Yesterday was a nice sunny day so I figured what the hell let me swap out my plugs to the NGK Iridiums. I have an 07 coupe with about 71 grand on the motor. I followed the DIY and for the most part was doing quite well. I pulled all the coils and checked into the wells to see if there was any pooling. I did not. I also pulled all the plugs one at a time and did not find oil on electrodes which was a relief. The plug threads seemed to be slightly tarred up but nothing that really disturbed me. Again there were no signs of wetness. I was on the middle plug on the passenger side. As I was tightening down the coil into the valve cover the bolt snapped!!!!!

I cannot tell a lie. I wanted to cry like a baby. I was caught between a rock and a hard place. Either I cut my losses and tow this thing to a shop to fix it or I use the knowledge I picked up since becoming a member last month and go for broke. I said F it. I tore the whole top end apart. In a nutshell the everything down to the lower plenum was removed. I then successfully removed the valve cover. I called Infiniti to see what a new valve cover costs and sure enough they wanted an am and a leg ($300 bucks). I tried to drill out the bolt but it was not cooperating. I then took it to a local shop where they were unsuccessful as well. They were able to pluck the threaded anchor and retofit a nut to act as a sink for me to bolt in to. Sure enough it worked. My coils were able to mount and I was able to bolt everything back up together. I started the car and it didn't run. Sure enough I forgot to hook up the throttle body sensor which of course threw an error code. After buttoning up everything the car started great. Only problem was there was some slight hesitation on the lower gears due to the throttle positioning sensor being thrown out of whack. Once I performed an ECU reset, throttle reset and idle all is well now. I kid you not I has my butt handed to me yesterday. What should have take 45 minutes took me an entire day to get this car back to form. I cannot thank the members of this post with their informative posting, coaching and guidance. I read this site everyday and love learning new things. This repair easily would have cost a thousand dollars and up at the dealer but because you guys lead the way it didn't cost me a dime yesterday. Just some blood, sweat and allot of tears.

 

lol that's what I'm talking about. Drive, perseverance, and resourcefulness by you didn't let a little issue get you down. Congrats on the repair, Driver truly is the premiere site for all things G on the Web. It has saved my butt more than once I can assure you.

 

Jiggy, here's a lesson my Dad taught me..."Snug is tight enough" that next 1/4 turn may put you thru hell! I learned this on my first bike and haven't broken anything since.
Gary

 

Or better yet, buy or borrow a lb/inch torque wrench and tighten it to spec.

 

Those receptacles for the coil pack bolts are JUNK. Its best to oil the threads of the bolts before you bolt the coil packs down for future reference!

 

Thing is I worked on Harley's for a few years and all their engine blocks are aluminum. I paid my dues on that motor and learned never to ape it when turning screws. I don't know what happened yesterday. I just remember this bolt snapping. I am still tired and sore from working on this motor all day yesterday. Honestly looking back I could learn from this mistake. Thank God I was able to pull through on that disaster. I drove my car all day today and everything was just fine. No issues to report, no leaks detected, no throttle response issues and most important no SES light slapping me in the face.

 

And yes from now on...oil on bolts.

 

wow That's like one of the worst feelings someone can have! Glad you got it back to working order, now enjoy your triumph!

 

you know that they have a tool to get spark plugs that snapped in the valve cover out. i forget what it is called.