Parts for your 2017 Nissan Pathfinder-Head gasket

2017 Nissan Pathfinder head gasket: fitted, purpose, and servicing tips

Technical references including Nissan’s 2017 Pathfinder (R52) Factory Service Manual (Engine Mechanical – Cylinder Head), the Nissan OEM parts catalogue, and major gasket manufacturers’ catalogues (Mahle, Victor Reinz, Fel‑Pro) all list cylinder head gaskets for the 3.5‑litre VQ35DD V6 used in this model. That confirms the 2017 Pathfinder does use head gaskets—multi‑layer steel (MLS) units—one for each cylinder bank.

On this Pathfinder, the head gaskets sit between the aluminium cylinder heads and the aluminium engine block. Their job is to seal three things at once: high‑pressure combustion in each cylinder, engine oil passages, and coolant galleries. The MLS construction copes with heat cycles, pressure spikes, and slight movement between the head and block, keeping compression up and fluids where they belong.

There’s no scheduled replacement interval for head gaskets, they’re designed to last the life of the engine. Prevention is the name of the game. Keeping the cooling system healthy is the best insurance—fresh genuine‑spec coolant, a clean radiator, properly working fans, and no air in the system. Regular oil changes, correct octane petrol, and staying on top of tune items under the bonnet also help keep combustion temperatures in check and reduce stress on the gaskets.

If replacement becomes necessary, it’s a significant job on the transverse VQ35DD. Both intake and exhaust manifolds come off, timing cover and chains must be set and locked, and the heads removed with care. Professional machine‑shop checks for flatness and cracks are wise, and the sealing surfaces should be meticulously cleaned. New torque‑to‑yield head bolts are required, and Nissan’s torque‑angle sequence must be followed exactly. Fresh coolant, engine oil and filter, and new intake/exhaust gaskets are standard, many workshops also recommend a thermostat and, if accessible and due, the water pump. After assembly, a cooling‑system vacuum fill and bleed, along with combustion‑leak and pressure tests, help confirm a proper seal.

• Common warning signs: unexplained coolant loss, overheating, white vapour from the exhaust, pressurised hoses when cold, misfire on start‑up, or milky residue on the oil cap/dipstick.
• Good practice during replacement: pressure‑test the cooling system, check head flatness, use OEM‑quality MLS gaskets, replace head bolts, and verify fan operation and radiator condition to avoid repeat issues.

FAQs

Does the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder have one or two head gaskets?
It’s a V6, so it runs two head gaskets—one for each cylinder head. Parts catalogues and the factory manual list both banks separately.

What does a blown head gasket look like on a 2017 Pathfinder?
Typical clues are persistent coolant loss with no external leak, overheating under load or at motorway speeds, white exhaust vapour after warm‑up, sweet coolant smell from the tailpipe, or a rough cold start with a misfire. A cooling‑system pressure test and a chemical block test help confirm it.

How much does a head‑gasket job cost in Australia or New Zealand?
Because timing components and both heads are involved, labour can run 14–22 hours. With labour rates, machining, gaskets/bolts, fluids, and incidentals, owners commonly see totals in the AUD/NZD $3,000–$6,500 range, depending on workshop rates and how much ancillary work is sensible “while it’s apart”.