Top cylinder top gasket replacement

2015 NISSAN PATHFINDER
104,590 MILES • 3.5L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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ANDRIN ATEM
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Hi, please i am in need of DIY diagram or video for replacing top cylinder top gasket on 2015 Top cylinder gasket.
Nov 15, 2021 at 9:56 PM
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SQM
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Hello,

Are you looking for cylinder head gasket replacement instructions?

If so, I have attached them below. Includes the torque sequence and specifications.

If you are looking for the intake manifold gasket or other component just let me know and I will upload them as well.

Thank you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-cylinder-head-works
Nov 16, 2021 at 6:47 AM
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ANDRIN ATEM
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Thanks, i also like to know if i have to take out the radiator and cooling fan? Please if i can have a guide diagram to dismantle the engine and remove from the car. I do appreciate you help, it has been helpful as always.
Nov 16, 2021 at 10:21 PM
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SQM
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So, you are replacing the head gasket, right? There are several components needs to be removed before hand. I just want to make sure I provide you with the correct information.
Nov 17, 2021 at 5:50 AM
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ANDRIN ATEM
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Yes, I am replacing the head gasket.
Nov 17, 2021 at 2:00 PM
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SQM
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In order to replace the head gasket, the engine needs to be removed, then the rear timing cover, intake and exhaust manifold.

I have attached the engine removal steps and few other diagrams below.

Look thru the engine removal steps, there are quite a bit sub section to this. If you are not sure about any of them just let me know and I will upload any specific removal/installation instructions.

Nov 18, 2021 at 12:10 AM
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ANDRIN ATEM
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Sure, I will, thanks. Just let me know what times is best to write and get quick replies. It's been helpful. Your services have brought me a long way.
Nov 18, 2021 at 4:23 AM
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SQM
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Just ask question when you are able to. I will keep device close and will answer.
Nov 18, 2021 at 4:24 AM
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ANDRIN ATEM
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Thanks, the main reason why I thought of replacing the head gasket is due to overheating, however, it's an iron gasket, could the water pump easily fail? And what could be its own sign. I have taken out the thermostat, yet the overheating persisted, so I thought of replacing the head gasket, but also thinking of a bad water pump. However, one of this reo or both could as well cause problem.
Nov 18, 2021 at 7:35 AM
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ANDRIN ATEM
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Where is also the location of the water pump?
Nov 18, 2021 at 7:36 AM
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SQM
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I think a good step would be to test to see if you have a head gasket leak. Typically blown head gasket will lead to white smoke out of the tailpipe and the oil would be milky in color.

Take a look at this video, it covers on how test for head gasket leak:

https://youtu.be/5zpNjYmmiYY

Keep in mind that the engine can also overheat if the cooling fan does not come on.
Does the cooling fan come on when the engine warms up?

I have attached the water pump diagrams below.
Nov 18, 2021 at 9:16 AM
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ANDRIN ATEM
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The cooling fan works well, until you can hear the dan when the temperature begins to climb up, the fan moves at different speed per the condition of the temperature.
Nov 18, 2021 at 9:15 PM
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SQM
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Got it.
Is the oil normal color? Any white smoke out of the tailpipe?
Nov 18, 2021 at 10:53 PM
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ANDRIN ATEM
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Need to verify, will get back information.
Nov 18, 2021 at 11:45 PM
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ANDRIN ATEM
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The oil looks dark and normal. if I may ask, what do the water pump easily fails? Because when I took out the thermostat, the situation had to be better, rather it got worse. Normally if the water pump rotates the water in the cooling system, it should be okay. However, I cannot tell at this point. Oil looks normal.
Nov 19, 2021 at 12:52 AM
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SQM
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On the water pump the impeller can fail. This will impact the flow of coolant and can lead to overheating. As the pulley will spin the water pump but it will not move any coolant on the inside.
If it gotten worse after the thermostat, could it be possible that you have gotten a defective thermostat?

Typically, with a stuck closed thermostat, you will have temperature difference between the upper and lower hose. One will be hot and other will be noticeably cooler. This indicates the coolant is not flowing properly.
Nov 19, 2021 at 1:48 AM
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ANDRIN ATEM
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I had water leaking out from the thermostat housing, then I had not removed the thermostat, so if the water pump is beside the thermostat housing, could the water be coming from the water pump of the hose which fits into the head of the thermostat housing.
Nov 19, 2021 at 5:56 AM
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SQM
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The water pump is located about the center point of the engine.
Take a look at the diagram below. It is number 7.

Just having a leaking thermostat or water pump does not mean it will overheat, unless of course the coolant level goes too low.

Can you actually see if there is any leak below the water pump?
Nov 19, 2021 at 6:01 AM
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ANDRIN ATEM
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From this diagram this is close to the thermostat housing were the water host fits in, it was around this area I saw the water leaking.
Nov 19, 2021 at 4:27 PM
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SQM
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Right, typically when the water pump leaks you will see it around the gasket.
Keep in mind that unless the engine runs low on coolant due to a leak. The leaking water pump will not make the engine run hot.
Nov 20, 2021 at 11:58 AM
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ANDRIN ATEM
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Okay, understood. What do you suggest could be causing the overheating?
Nov 21, 2021 at 7:07 PM
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SQM
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Best option would be to look at different areas individually. That way you can deduct what is not the issue.
Did you get a chance to run through the head gasket leak test? or those procedures?
It could be a good first step.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test
Nov 22, 2021 at 12:03 AM
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ANDRIN ATEM
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I could not run that test because I have removed already the valve cover, except I would have to fit back everything in place to run the test.
Nov 22, 2021 at 5:03 AM
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ANDRIN ATEM
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Gasket test would be to get out one plug and fill gas insight, while take out all the ignition.
Nov 22, 2021 at 5:04 AM
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ANDRIN ATEM
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Thermostat I took it out already, I am sure after finding the fault, I would have to replace a new thermostat. I guess, else I would not get the car in normal operating temperature.
Nov 22, 2021 at 5:07 AM
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ANDRIN ATEM
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The too gasket is iron, so it's possible it could as well need replacement.
Nov 22, 2021 at 5:07 AM
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SQM
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When it overheated did you get any smoke out of the tailpipe? Blown head gasket will create white smoke.

Depending on how much it overheated, it will damage the gasket and also can wrapped the cylinder head, which will leak coolant into the oil.
Nov 22, 2021 at 5:31 AM
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