Hi everyone,
I'm new to this forum and find this to be a wonderful site for the ins and outs of the 370Z. I have anew Z on order from the factory (which I'm sure will be delayed). It's probably my last sports car since I just turned 63. I've owned 3 Porsches and and a 1991 240SX that I loved and just lost last year.
My new 370Z is going to be 6MT Touring with Sport Package and Navigation. And all of the other stuff. I'm quite concerned about the oil temperature problem. I burned the rod bearings on my first Porsche 356B Super because the oil temperature got too high. I never had any problems with my 356SC or my 911S (Which had a dry sump and took about 9.5 quarts of oil on a change). My 240SX didn't have any oil problems either, but I did have to replace the head gasket at around 200K.
In reading these boards, it's clear that the new 370Z's have an oil cooling problem. I'm an engineer and a pretty good mechanic. If the oil temperature gets to breakdown levels there will be engine damage from metal to metal contact. 300 degree oil temperatures? That's ridiculous. The ECU shutdown is a lame solution. Nissan made a mistake when they computed the heat transfer rate from the lubrication system to the overall engine cooling system. The heat transfer from the oil system to the water system is proportional to the temperature difference. If the water system is running at 200 degrees, there will be no oil cooling until the oil temperature reaches this level.
From what I've heard, everyone is having oil temperature problem. This will lead to engine destruction.
Is anyone NOT having oil temperature problems? If so, do you drive the car in a "spirited" manner? Driving a 370Z gently will probably keep you from having engine damage problems. Don't exceed 55 MPH.
The engine needs a better oil cooling system. It could be that Nissan has improved the oil to water heat exchanger, but I don't think so. I'll find out when I get my new Z, but I don't expect any changes.
Again, I would like to hear from 370Z owners who have NOT had problems. What air temperature? Driving Style? What altitude? Going uphill?
In the meantime I think that there are two solutions. Install an oil cooler. I've heard that Nissan may void the warranty if you do, but I don't believe it. They would have to prove that the oil cooler caused an engine failure. Fat chance. The other solution is to change the (water) thermostat to a lower temperature. This would not help if the car is driven hard enough to open ANY thermostat.
Thanks for letting me express my concerns (anger?)
Steve
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