Nissan Almera N16 is one of the most popular foreign cars on the Russian market, but even this reliable car wears out over time the plastic elements of the engine compartment. Engine cover (aka valve cover or cylinder head cover) is a part that often becomes a source of problems: from oil leaks to extraneous noise. In this article we will look at how to choose the right spare part, replace it yourself and avoid common mistakes.

Many owners Almera N16 Faced with the fact that the standard plastic cover cracks due to temperature changes or becomes deformed due to careless maintenance. Aluminum analogues last longer, but are more expensive and require proper installation. We analyzed the article numbers of original and analog parts, collected reviews from experts and compiled step-by-step instructions for replacement - taking into account the nuances for engines QG15DE And QG18DE.

Why change the engine cover to Nissan Almera N16?

The cylinder head cover is not just a protective element. It performs several critical functions:

  • 🔧 Sealing the lubrication system - prevents oil leakage and dirt from entering the engine.
  • 🔥 Thermal insulation — protects plastic pipes and wires from overheating.
  • 🔊 Noise absorption — reduces the level of vibrations and noise from the valve mechanism.
  • ⚡ Attaching auxiliary elements — brackets for high-voltage wires or ventilation hoses are often fixed on it.

If the cover is cracked or deformed, the consequences can be serious:

  • 🛢️ Oil leak - leads to a drop in the lubricant level, engine overheating and the risk of seizure.
  • 🔥 Dirt entry — abrasive particles accelerate wear of camshafts and valves.
  • 🚨 False sensor errors — oil that gets on the connectors can cause malfunctions of the ECU.
⚠️ Attention! On Almera N16 with engine QG18DE A common problem is a crack in the cover near the breather. This leads to air leaks and unstable engine operation at idle speed. Symptom - floating speed and error P0171 (lean mixture).

Original vs analogues: which lids are suitable for Almera N16?

The manufacturer offers an original cover under the article number 13270-4M000 (for QG15DE) and 13270-95F00 (for QG18DE). Cost - from 8,000 to 12,000 rubles, depending on the region. But is there any point in overpaying?

Cover type Article Material Price, ₽ Pros Cons
Original (Nissan) 13270-4M000 / 13270-95F00 Reinforced plastic 8 000–12 000 Perfect fit, long service life (if used carefully) High price, fragility in frost
Analogue (Febi) 22316 Impact resistant plastic 3 500–4 500 Good quality, affordable price There may be fakes
Analogue (Ajusa) 11034000 Aluminum 6 000–7 500 Durability, temperature resistance Requires gasket adjustment
Analogue (Corteco) 100103008 Plastic 2 800–3 200 Budget option Low durability

If you choose an analogue, pay attention to:

  • 🔍 Material - aluminum lids last longer, but are heavier and more expensive.
  • 📏 Gasket thickness - with cheap analogues it is often thinner than the original, which leads to leaks.
  • 🔧 Complete set — the original kit includes new bolts and o-rings for the breather.
📊 Which engine cover do you prefer for Almera N16?
  • Original (Nissan)
  • Analogue Febi
  • Analogue Ajusa (aluminum)
  • Budget option (Corteco)
  • Other

Signs of a faulty cylinder head cover: when is it time to change it?

How do you know if the engine cover needs replacing? Here are the key symptoms:

  • 💧 Oil stains on the cylinder block or around the cover is the most obvious sign. Most often, oil oozes from under the gasket or through cracks.
  • 🔊 Extraneous noise - If the cover is deformed, it may touch the moving parts of the valve mechanism, causing a knocking or grinding noise.
  • 🚬 Burning smell — when oil gets on the hot manifold, it begins to burn, which is accompanied by a pungent odor.
  • 🔥 Engine overheating — with a strong oil leak, lubrication deteriorates, which leads to an increase in temperature.

On Almera N16 there is a specific sign - oil in spark plug wells. This happens when the cap gasket is worn on the spark plug side. If, when checking the oil level, you see an emulsion (light foam) on the dipstick, this may indicate that antifreeze has entered through cracks in the cap (although the cylinder head gasket is more often to blame).

⚠️ Attention! If oil continues to flow after replacing the cap, check breather (crankcase ventilation valve). On Almera N16 it often gets clogged, which increases the pressure in the system and squeezes out the gasket. Cleaning the breather can solve the problem without replacing the cap.
How to check the breather on Almera N16?

Remove the crankcase ventilation hose (from the valve cover to the air duct) and check for blockages. If it is impossible to blow into the hose or a whistle is heard, the breather is clogged. To clean, use carburetor cleaner and compressed air.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the engine cover

Replacing the cylinder head cover with Nissan Almera N16 - an operation of medium complexity. If you have the tools and are careful, you can do it yourself in 1.5–2 hours. You will need:

  • 🔧 Set of heads and socket wrenches (10 mm, 12 mm).
  • 🔨 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for removing clamps).
  • 🧴Sealant Loctite 574 or ABRO 11-AB (only for gasket!).
  • 🧻 Rags and carburetor cleaner.
  • 🔋 New cover gasket (part number 13275-4M000 for QG15DE).

Important! Allow the engine to cool before starting work - hot oil can cause burns. Also disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to avoid a short circuit if the wires accidentally touch.

Drain the oil (optional, but recommended)|Disconnect the battery terminal|Remove the air duct and ventilation pipes|Prepare a new gasket and sealant|Check that all bolts are included-->

Step 1. Removing the old cover

  1. Remove the engine trim (if equipped).
  2. Disconnect the high voltage wires from the spark plugs.
  3. Loosen the clamps and remove the crankcase ventilation hoses (remember their location!).
  4. Unscrew the cover bolts in the reverse order of tightening (usually diagonally, starting from the edges).

