As a side note I have owned a 2006 G35 I purchased brand new as well and no issues at all with not driving that car any different than I am today... Almost wish I would have kept it at this point...

^^ I met a guy this weekend, bought a new g35 went through 4 quarts every 1000 miles and Infiniti couldn't solve the issue

I just hope you live near the dealership...What a hassle, going back & forth there!

:iagree:

In the german z manual like most other german cars alow 10W40 (its ok). It depends on the temperature range you want to use the car. And the companys use a 5Wxx or 0Wxx into the engine to sell it in cold and hot areas. If you put a 10W40 inside it is also ok. If you use non syntehic oil throw it out earlyer. A 10W40 is also better for the hydraulic tappets (reduces ticking i dont want to explain)..

Every one with the 0Wxx 5Wxx oil will damm me now. But i wont care cause i know what the API Motoroil classification is worthy. Of corse you have to drive 20-30min before you can rev the engine high.. thats all (oil temp gauge).

For cold starts and hig rev the 0Wxx 5Wxx will help the speedy and impatient people a time (guarantee issue). But this oil is burned more cause its more viscous (reasoned ! 0Wxx Its always a problem with turbos rotary "gasket" and oxgen air sense pollution and the resulting dramas cause of intake with sensor pollution )

:tiphat:

P.S.: I do my first exchange after the low rev burn in with a changing to 10W40 Mos2 Oil (I can post the pdf temp issues for SAE classes from the german manuel if you dont believe )

Dont rev the engine high in burn in,cause if there is maybe some metal from production drill (chipping waste) in the engine not rinsing perfectly before mounting it together; so you will ruin it and the oil type didnt matter any more (dealer test drive cars with low milage..i did it too but not on my Z :bowrofl:). (its an aluminium engine so no magnetic will help in the oil stream ..of course the pistons floating surface is not out of aluminium)


All self educated Oil professors/popes can banish me cause i know oil threads are useless discussions in all kind of Forums (cause of no API/SAE knowlege)

so i will be quiet for ever ... this is my last and only oil post :ughdance:

Well I started this thread a few months ago & now I have about 10,000 km on my 370. Thankfully the oil consumption has abaited significantly. I purchased a VIP package from the dealer so you get free oil services (regular oil) for as long as you own the vehicle, up to 4 per year. I do pay extra to run Mobile1 - 5W-30. I'm consuming about 1/2 litre in 3,000 km. I do run this car a little hard sometimes.

Other than that I had the rear hatch springs replaced under warranty cause the thing just stopped popping open & you had to lift as you pressed the button. The clutch has also calmed down & is not as grabby as it was.
All in all I'm pretty happy with "Beyonce" -(stand 10ft behind a 370 & you will get the reference). Getting a lot more comfortable going sideways too.
This car is too much fun!

Thanks for responding to this thread.

Well I got a call from the dealship today and I get a new motor.... The trick is I don't know when its on backorder....

Cool! Glad they're taking care of you. This is a positive sign.

Update
 

Just arrived at 13k after 2 consumption test. New Engine will arrive in 2weeks.

My engine was replaced at 17k... massive oil consumption. I didn't put the first 100-200 miles on the car originally, which are the most important, so I'm not sure how the initial break-in was done. (could have been test drove and beat to hell on a cold engine, and also could have been kept at steady RPM on a 100mile trip to the dealership by whoever delivered it). The new engine had 12 miles on it after the dealership was done with the swap... so I got to break the new engine in my way.

I've talked to several local people who know of others having the same issues though. This is definitely not isolated... and nobody is blowing anything out of proportion. Having your engine replaced because it's drinking oil like it's going out of style is NOT a fun thing to have happen on a brand new car.

All I know is if the new engine starts to develop an appetite for oil - I'll let it be the problem for someone else and find a new car. There would be no love lost. :hello:

"and also could have been kept at steady RPM on a 100mile trip to the dealership by whoever delivered it"

I think this was the problem with my 2006 OC 350. The dealer had to find the car I wanted in another state, and they drove it 450 miles to my dealership........ most likely all at one RPM and highway speed. Who knows, there are so many theories about the cause of this. I wish you the best with the new engine, I've been there and it's no fun. My 370 had 28 miles on it when I took delivery, so I too was able to break it in. So far so good, but I only have 12,800 miles on it right now. Time will tell.

