gasket is included new mounting bolts (article 11069-4M000). It is recommended to replace them, since old bolts “sit” in the threads over time and can burst when re-tightened.

Tools and materials for replacement

To work you will need:

• 🔧 A set of sockets and a ratchet wrench (the head must be on 10 mm for cover bolts).
• 🔧 Torque wrench (bolt tightening torque - 8–10 Nm).
• 🧴Sealant Loctite 574 or Permatex Ultra Black (only for joints, and not instead of gaskets!).
• 🧻 Lint-free wipes and carburetor cleaner (to remove old oil).
• 🔨 Plastic spatula or mediator (to pry off the old gasket).
• 🔋 Flashlight or head light (lighting under the hood Almera leaves much to be desired).

If you have HR16DE, additionally prepare:

• 🔧 Key for candles (you will need to unscrew the candles so as not to damage the threads when removing the cover).
• 🧲 Magnetic grip (fastening bolts like to fall into the niches of the block).

Step-by-step replacement instructions

The process takes 2-3 hours for the first change. The main thing is to take your time and follow the order of actions.

Remove the negative terminal from the battery |

Disconnect the air filter pipe|

Remove ignition coils (on HR16DE)|

Disconnect sensor connectors (phases, oil pressure)|

Place a rag under the lid (oil will drain) -->

Step 1. Dismantling attachments

On HR16DE let's shoot first plastic engine casing (4 bolts per 10 mm). Then disconnect:

• 🔌 Phase sensor connector (located on the valve cover).
• 🔌 Ignition coil wires (it is better to mark them so as not to be confused during assembly).
• 🔧 Throttle cable bracket (on a manual transmission).

Step 2: Removing the Valve Cover

Unscrew the cover fastening bolts reverse order (from the edges to the center) to avoid deformation. On HR16DE there are 15 of them, per QR20DE — 12. The last bolt is usually hidden under the generator bracket - don’t miss it!

When all the bolts are removed, pry off the cover with a plastic spatula. If it “sticks”, do not pull by force - pour carburetor cleaner over the joint and wait 5–10 minutes.

What to do if the fastening bolt breaks?

If the bolt breaks off, do not try to drill it yourself - the risk of damaging the threads in the aluminum cylinder head is too great. It is better to contact a turner who will carefully cut a new thread for the repair bushing. As a last resort, you can use an extractor, but this requires experience.

Step 3: Cleaning Surfaces

Old gasket and sealant residues be sure to delete from the cover and block. Use a plastic scraper or pick - metal tools leave scratches that will then allow oil to pass through. Pay special attention to:

• 🔹 Corners of the lid (dirt accumulates there).
• 🔹 Oil main channels (they can be blown out with compressed air).
• 🔹 Bolt seats (old oil often remains there).

Step 4: Install a new gasket

First place the new gasket on the cover. without sealant - it should lie flat, without distortion. Only after this we apply a thin layer of sealant only at the joints of half rings (where the gasket meets at the corners). Excess sealant inside the engine can clog the oil passages!

⚠️ Attention: On Almera G15 with HR16DE people often forget about small half rings gaskets in the corners of the lid. They need to be installed to main gasket, otherwise oil will ooze into the corners.

Step 5. Assembly

Place the cover in place and tighten the bolts to 3 stages:

1. First pass: moment 4–5 Nm (easy by hand).
2. Second pass: moment 8 Nm (torque wrench).
3. Third pass: check after 10 minutes (the bolts may “shrink”).

After assembly, we check the operation of the engine: it should start without errors (if the sensors were disconnected). After 100 km, inspect the joint of the cover for leaks.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Bolt tightening — leads to deformation of the cover or breakage of the thread. Always use a torque wrench!
• 🧴 Excess sealant — excess can get into the oil channels and cause oil starvation of the camshafts.
• 🔌 Forgotten connectors — if you don’t connect the phase sensor, the engine will stall or won’t start.
• 🔥 Dirty surfaces - even small chips under the gasket will lead to leaks.
• 🔄 Reusing Bolts - on Almera G15 after 2015 the bolts are disposable!

Another mistake - ignoring the breather. If the crankcase ventilation valve (breather) is clogged, the pressure in the system increases, and even a new gasket will leak oil. On HR16DE The breather is located next to the oil filter - it needs to be cleaned or replaced (part number 11810-4M000).

If oil continues to leak after replacing the gasket, check:

• 🔹 Cover condition - cracks or deformation (especially around bolts).
• 🔹 Lubrication system pressure - high pressure can squeeze out the gasket.
• 🔹 Oil quality - too thin oil (for example, 0W-20) leaks out more easily.

When to contact the service

Some situations require professional intervention:

• 🔧 If the cover fastening bolts broke or turned in the block.
• 🔥 If after replacing the gasket the engine started having sex or caught fire Check Engine.
• 🧯 If, when removing the cover, you find metal shavings in oil (this is a sign of wear on the camshafts or hydraulic compensators).
• 🔄 If the gasket is “eaten” in less than 20,000 km - this indicates problems with crankcase ventilation.

The cost of replacing the gasket in the service for Nissan Almera — from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles (excluding spare parts). If they offer to do it cheaper, check to see if they use a torque wrench and the original gasket.

Self-replacement is justified if you are confident in your abilities and are willing to spend time on preparation. Otherwise, the risk of damaging the cylinder head or camshafts is not worth the savings.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing the gasket

Is it possible to drive with a leaking valve cover gasket?

Short term - yes, but this leads to:

• 🔥 Fire hazard (oil may get into the exhaust manifold).
• 💧 Oiling the timing belt (risk of breakage).
• 🔧 Accelerated wear of camshafts due to dirt.

If the leak is severe (oil drips onto the ground), it is better not to delay replacement.

Do I need to change the oil after replacing the gasket?

Required if:

• 🔹 Old oil is contaminated with shavings or gasket decomposition products.
• 🔹 You use oil with a mileage of more than 10,000 km.

If the oil is clean and fresh (less than 5,000 km), you can do without changing it, but it is still better to change the filter.

What is the difference between replacing HR16DE and QR20DE?

Main differences:

HR16DE (Almera G15)	QR20DE (Almera N16)
15 mounting bolts	12 bolts
Ignition coils need to be removed	You don't have to touch the coils
Spark plug wells often leak	Oil accumulates in the timing belt housing
Single-use bolts (on models after 2015)	Bolts can be reused

What sealant is best to use?

For Nissan Almera fit:

• 🔹 Loctite 574 — not aggressive to aluminum, dries in 10 minutes.
• 🔹 Permatex Ultra Black - withstands high temperatures, but requires degreasing.
• 🔹 ABRO 99-003 - a budget option, but less durable.

Do not use silicone sealants (such as ABRO RS) - they do not withstand vibrations and thermal expansion.

How long does a new gasket last?

Service life depends on:

• 🔹 Material quality (the original or a silicone analogue will last 80–100 thousand km).
• 🔹 Operating conditions (frequent overheating reduces service life).
• 🔹 Build quality (Over-tightened bolts or dirty surfaces will cause rapid wear).

On average, the gasket lasts 3–5 years or 50–80 thousand km.