H6 3.0 Info Please

[Cayenne]

Hi, I have a '03 H6 sedan and love it. It's getting up there on the
miles (145k). I have been doing the maintenance on it since the warranty
expired. The last project was replacing the suspension. It feels like a new car again for the most part!

 

I am interested in info for questions I have on general maintenance. I am glad my friend roosterslc sent me in this direction!

 

My next project is probably replacing the valve cover gaskets and whatever else I should do while I'm in there. I am leaking oil in that area it looks like.

 

I am wondering what should be done in addition to this and if it can be done with out removing the engine.

 

Thanks!

Edited September 17, 2014 by Cayenne

[Dj7291993]

First off, welcome!

 

The valve covers are a lot easier if you undue the exhaust manifold, engine mounts (just the nuts), and the torque mount/dogbone, then jack the engine up.  You can push the engine over to the opposite side you are working on.  Just make sure to use a wood block when you use a jack on the oil pan, and watch it carefully.  Wouldn't want to make more work for yourself.  Also, for future, try to put your car related questions in the appropriate area.  You'll get better response.

[jmoss5723]

The best tips are these: Replace the spark plugs while you have the valve covers off and make sure you have a 10mm ratcheting box wrench for getting at all the VC bolts.

 

I just did the VCGs on my wife's H6 a few weeks ago. Definitely unmount the engine and jack it up. I did not disconnect the exhaust when I did it. I got enough movement with it still in place.To get at everything, you have to take out all of the plastic intake plumbing, battery, and washer bottle. You also need to take off the injector covers, and unplug all the coil packs. At this point, you'll have quite a few wires, vacuum lines, and bolts out. Be organized or you'll mess stuff up. It is all very straight-forward, just a little bit involved.

 

The other thing I did while I was in there was terminate the intake plumbing at the passenger side fender. i already had pretty much all of it out and I eliminated all of it that was not strictly necessary ( big wide flat piece that sucks air from in front of the grill, and gigantic snorkus inside of the fender). Now I just pull air from inside of the fender, I have more room to work in the engine bay in the future, and I've eliminated a little bit of turbulence in the intake air. Of course none of this is really necessary.

[idosubaru]

What he said - do valve cover gaskets and plugs at the same time.

 

Replace the oil cooler gasket and those two hoses if they need it at the same time to just be done with the two common leakage points.

 

Checking the valve clearance while covers are off would be a great idea too.  Unlikely to be out but it's a big deal if one of the exhaust valves is too tight.