NISSAN VQ ENGINE PLUG SEAL

Nissan VQ type of V6 engine have quite a difference characteristic with those Mitsubishi or other type of V6 engine. For Mitsubishi type of V6 engine (e.g. 6A1X or 6G7X), the engine gasket for both left hand side and right hand side are design as the same item, but for Nissan type of V6 engine, most of them are difference part for left and right.

It is known that Cylinder Head Gasket, Rocker Cover Gasket are difference for left side and right side for VQ engine, but do you thing the Plug Tube Seal for this type of engine have the difference parts for left and right side?

6 pieces of Plug Tube Seal are used for one engine which consist 3 pieces a side, and this Plug Tube Seals are not packed in Genuine Full Set or Head Set gasket, the question is are they using 6 pieces same items or 3 pieces a side with 2 difference parts?

There are 2 type of Plug Tube Seal are applicable for VQ Engine, which is 13276-31U21 and 13276-31U10 (Please refer to the photo diagram).

Parts catalog shows that both items are interchangeable although their size may have slightly difference, and 6 pieces of each part number per engine are usable.

But it seem there are foreman claim that 3 pieces of each part number are use for the left hand and right hand side. This info is quite confusing and we wish for those is expert in this Nissan VQ engine are welcome to comment on their view for this scenario.

Range of VQ35DE Engine Gasket

We may start to know the existing of Nissan VQ35DE engine after the Murano 3.5 V6 is entering Malaysia, but the earlier type of VQ35DE vehicle that already driving on Malaysia soil is the luxury van of Nissan Elgrand.

In Japan, there are also Terrano 3.5 that using VQ35DE engine, the other type vehicle may be Maxima.

Although the engine specification is all putting as VQ35DE, they may be have some slight modification on the Cylinder Head Gasket and Rocker Cover Gasket for diffrence vehicle, hence before buying any VQ35DE gasket set, it is better to check the exact part number for their Cylinder Head Gasket and Rocker Cover Gasket to prevent of wrong purchase.

Also don't be confuse of this type of engine with VQ35HR which mainly use on Nissan 350Z Fairlady sport car.

VQ35DE ENGINE PARTS

HIGH COMPRESSION RATIO CYLINDER HEAD (Source: http://www.nismo.co.jp/en/products/competition/engine/vq35de.html)





Features

A version 2 model, applicable to exhaust side VTC.To meet modifications to inlet valve seat internal diameters and ports, two versions Spec-1, diameter 31 and Spec-2, diameter 32-was created.

Easy increase of compression ratio

Compared to a genuine VQ35 head, the combustion chambers of the genuine VQ30 are used as the base for casting a processing, providing the compact combustion chamber required by an NA engine. The volume has been greatly reduced. With the combustion chamber volume reduced from 56cc to 46cc, the compression ratio is increased without head milling (using a genuine piston, from 10.3 to 12.0). In addition, by changing the piston crown shape, a compression ratio of 13.5 is also possible.


Easy increase of intake port potential

While this head uses the dynamic valve system of the VQ30 engine, the intake port uses the high-potential port used in the VQ35. Spec-2 uses an intake valve seat diameter of 32 to modify the intake port inside R to realize performance that greatly exceeds that of a genuine VQ35 engine (please see the table at the VQ35 Intake Port performance comparison).
* The VQ35DE engine is a V6 engine using VTC. Do not use simple milling of the head to reduce combustion chamber volume.





Spec-1 secondary spec

Shape comparison, NISMO and genuine parts

Combustion chamber, Spec-1 secondary spec

Combustion chamber, genuine

Compared to genuine metal gaskets, the use of molybdenum coating helps withstand higher compression ratios and improves surface pressure around the bore.

The VQ35DE Metal Head Gaskets are 0.7mm thick and feature a 4-layer stopper-type structure. The stopper-type structure employs a stopper ring around each combustion chamber that is molded into the head gasket for a precise and strengthened seal. The factory head gasket is only made from 3 layers and has a bead-type structure. A bead-type head gasket only uses a raised bead to seal the combustion chamber.

Japan Motor Vehicles Guidebook

For those who very like to study the latest trend of Japan car and motorcylce, the Japan Motor Vehicles Guidebook is a very good "dictionary" for the Japan car lover.

This guidebook which issue annually already reach vol. 55 for this year, as this book showcase all the latest Japan vehicle currently available in Japan market, though some of the model may not available in Malaysia, in our previous experience, some of the new model bringing into Malaysia may be already shown in the previous guidebook, may be 3 to 4 years ago, so in this current issue, we may see in the future 2 to 3 years, there will be some of the model show in this vol. 55 guidebook will appear in Malaysia.

Basically, the content of the guidebook have the latest technologies news, motor parade, latest model news and most important information in their catalog part, which also devided to Passenger Cars, Commercial Vehicles and Motorcycles.

