← Primera Nissan Primera repair manuals →
Autopapyrus · Nissan Primera P12 QG16DE (2005)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/nissan/primera/valve-stem-seal-replacement/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Nissan Primera P12 QG16DE (2005): Valve Stem Seal Replacement

Valve stem seals are replaced when the engine burns excessive oil and blows blue smoke from the exhaust after startup. On the QG16DE, this job requires removing the camshafts and the valve adjusting shims. Take care when handling the valve keepers (collets) and follow the specified tightening torques during reassembly.

Difficulty: Hard Time: 5-7 hours Steps: 19 Tools: valve spring compressor, tweezers or magnetic screwdriver, valve stem seal remover (pliers-type or impact-type), valve stem seal installation tool (drift), torque wrench, socket and wrench set, small hammer, air compressor with cylinder air-hold adapter (optional).

Part

  • 🔩 Nissan 13207-4F105 (16 pcs). Alternatives: Ajusa 12009100, Victor Reinz 12-53036-01, BGA VK5328
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes and 2 more. See manuals →

Step by step

19 steps
  1. Remove the valve cover, disconnect the ignition coils and spark plug wires (if fitted), and remove the spark plugs.
  2. Remove the timing chain from the camshaft sprockets, then loosen the camshaft bearing cap bolts in the reverse of the tightening sequence (from the outside toward the center).
  3. Remove the camshafts, then take out the valve adjusting shims and lifters (mark their positions so they can be reinstalled in the same locations).
  4. Set the No. 1 cylinder piston to top dead center (TDC) to work on the valves of cylinders 1 and 4. Optional: feed compressed air through the spark plug hole to hold the valves in place.
  5. Install the valve spring compressor. If you don't have a proper tool, a compressor designed for a different engine can be modified by grinding down the diameter of its plunger to fit.
  6. Compress the valve spring and remove the two keepers with tweezers or a magnetic screwdriver (be careful, as the keepers can easily fly out).
  7. Release the compressor and remove the upper spring retainer and the spring.
  8. Pull the old valve stem seal off the valve guide with the remover, applying force straight up without twisting (to avoid damaging the guide).
  9. Dip the new seal in clean engine oil, place the installation tool over the valve guide, and press the new seal on until it seats fully, using light taps with the hammer.
  10. Install the valve spring and upper retainer, compress the spring with the compressor, and fit the keepers.
  11. Release the compressor and give the valve tip a few light taps with the hammer through the drift to seat the keepers (this is critical: unseated keepers will destroy the engine at startup).
  12. Repeat steps 4-11 for the remaining valves of cylinders 1 and 4, then turn the crankshaft half a turn to reach the valves of cylinders 2 and 3.
  13. After all 16 seals are replaced, install the lifters and adjusting shims in their original positions (according to your markings).
  14. Lubricate the camshaft journals with clean engine oil and set the camshafts in place.
  15. Install the camshaft bearing caps and tighten the bolts with a torque wrench in three stages, working from the center toward the edges: first bolts 11-15 and 1-10 to 2 N·m (1.5 lb-ft), then bolts 1-15 to 6 N·m (4.4 lb-ft), then bolts 1-14 to 12 N·m (9 lb-ft) and bolt 15 to 8 N·m (6 lb-ft). (These values are given for the QG engine family; confirm the exact sequence for the QG16DE in the manufacturer's service manual.)
  16. Install the timing chain on the camshaft sprockets and check that the TDC marks line up.
  17. Install a new valve cover gasket and new spark plug well seals, then install the valve cover.
  18. Install the spark plugs and ignition coils, and reconnect all connectors.
  19. Start the engine, warm it up to operating temperature, and check for oil leaks and unusual noises.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • Replacing only the valve stem seals does not always fix excessive oil consumption. The cause is often worn piston rings or cylinder wear. If oil consumption remains at 0.8-1 L per 1,000 km (0.85-1.06 qt per 620 miles) after the replacement, have the compression and the condition of the cylinders and pistons checked. Unseated valve keepers will cause catastrophic engine damage, so be sure to verify that they are seated by tapping them with the hammer before reassembly.