Help find source of engine oil leak, please

cheshirecat

Don't use some product to plug the leak. Get the leak fixed properly. I don't care what shadetree mechanics use it.

If it's under warranty, take it to a dealer. You aren't bound to any specific one. There's no reason you should be troubleshooting a leaking VQ.

As far as this comment:
This is incorrect. The L to H textured area on the dipstick represents one quart. That textured area is 25mm long. H is supposed to represent a "full" oil fill while the textured area is considered an "OK" oil level. Lower than L- you guessed it, that's considered "low" engine oil.

Nissan considers the engine to be "OK" with 6mm or less oil consumed every 1k miles as per their oil consumption TSB for the VQ37. At 5000 miles, this would be equivalent to a 30mm drop.

That 30mm is more than what you've consumed. Your engine, based on your personal accounts, may not meet the oil consumption TSB requirements for a short block replacement.

Regardless, you need to get that oil leak diagnosed by Nissan. It makes zero sense to start spending money out of your pocket for a potentially expensive repair that is covered by your warranty.