Suspected oil consumption? :/

nis350

I think that's abnormal. what is Nissan acceptable level for oil consumption? what is the mileage on your car?

Zatanna Z

Looks like I'll need to get out a measuring stick and check the mm after 1000 miles. And my mileage is 45,000. Anything at or over 10mm below the H is considered no good and block replacement is needed. So from now on I'll measure my dipstick instead of eyeing it

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Quicksilvers

This definitely sounds like abnormal oil consumption for a VQ engine. Your issue could not only be your short block but, your cylinder heads could also be the root of the problem. Do you see any other signs of oil consumption issue? Do you see any blue smoke coming out of your exhaust?

Elmo370z

I burn little less than a quart after 3,000 miles, but I use motul 5w-40

Ztoon

I have an '09 that had the same oil issues.
I did the oil consumption test at 42,000 kms. as per the TSB.
Nissan then replaced my short block. NC, problem solved.
This only applies to vehicles built before Apr.5 2010.
You can get the pdf at: Nissan TSB reference: NTB10-090
Classification: EM10-005
Hope this helps.

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Zatanna Z

Did you notice a difference with a new short block as in power differences? How many miles has it been since you have gotten your short block replaced? And did you follow the break in period and not go over 4,000 rpm for 1200 miles or did your own break in?

nis350

they must have made some changes in the short block after April 5, 2010....

I am surprise they broke it down to that specific date for April.

Cyber370

Some oil consumption is expected by all of today's manufacturers and almost designed into the engine. A "looser" engine will make more power and get better fuel economy at the expense of consuming oil. It's as simple as that.

Here is an interesting video from our favourite Australian that provides an excellent explanation on the subject.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa1kqSo3aeM

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old guy

Interesting video!

Ztoon

No noticeable difference in performance.
I've added another 24,000 kms. since the replacement.
And yeah, I gave it the mandatory break-in. Now, however, I drive it spirited like a sports car is meant to be driven, and the only oil added is for oil changes.

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Zatanna Z

Nice dude glad to see the short block actually resolved the issue.... moment of truth is coming soon. I'm almost at 1,000 miles and we will see how many mm it's low and see if my block will get replaced

Jhill

This is somewhat true but there is still unacceptable usage. It seems some manufacturers use it as a scape goat now days too with usage of 1qt every 1000mi and I can tell you after seeing multiple engines of multiple manufactures some will use none while at the same time another of same make model etc will reach near that 1qt at 1k mi and that really sucks for the owner. Especially if they run high grade synthetic oil at 10-15 a qt. For then I say screw the oil changes and just do filter changes. You do the math and at 1k usage and a 10k interval with a 4qt sump you have changed the oil almost 2.5x by the time it's due for a complete change.

Also the fact Nissan has acknowledged a time frame ofnthe engines effected (most likely they tried a new cheaper ring manufacturer and it back fired) means they know they had an issue. Vw had the same thing happen in the v6 passats in early 2000's (sadly my sister just barely met the 1qt at 1k mi and car was nothing but problems) that gen vw quickly made me hate being a vw tech and lost all faith of the product line (1.8t POS, v6 oil consuming POS etc etc) luckily she got to trade it in later for a rogue and it's been great for many years now, which says a lot because she abuses cars and really should just stay with Honda like she's always had in the past (only way to kill a honda is on purpose with a lot of effort), but rogues going on I think 4-5 years now and going strong.

Cyber370

I agree with you.

I did say "some" oil consumption is normal. But, there are people who truly believe that there should be absolutely no oil consumption between oil changes. None. This is almost impossible with today's engines.

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Zatanna Z

Okay guys it's been 970 miles since my last oil change (close enough) I checked oil level and it's about right on the dot at 8mm low. I read the tsb and I'm in the okay range. But we will see how it does until I actually need to do an oil change. But it did better then I expected

Zatanna Z

Ok exact number is 7.62mm low