Head Gasket Basics

Sealing the Deal for Maximum Compression -

Understanding why a relatively inexpensive head gasket costs so much to replace means first realizing what it sits between. In the engine block are pistons that travel up and down in cylinder bores. The pistons are connected to rods, which in turn are connected to a spinning crankshaft from which the vehicle takes its power. Bolted to the top of the engine is the cylinder head. Inside the cylinder head are valves that open and close to let air and fuel into the cylinders and expel the spent exhaust gas.

The head gasket is compressed between the engine block and the cylinder head. The head gasket seals in the internal combustion process and also keeps coolant and oil from mixing together as the two fluids travel from the engine block to the cylinder head. Head gaskets themselves are not very expensive. What ends up costing big money is getting to it. Removing and replacing the head gasket means undertaking the major operation of removing an engine's head.

Boiling Over
A head gasket can fail for a number of reasons, none of them good. Engine overheating is the most popular culprit. The metal of the engine block and head expands beyond limits during overheating. This expansion can pinch the head gasket to the point where it will fail. The next major causes of head gasket failure are engine pre-ignition or detonation. The crux of these two conditions is out-of-time combustion occurring in the cylinders. Internal combustion is supposed to occur with both valves closed and with the piston at the top of its power stroke. Out of time combustion puts extra strain on the valves, pistons, and head gasket. Ironically, engine overheating can also increase the likelihood of pre-ignition and detonation. The sound of an engine pinging or knocking is the insidious sound of damage.

Head Surgery
Head gasket replacement is not a job for the average do-it-yourselfer. While a head gasket expiring due to old age is rare, it usually means everything else is worn out to the point of replacement as well. Cracking the head off the engine and peering inside may reveal that everything else got fully cooked, too. The best way to prevent head gasket failure is to keep the cooling system in top working order and make sure the engine is in tune and running correctly. The failure of a $5 thermostat or $3 coolant hose can cause thousands of dollars in engine damage in a hurry. The following are a few general tips for replacing a head gasket. For vehicle specific head gasket replacement procedures always consult a service manual.

Step 1 - Getting down to the head gasket can be an involved process. Always mark and index everything before removal. In this case, it was easier to remove the exhaust manifold, head, and intake as a unit. A service manual is the first and most important tool in the toolbox.

Step 2 - Check the head and block for flatness. A machined straight edge across the surface and feeler gauge will reveal all. The service manual will provide specifications. Blocks or heads out of specification must be sent out to the machine shop and be repaired. The machine shop will also be able to check for cracks.

Step 3 - Prepare the surface. Never use anything that will remove metal. Be careful not to scratch the deck of the block or mounting surface of the head. While it may seem like a good idea to use a scrubber pad connected to a power tool, the surface irregularities created can cause sealing problems down the road.

Step 4 - Chase the head bolt or stud holes with a tap or thread chaser to remove any crud and prepare the threads. Use compressed air to blow out any stragglers. Correct head bolt torque is of utmost importance. Any interference can throw off the torque readings.

Step 5 - Pre-fit the head gasket in the correct orientation. Never use sealant unless specifically required by the manufacturer. Head gaskets that require sealant will usually come so equipped. The service manual will outline sealant locations and requirements.

Step 6 - Correct bolt tightening sequence and torque is key to proper head gasket sealing. Use new bolts if required. Coat head bolt threads with some engine oil before installing. Always follow tightening sequence and torque instructions to the last detail.

Strong Yen Impact for Japan made items

The strong Japan Yen may had effect the pricing of Japan made spare parts globally including Malaysia, all the Japan made items had increase the price for more than 15% due to the effect of currency rate.

Though the consumer may need to folk out more money for Japan item, but the impact for Japan ecomony, especially for their exporter and tourism industry may as well hit badly, below are one of the article that how the strong Yen hit Japan.

By now you’ll be well aware that the strong yen is crippling Japanese exports, and by extension the economy as a whole, but less widely discussed is the impact this is having on Japan’s tourism industry.

With Japanese firms having shifted so many manufacturing jobs to China in recent years, and with an ageing and shrinking population limiting the performance of domestic demand, tourism is one sector which could – or should – be doing more for Japan’s economy. Japan is the only G-7 country that is not in the top 10 in terms of worldwide tourism arrivals, and the authorities have set a goal of attracting 10 million arrivals annually by 2010 and 20 million by 2020.

Japan’s underperformance in tourism arrivals is in some ways surprising, given that it has something appealing for almost everyone. Historically-minded travelers would appreciate its 2,700-year history, thousands of shrines and temples, the old Imperial capital in Kyoto, and the reminders of Japan’s militarist past at the Yasukuni museum. Landscape lovers might appreciate sweeping volcanic panoramas, Mount Fuji, and world-class skiing. More modern-minded visitors have Japan’s urban vibe – the neon signs, skyscrapers, and high-tech gadget shopping – while food lovers will appreciate anything from tiny eight-seater eateries and the highest urban concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants. Then there are plenty of manga and computer games-related merchandise. Finally, Japan houses the Tomb of Christ, up in Aomori Prefecture (Dan Brown/Robert Langdon, please come and visit!).