Step 2: Cleaning surfaces

After removing the cover, thoroughly clean:

  • The plane of the cylinder head from the remains of the old gasket (use plastic scraperso as not to damage the aluminum!).
  • Oil channels - contaminants can clog the lubrication system.
  • Breather and its hoses - check for oil deposits.

Step 3: Install the new cover

  1. Apply a thin layer of sealant to the gasket (only at the joints, not the entire surface!).
  2. Place the gasket on the cover and carefully align it with the grooves.
  3. Tighten the bolts to 3 stages with effort 5–7 Nm (use a torque wrench!):
    • Step 1: Tighten all bolts by hand.
    • Stage 2: tighten to 3 Nm.
    • Stage 3: final tightening to 5–7 Nm.
⚠️ Attention! Retightening the cylinder head cover bolts Almera N16 leads to deformation of the aluminum surface of the cylinder head. If the bolt “does not fit”, do not apply force, but check the thread. Broken threads in the cylinder block are an expensive repair!
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Before installing a new cover, check the condition of the o-rings on the breather. If they have hardened, replace them (part no. 11810-4M000).

Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to repeated leaks or damage. Here are the most common:

  • 🔧 Using an old gasket - even if it looks intact, after removing the cover the gasket is deformed and does not provide a tight seal.
  • 🧴 Excessive amount of sealant - excess can get into the oil channels and clog them.
  • 🔩 Incorrect bolt tightening sequence - this leads to distortion of the cover and rapid wear of the gasket.
  • 🔥 Forgetting to clean the breather — a clogged crankcase ventilation valve creates excess pressure, which squeezes out the new gasket.

Another common problem is debris getting into the engine during replacement. To avoid this:

  • 🧹 Cover the open cylinder head holes with a clean rag.
  • 🚫 Do not use a compressor for cleaning - the air jet can drive dust inside.
  • 🔍 Before installing the cover, check if there are any foreign objects left in the oil channels.
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If, after replacing the cover, the engine starts to shake or a knocking noise appears, stop immediately and check to see if debris has gotten into the valve mechanism or if the high-voltage wires are pinched.

How much does it cost to replace a cylinder head cover at a service center?

The price of work depends on the region and level of service. On average in Russia the cost of replacing an engine cover is Nissan Almera N16 is:

Service type Cost of work, ₽ Cost of spare parts, ₽ Total, ₽
Official dealer (Nissan) 3 500–5 000 8,000–12,000 (original) 11 500–17 000
STO (unofficial) 1 500–2 500 3,000–7,000 (analog) 4 500–9 500
Garage foreman 1 000–1 500 2 500–4 000 3 500–5 500

You can save money if:

  • 🛠️ Buy spare parts yourself (for example, at Exist.ru or Autodoc).
  • 🔧 Replace it yourself (if you have experience working with the engine).
  • 📞 Agree with the master to supply only work (without extra charge on parts).

Important: some service stations offer “free diagnostics” before replacing the cover. This often means disassembling the engine and then imposing additional work (for example, flushing the system or replacing seals). Be careful and ask for a receipt with a list of operations performed.

Frequently asked questions about the engine cover Nissan Almera N16

Is it possible to drive with a cracked cylinder head cover?

Short-term - yes, but it is fraught with consequences:

  • 🛢️ Rapid oil leakage (risk of oil starvation).
  • 🔥 Dirt getting into the engine (accelerated wear).
  • 🚨 Possible short circuit from oil.

If the crack is small, you can temporarily seal it cold welding (For example, ABRO Steel), but this is a solution for 1–2 weeks maximum.

What sealant is best to use for the lid gasket?

Recommended options:

  • 🔹 Loctite 574 — professional sealant for flanges, withstands high temperatures.
  • 🔹 ABRO 11-AB - a budget analogue, suitable for plastic lids.
  • 🔹 Permatex Ultra Black - reliable, but requires complete drying (24 hours).

Do not use silicone sealants (eg moment) - they do not withstand oil environments and temperatures.

Why does oil leak after replacing the cap?

Possible reasons:

  1. 🔧 Incorrect bolt tightening - misalignment or weak force.
  2. 🧴 Bad sealant — non-specialized composition was used.
  3. 🔥 Clogged breather — check the crankcase ventilation.
  4. 🔍 Gasket defect - especially with cheap analogues.

Solution: Remove the cover, clean the surfaces and repeat installation with a new gasket kit.

Is it possible to install a cover from another engine?

Theoretically, yes, but with reservations:

  • 🔹 Cover from QG16DE (for example, with Nissan Primera P12) approaches QG15DE And QG18DE, but the holes for the breather may differ.
  • 🔹 Lids from Renault (For example, K4M) do not fit - different mount.
  • 🔹 Aluminum covers from other models Nissan (For example, X-Trail T30) require modification of the landing.

It’s better not to experiment - buy a lid designed specifically for Almera N16.

How often should the cylinder head cover gasket be replaced?

The service life of the gasket depends on the operating conditions:

  • 📅 Original gasket — 80,000–100,000 km.
  • 📅 Analogue (Febi, Corteco) — 50,000–70,000 km.
  • 📅 When driving aggressively or in cold weather — 30,000–40,000 km.

Whenever you remove the cover (for example, to adjust the valves), the gasket necessarily replaced with a new one.