VQ35HR oil gallery gaskets leak and drop oil pressure (2007-2008)
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What causes "VQ35HR oil gallery gaskets leak and drop oil pressure (2007-2008)" on the Nissan 350Z (Z33, 2003-2009), and how is it fixed?
Gaskets on the cam timing oil gallery covers inside the timing chain case leak. Fix: Test with a mechanical gauge on hot oil.
Symptoms
Cam timing codes such as P0011 or P0021 with no other fault, or low pressure on a gauge while the oil light stays off.
Cause
Gaskets on the cam timing oil gallery covers inside the timing chain case leak. One owner of a VQ35HR (a 2007 G35 sedan, same engine) measured 9 psi at idle and 19 psi at 2,000 rpm against the 350Z manual's 14 / 43 psi minimum at 80 °C; a repair shop uses 12 / 44 psi on 90-100 °C oil instead. Both limits are shown; we do not pick one.
Fix (summary)
Test with a mechanical gauge on hot oil. If low, replace the gallery gaskets; the front chain case and primary chain have to come off. A shop says Nissan revised the gasket in 2013.
Related parts
Related build entries
Other Z33 problems
- Recall: crank and cam position sensors can cause stalling or a no-start (2003)
- Recall: fuel filler hose can crack and leak (2003-2004)
- Recall: passenger airbag occupant sensor can lose its signal (2007-2008)
- Rev-up engine oil consumption (2005-2006 manual cars)
- Community-reported: windows lose auto-up or bounce back down after motor or glass work
- Rear differential bushings crack and leak
More for this car
- All Nissan 350Z (Z33, 2003-2009) fitment answers · Z33 common problems
- Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry
Sources
- Repair of a 2007 VQ35HR engine with leaking oil gallery gaskets (owner notes, PDF) — MY350Z.com (forum attachment) (forum thread; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- Recurring problems (350Z / G35 / 370Z / G37) — GZ Motorsports (repair shop and parts store, Quebec) (vendor article; read 2026-10-26; full page read)Codes P0021, P0011, P0524; revised gasket from 2013.
- 2007 Nissan 350Z Service Manual, section LU (engine lubrication) — Nissan North America service manual (section PDF hosted by nicoclub.com) (mfr spec; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
Summaries are in our own words. Not repair instructions; consult the factory service manual.
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