Everyone with oil temp issues

alan93rsa · 04-22-2009, 04:29 PM

Robert,

As others have stated the oil can get hot in short order if pushed. My experience was 2 laps at modest speed, 2 laps in traffic and 1 hot lap to hit 275F and climbing. Out of 170 cars I was the only one that had to stop due to oil temp issues. That is pathetic.

Nissan needs to stop allowing any journalists to drive this car on anything other than a loop around town. As it stands now they offer the enticement to drive the car on a track. I believe they know this can't be done without exploring the outer edges of seriously shortened engine life.

As for your mechanic's thought on oil temp I'd buy 220 maybe 230. Over 240 and anyone driving a Porsche on the track will most likely be hitting the pits to find out what is wrong.

Speaking of Porsches I bought the Z because it 'looked' like a good alternative to a Cayman S. I'm not so sure anymore. Six Caymans were at Mid-Ohio last weekend and not one pulled off track. A friend ran four sixty minute stints on Friday in his Cayman S without a single issue. He's had this car for two years and he flogs it with regularity.

I'd suggest you take your car to a track and have someone drive it that knows the track. My guess is that you would be asking them pull off the track in a very short period of time.

If I had wanted a Hyundai I would have purchased a Hyundai! As it stands I purchased a car that needed an oil cooler but the factory didn't want to complete the job. At the least they could have included instructions on how to install one in the owner's manual, don't you think?

Or maybe a warning sticker on the speedo:

Please do not attempt to pass a Hyundai

Robert_Nash · 04-22-2009, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alan93rsa

Robert,

As others have stated the oil can get hot in short order if pushed. My experience was 2 laps at modest speed, 2 laps in traffic and 1 hot lap to hit 275F and climbing. Out of 170 cars I was the only one that had to stop due to oil temp issues. That is pathetic...

I don't have any intentions of tracking my car; if I did, I'd be installing an oil cooler...I really don't see a problem.

I would think, given the price differential between a Cayman S (especially what a Cayman S can get up to) and a 370, you should have enough money left over to buy as many additional oil coolers as you could want.

If the oil temps are getting dangerously (for the engine) high for normal driving/conditions that's a problem that needs to be addressed...if, however, it's primarily an issue when tracking the car then I don't see it as something Nissan is obligated to address.

I do hope that Nissan makes additional coolers (engine oil, differential, etc) available; at least as an aftermarket product if not as a factory installed option for those who want/feel they need them.

Edit: Maybe this isn't the thread for this but a though on tracking street cars...
Most street vehicles intended for the public and for public roads; even high performance "sports cars" are not race cars. If you take a street car to the track you are engaging in an activity that the vehicle was NOT intended for (regardless of whatever hype various manufacturers like to hit us with) and it's an activity that WILL put more wear and tear on all your vehicle's components/systems than normal driving.

Tracking your car is fun...no one can deny that...who doesn't like to pretend to be a race car driver for an afternoon but a street car will never be a purpose-built race machine.

I'm sure there are some stock street vehicles out there at/near the Z's price range that may, in regards to certain components/systems, hold up/do better (when tracked) than the Z...I suspect there are other components/systems on the Z that might hold up better that those other vehicles too. A mass produced vehicle is always a collection of compromises no matter who makes it; at least that's going to be the case unless you are willing to spend lots and lots of money for your vehicle.

I'm really not trying to start an argument here or ruffle any feathers...it just seems as if there are a lot of people these days with expectations of a modestly priced sports car that just aren't very realistic...then again, maybe it's just a function of my age and how I've seen automotive product change and improve over the past forty years or so...I know first hand how far vehicles have come...how much better they are in just about any category you could name. Those who have been around a bit less time that I may think 0-60 times in under 5 seconds and top speeds in excess of 150 have always been commonplace.

Thank God they don't build them like they used to!

Ok...soapbox put away now.

jayem76 · 04-23-2009, 04:21 PM

I've read through this whole thread. I'm still deciding on whether to buy this car. I think everyone has valid points.

Robert's message makes a lot of sense though. Its a production car. There aren't any advertisements out there that say the 370z is track ready (at least i didn't see any). If there are ads, please post them. Then I'd say there's more reason to be upset with Nissan.

