Those of Us Experiencing 2009/2010 Oil Consumption Issues

Gixxerman

I was experiencing oil consumption issues for the last two years on my 2009 370Z. I've tried a Amsoil, Mobile 1, Motul and a host of other brand name synthetic and synthetic blended oils. I was burning a quart every five hundred miles! I switched to Castrol High Mileage Full Synthetic oil and changed my driving style from changing gears at 4000 RPM's, to changing gears between 2500 to 3000 RPM's. Ive noticed my oil temperatures hover between 180 to 200 degress instead of staying at 220 degrees.

Quicksilvers

Sounds like to me you are having excessive oil consumption issues definitely as I had the same issues burning a quart of oil every 500-1000 miles. The only thing you can do is check your engine oil level on your dipstick regularly and do your oil changes early. Ultimately you will have to rebuild your VQ engine or install a new VQ engine just like I had to if you want to fix the problem. The only thing that actually helped was using thicker motor oil. Instead of using 5W30 synthetic motor oil that the VQ engine calls for I used 10W30 Valvoline SynPower synthetic motor oil instead on all my oil changes and it helped some with the oil consumption issue. Your choice of oil filter can help also. I recommend to use oil filters with synthetic media. For oil changes I was using Mobil 1 and K&N oil filters. Do you have a extended warranty on your 370z?

Elmo370z

I have a 09 and been using motul and haven't experienced any major oil consumption, that including couple track days

Gixxerman

No, I don't have an extended warranty. You killed what little hope I had, I thought I would have been good since I am not burning any oil so far. Lol! It's been 1,000 miles with little or no consumption at all.

nis350

I seriously doubt switching brand of oil would fix the problems. Two main sources of burning oil are from the piston rings and/or valve stem/guide. Both required extensive engine work, cylinder head and/or short block.

burning a quart every 500 miles is terrible. Just curious why you didn't get the fixed earlier under warranty.

Zatanna Z

I have a 2010 and it did have one moment come up where I burned 1.5qt in 2500 miles. Changed oil and re tested it and it's barely burning but I think that was from gunning it at too high of oil temps. I back off once my oil temp gets high. And im 3000 miles in and all that's been burned is a little over a half a at. Which to me isn't bad enough to worry about. But you burning a at every 500 miles is terrible. You may as well just trade it in and get the problem off your hands.

Quicksilvers

After my tear down I found that valve stem,valve stem seals,and piston rings were faulty. New short block with new cylinder heads was the only fix unfortunately. Running a thicker higher weight motor oil will help somewhat with oil consumption issues but it is more of a bandaid until you can rebuild/replace your engine. One thing I found is doing your maintenance on these Nissan 370Z cars go's a long way. Extended warranties over time pay for themselves and are well worth it.

Zatanna Z

How much does a new short block replacement even cost??

phunk

https://www.courtesyparts.com/oem-pa...MtN2wtdjYtZ2Fz

Looks like about $4000 - 4500 for the bare short block itself

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Elmo370z

google is your best friend. ipp short blocks. check that website out

Zatanna Z

I knew that part but how much for all of it with labor and everything

phunk

Youll probably want to shop around quotes.

I would guesstimate another 1000-1500 in parts (pumps, gaskets, etc) and 2500-3500 labor probably depending on who does it.

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Zatanna Z

Dang so maybe like $8000 for everything. Thank god I have a engine warranty lol

phunk

Ya.. for many of us the idea of spending that type of money to end up with the car exactly how it already was is absolutely not an option. A large percentage of Z enthusiasts would pursue an aftermarket build if the car needed a new short block. But I also understand that is a road that many people do not want to travel and having to do it against your will is not ideal. Its a rough situation to be in.

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Zatanna Z

Yeah that would be a nightmare.