Despite these strengths, there are a number of weaknesses constraining the growth of Japan’s tourism sector. For Westerners, Japan is a minimum of 10 hours’ flight, making it expensive to get to. For everyone, Japan tends to be expensive even when the yen is not at record highs. Then, there is the fact that not many people in Japan speak foreign languages, making it potentially tricky to navigate around. Finally, there is some evidence that Japanese hotel owners feel uncomfortable with more foreigners visiting.

Nonetheless, the year 2007 saw a record 8.4 million visitors come to Japan, up 14% on 2006. The key driver has been visitors from Asia – especially China and South Korea – who made up 73% of that total. Relations between Tokyo and Beijing and Seoul have hardly been smooth in recent years, but this apparently has not gotten in the way of tourism.

The Land Of The Rising Holiday CostsFull-year 2008 figures are not available, but statistics provided by the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) reveal that the months of August, September, October and November in 2008 saw y-o-y visitor declines of 2.0%, 7.0%. 5.9%, and 19.3% respectively. Unsurprisingly, the countries registering the biggest declines in visitors to Japan have been South Korea, the US, and UK, all of which have seen their currencies plunge against the yen.

In practical terms, here is what the strong yen means: if you arrive in Japan at Tokyo’s Narita Airport and take the Narita Express train into downtown Tokyo, the ticket will cost 2,940 yen. A year ago, with the sterling-yen exchange rate at JPY210/GBP, that cost a reasonable (given the 60+km distance) £14.00, but now with the exchange rate at a record high of JPY120/GBP, the journey costs a punishing £24.50. Meanwhile, if you get thirsty, you will find a can of soda from a vending machine dear at around 130 yen. A year ago, that translated as 62 pence, which was in line with London prices. Now, that same can of soda sets you back by £1.08.
If you are a South Korean traveller, Japan will now cost you 43% more than it did a year ago, due to the won’s weakness. So why go now?

Mystery in Proton Perdana V6 Maintenance

In the year 2008 after the Malaysia Genaral Election, Malaysian folk may still remember there are tussle for the candidate for Terengganu Menteri Besar, when all the issue settle, the new elected Terengganu Menteri Besar had made a decision to replace the State Assemblyman car from Proton Perdana V6 to Mecerdes Benz, the reason given is the maintenance fee for Proton Perdana V6 is far higher than Mercedes Benz.



They have been some argument on the issue until the Prime Minister had step in to stop the conflict, but after a few month later, the oposition control state, Perak, also have made a decision to change all their State Assemblyman car from Perdana V6 to the latest model of Toyota Camry, the reason is same as because of Perdana V6 maintenance fee is too high.



First of all, I would like to stress that I would not like to discuss and argue on the politician issue, all I want to give is my very own opinion on why our national car Proton Perdana V6 maintenance fee is higher than those more establish car model.



Personally, I feel Proton Perdana V6 consider a good car if it is not the best, the car have all the leading technologies component bring from Mitsubishi Motor Corporation, Japan. And the engine of 6A12 can be consider one of the most efficient engine in the Mitusbishi series of engine, so why it have the maintenance problem.



The very main reason I think is the spare parts we use on it, let see my below analysis.



Frankly speaking, if you would like to buy the Proton Perdana V6 spare parts which is made in Japan or the OEM parts from Japan, the pricing is really not cheap at all. But Perdana V6 is branded as national car, with quite a lot of numbers of this car on the road in Malaysia, the local parts seller will start to source for a more cheaper replacement parts, which it may come from China, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia or India.

If we use the low quality parts for this type of car, we may save in the parts cost but the maintenance issue will be snow balling bigger and bigger after this.

Let us take for example, if we use a low quality oil seal on the engine side (Camshaft oil seal, timing oil seal or flywheel oil seal), it may cause some oil leaking from the seal side and the leaking oil may contact with the belting inside (Timing belt, fan belt etc), and it may cause the timing belt break out sooner than it lifespan. when the timing belt break out during driving, it may cause jam in the engine valve and if the fatigue is big, it may need to ovehauling the engine.

As we know V6 engine contain 2 engine block that design in V shape with 3 cylinder running in each block, for a basic head set gasket, thier contain items may doulbe up than the normal gasket set, they will be 2 pcs cylinder head gaskets, 2 pcs valve cover gaskets, 2pcs of inlet manifold gaskets, 2pcs of exhaust manifold gaskets, 4 pcs of camshaft oil seals, 6 pcs of spark plug seals, 24 pcs of valve stem seals and may be 18 pcs of valve cover seals gasket if you want to include it.

The fact is, do you know that the pricing for the whole head sets which contain all the above items for the China made product, is just about enough to buy 1 pc of cylinder head gasket for this same model which is made from Japan.

So if the foremen willing to use the best parts for the car, although the parts cost may be high, but it will save a lot of maintenance cost in the future. People who using Mercedes Benz normally use the best parts for their vehicle, thats why their vehicle is less maintenence problem when compare to others vehicle that tense to use low quality parts.