The Nismo 370z, however, is being called an out-of-the-box track car. Now if that car has overheating issues on the track, I'd be a little more pissed off about it.

What to do, what to do??? I think I'm going on another test drive this weekend...

travisjb · 04-22-2009, 04:34 PM

Robert, remember the displeasure isn't directed at you my friend... we just don't want anyone to read this thread and go away thinking the issue is resolved

BTW, Caymans and Boxsters notorious for overheating steering pumps... no steering pump cooler in my '02 S! I blew two of them !

tbonesteak · 04-23-2009, 04:04 PM

Robert,

I think alan is trying to tell you that the principle is what matters at this point, not the fact that the car is faulty. Nissan forsaw the problem hence they installed parts not available to public on test cars to "hide" the problem. Like he said, if Nissan had addressed even on the manual stating that the oil can get hot under aggressive driving and to purchase an oil cooler, that wouldn't have been as bad. We all know we're getting a good deal on such a high performance car. All we want is some sort of a transparency from Nissan revealing the vehicle's tendency to overheat rather than completely bandaiding the problem where we find out anyways.

Robert_Nash · 04-23-2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbonesteak

Robert,

I think alan is trying to tell you that the principle is what matters at this point, not the fact that the car is faulty. Nissan forsaw the problem hence they installed parts not available to public on test cars to "hide" the problem. Like he said, if Nissan had addressed even on the manual stating that the oil can get hot under aggressive driving and to purchase an oil cooler, that wouldn't have been as bad. We all know we're getting a good deal on such a high performance car. All we want is some sort of a transparency from Nissan revealing the vehicle's tendency to overheat rather than completely bandaiding the problem where we find out anyways.

I just don't see it that way, at least not based on what I know now.

If the engine oil temp is a problem primarily or only for those tracking their car (or who drive the same way even when not on the track) then I don't see it as a problem although I do think Nissan needs to get some Nismo products out there for those who do want to track their car.

If there is a problem with people on the street under normal use/weather conditions then that's quite another story. However, based on what I've read and experienced and discussed with people, I am doubtful that this is going to be an issue for people away from the track.

I'm really not sure what you feel Nissan has done to bandaid the problem? I think it more a matter that Nissan doesn't think this is a poblem, at least not for other than those putting their cars on the track.

I guess we'll just have to see what happens....it gets pretty hot here in the summer time so if it's going to be a probem on the street I'm sure I'll experience it.

SoCal 370Z · 04-23-2009, 04:52 PM

This issue whether real or not has just curbed my wife driving it to see her parents this weekend where she will be dealing with road grades, high elevation, and heat. The last thing either of us wants is to her stranded two-hundred miles away and having to deal with an overheating problem. After careful consideration and the thought of recording an overheating issue for use in a lemon law first filing we both decided her safety was too important. Since it is the first time we have encountered having to make this decision Nissan gets a reprieve, but there will no second time as summer is approaching and if 370z's are overheating this car will be gone using the lemon law.

k.alexander · 04-23-2009, 04:59 PM

^ I dont know. I've had the car on many multi-hundred mile trips already and to me it just feels like a new car (read: reliable). I think you might be over-worrying just a tad too much, SoCal

SoCal 370Z · 04-23-2009, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k.alexander

^ I dont know. I've had the car on many multi-hundred mile trips already and to me it just feels like a new car (read: reliable). I think you might be over-worrying just a tad too much, SoCal

You need to tell that to my wife as she is one who driving it alone on the trip. I can tell you from experience that when my wife is done with a car she leaves the keys for me (versus leaving them in her purse) at that point she never drives it again; she just states they we need to purchase another one.

Robert_Nash · 04-23-2009, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

You need to tell that to my wife as she is one who driving it alone on the trip. I can tell you from experience that when my wife is done with a car she leaves the keys for me (versus leaving them in her purse) at that point she never drives it again; she just states they we need to purchase another one.

Obviously, you need a new wife (or none at all)

jbbrann · 04-23-2009, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

You need to tell that to my wife as she is one who driving it alone on the trip. I can tell you from experience that when my wife is done with a car she leaves the keys for me (versus leaving them in her purse) at that point she never drives it again; she just states they we need to purchase another one.

Well, you could let her drive the car and when she is done you could convince her that you're sure she would like the GT-R better.

Robert_Nash · 04-23-2009, 08:46 PM

There seems to be some implication, at least, that this alleged problem is more prevalent in manual trans cars but I can't think of any logical reason why that would be.

Does anybody have any idea why a manual transmission car would be more likely to have an oil temp issue than an auto trans car?

travisjb · 04-23-2009, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert_Nash

There seems to be some implication, at least, that this alleged problem is more prevalent in manual trans cars but I can't think of any logical reason why that would be.

Does anybody have any idea why a manual transmission car would be more likely to have an oil temp issue than an auto trans car?

Here's what I posted today over in Wstar's journal...

Quote:

Originally Posted by travisjb

There's prob some truth to your point that fewer AT folks are inclined to track their cars... and I agree the transmission itself isn't likely... and I also think this car runs hot regardless of transmission... but I think with the manual folks are spending more time at higher RPMs, which is a contributing factor... oil heats up with friction and I suspect friction increases non-linearly with RPMs... automatic transmissions should reduce time at higher RPMs vs manual b/c when it upshifts it does so with 99% precision... and I think realistically, most of us guys with manual transmissions are keeping on the gas at least a little between upshifts... and so for example even if we shift at 7,400 rpm, the car is running up to 7,800 rpm when the clutch is pressed... I suspect a lot of heat is building up between 7,500 and 8,000 rpm for the 6mts... Drivers can help by lifting the gas sooner, but I don't blame it all on us drivers, I think the engagement points in the clutch are too high in the pedal stroke... Based on my own experience and from watching videos of guys driving this car, I'm convinced it is happening a lot... until I find some AT guys overheating, I'm going to keep asking the question... sorry for the long-winded explanation!

Honestly, I have no data to back this theory up... other than an observation that folks on this board with 6MT seem to be the only ones overheating to the point of limp mode (so far!)...

WStar made the reasonable point that it should be rev limited even with the clutch in... my car's in the shop so I can't test that, but I seem to remember that mine shot above 7,500 w/ clutch in... anyone willing to check?

SoCal 370Z · 04-24-2009, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert_Nash

Obviously, you need a new wife (or none at all)

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbbrann

Well, you could let her drive the car and when she is done you could convince her that you're sure she would like the GT-R better.

There is a long story behind this acquisition (AK knows it) but I have the best of wives, and believe me if this issue becomes a problem—this car is gone. Life is too short to jockey around with stopgap fixes when there are sooooo many other choices available.

Robert_Nash · 04-24-2009, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

There is a long story behind this acquisition (AK knows it) but I have the best of wives, and believe me if this issue becomes a problem—this car is gone. Life is too short to jockey around with stopgap fixes when there are sooooo many other choices available.

There are always lot's of choices but I've had problems with cars with price points far above what the Z costs - different vehicles from different manufcturers and/or that cost tens of thousands more are no guarantee of perfection; either long or short-term.

The Porsche Boxster engine problems (requiring brand new engine after relatively low miles) comes to mind for one example; a current edition of which starts at around $47K for the base or $57K for the "S". I consider Porsche to be one of the best manufacturers in the world but even they "aint perfect".

04-22-2009, 04:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
alan93rsa Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 412 Drives: 16 Cayman GT4 Red Rep Power: 221	Robert, As others have stated the oil can get hot in short order if pushed. My experience was 2 laps at modest speed, 2 laps in traffic and 1 hot lap to hit 275F and climbing. Out of 170 cars I was the only one that had to stop due to oil temp issues. That is pathetic. Nissan needs to stop allowing any journalists to drive this car on anything other than a loop around town. As it stands now they offer the enticement to drive the car on a track. I believe they know this can't be done without exploring the outer edges of seriously shortened engine life. As for your mechanic's thought on oil temp I'd buy 220 maybe 230. Over 240 and anyone driving a Porsche on the track will most likely be hitting the pits to find out what is wrong. Speaking of Porsches I bought the Z because it 'looked' like a good alternative to a Cayman S. I'm not so sure anymore. Six Caymans were at Mid-Ohio last weekend and not one pulled off track. A friend ran four sixty minute stints on Friday in his Cayman S without a single issue. He's had this car for two years and he flogs it with regularity. I'd suggest you take your car to a track and have someone drive it that knows the track. My guess is that you would be asking them pull off the track in a very short period of time. If I had wanted a Hyundai I would have purchased a Hyundai! As it stands I purchased a car that needed an oil cooler but the factory didn't want to complete the job. At the least they could have included instructions on how to install one in the owner's manual, don't you think? Or maybe a warning sticker on the speedo: Please do not attempt to pass a Hyundai __________________ 16 Cayman GT4, Carmine Red, Buckets, PCCB etc.

04-23-2009, 04:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
jayem76 Base Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Bay Area CA Posts: 11 Drives: 2007 Lexus IS 250 Rep Power: 17	I've read through this whole thread. I'm still deciding on whether to buy this car. I think everyone has valid points. Robert's message makes a lot of sense though. Its a production car. There aren't any advertisements out there that say the 370z is track ready (at least i didn't see any). If there are ads, please post them. Then I'd say there's more reason to be upset with Nissan. The Nismo 370z, however, is being called an out-of-the-box track car. Now if that car has overheating issues on the track, I'd be a little more pissed off about it. What to do, what to do??? I think I'm going on another test drive this weekend... Last edited by jayem76; 04-23-2009 at 04:22 PM. Reason: Removed Robert's post: too long...

04-22-2009, 04:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
travisjb A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: GSO Posts: 2,803 Drives: VIR Rep Power: 189	Robert, remember the displeasure isn't directed at you my friend... we just don't want anyone to read this thread and go away thinking the issue is resolved BTW, Caymans and Boxsters notorious for overheating steering pumps... no steering pump cooler in my '02 S! I blew two of them ! Last edited by travisjb; 04-22-2009 at 04:52 PM.

04-23-2009, 04:52 PM	#7 (permalink)
SoCal 370Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: US of A Posts: 2,842 Drives: Answers Rep Power: 34	This issue whether real or not has just curbed my wife driving it to see her parents this weekend where she will be dealing with road grades, high elevation, and heat. The last thing either of us wants is to her stranded two-hundred miles away and having to deal with an overheating problem. After careful consideration and the thought of recording an overheating issue for use in a lemon law first filing we both decided her safety was too important. Since it is the first time we have encountered having to make this decision Nissan gets a reprieve, but there will no second time as summer is approaching and if 370z's are overheating this car will be gone using the lemon law. __________________ ( Click to show/hide ) Why I NEVER say NO to the Panda Lou Fusz!!!

04-23-2009, 04:59 PM	#8 (permalink)
k.alexander Base Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Philadelphia, PA Age: 46 Posts: 240 Drives: 09 Nissan 370Z PG M6 Rep Power: 715	^ I dont know. I've had the car on many multi-hundred mile trips already and to me it just feels like a new car (read: reliable). I think you might be over-worrying just a tad too much, SoCal __________________ -Are you coming to bed? -I can't. This is important. -What? -Someone is WRONG on the internet.

04-23-2009, 04:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
tbonesteak Track Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 914 Drives: MY09 MB 6MT Rep Power: 376	Robert, I think alan is trying to tell you that the principle is what matters at this point, not the fact that the car is faulty. Nissan forsaw the problem hence they installed parts not available to public on test cars to "hide" the problem. Like he said, if Nissan had addressed even on the manual stating that the oil can get hot under aggressive driving and to purchase an oil cooler, that wouldn't have been as bad. We all know we're getting a good deal on such a high performance car. All we want is some sort of a transparency from Nissan revealing the vehicle's tendency to overheat rather than completely bandaiding the problem where we find out anyways.

04-23-2009, 08:46 PM	#12 (permalink)
Robert_Nash Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Middle TN/Savannah GA Posts: 762 Drives: '14 Q60IPL/'14Armada Rep Power: 18	There seems to be some implication, at least, that this alleged problem is more prevalent in manual trans cars but I can't think of any logical reason why that would be. Does anybody have any idea why a manual transmission car would be more likely to have an oil temp issue than an auto trans car? __________________ Robert -My Basset Hound Is Smarter Than Your Honor Student and Barack Obama -

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