The "normal and acceptable" oil useage I keep hearing is just nothing like I've ever experienced after 3 new vehicles.

First new car was a 2003 Corolla 1.8L 5-spd. Car used 1/2 quart every 5000 miles.

2007 Altima 3.5SE 6-spd. Car used 1 quart during the first 1000 miles and 1/2 quart per 5000 miles afterward.

The 2009 370Z 6-spd is exactly the same. With 19,000 miles on it, this car has used 1 quart during the first 1500 miles, and since then has used 1/2 quart every 5000 miles.

I've always used Castrol Syntec 0W-30 and per Blackstone used oil analysis, the Altima and Z have perfect wear trends. The Z and two previous cars are abused on a regular basis. Lots of redlining, etc. I am smart about it, though and the oil is ALWAYS changed at 5000 mile intervals. Never had a problem.

Strange thing is, I broke the Altima and Corolla in EXACTLY by the book. The Z I have driven like an ******* since I drove it off the lot.

Late,
Trav

My oil is right between the 2 holes in the dipstick. I put on a thousand miles since my last oil change so according to my owners manual it is good, although after i got my oil changed i don't know how high on the dip stick it was. So I guess I'll just watch it but I do't think its anything for me to worry about. Hell I hit my 3 month mark next month around this time so I wont get the full milage out of it. I have 7400 miles on my car i think if it was burning i would have known it by now. If anyone knows where on the dip stick the oils is around after a change let me know please.

I have a little more then 25k on my Z and it definitely consumes oil. (I did do the proper engine break in suggested by the manual). I drive pretty aggressive, a lot of highway driving with a little city mix, and a few runs at the drag strip. I get my oil changes every 3500 miles with the ester oil at the dealership, on a Cold Engine Oil should be all the way up to the top hole. After 1500 miles of driving when I check my oil is half way between top and bottom hole (Cold Engine Oil Check). I will put in 1/2 quart at this point which for me is like once a month; yeah I drive at least 1500 miles a month.

Cold Engine (Oil Check): Oil should be all the way up to the top hole
Warm Engine (Oil Check): Oil should be at the half way between top and bottom hole.

I think 1qt every 3000 miles is way too much oil to consume but it's not grounds for a new engine. And the fact that it is consistently consuming 1qt every 3k and has not changed since I bought the car is I guess a good thing, not getting any worse but isn't getting any better either.

Oh well I love the car and have 5qts of Nissan Ester at the house to keep the oil levels in check.

Well personally I dont think it is the break in then thats causing it because I broke mine in exactly like the book said to. It has been about 1500 miles since I had my last oil change and the oil is at the halfway between the two dots. Also I have 7400 on the OD. I bought my car last march in 09. So to me sounds like this is normal but I am going to call my dealership and ask them if nissan put out a message about this and if he had any cars coming up there saying the same thing. This is going to be a long shot but is it possible that since our cars have such high oil temps that its breaking down the adatives in the oil and burning them. Like I said don't flame me on that was just wondering. I am also using the Ester oil from nissan just fyi.

Frank

I sheepishly admit this is probably the first car I have ever watched for oil consumption. I have owned several cars in my life and could not tell you if any of those cars consumed oil, I just made sure I got the oil changed every 3-4k.

But after joining this forum I became more aware of oil consumption. Maybe it is the high oil temps I’m not sure. As long as it does not get any worse I can live with 1qt every 3k. I drive a lot and want this car to last 200k which would be about 8-9 yrs of ownership for me.

Just when I thought I was in the clear after the engine swap... (1200 miles)

Driving home from work... I notice smoke coming from under the car. Since I was a mile from my house I came home to check it out. The underside of the engine is covered in oil, and this is what the engine bay looks like:


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/...70729175_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/...d77f62e6_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3384/...38978192_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3414/...61d70298_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/...4594ce62_b.jpg

Lucky me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What is Nissan's measuring stick for excessive oil consumption? Is it X mm on the dip stick per 1000 miles,etc?

Unlike some manufacturers, it is not documented in writing.... Seems guys who have had a consumption test done and are burning MORE than a quart per Thousand are in line for new engines....

I just got my car back after having the longblock changed out. It was consuming about 1.5 qts every 1000 or so. It feels so much different now!! Just be patient with the dealerships and everything should work itself out.

So it looks as if the OIL SPEWING issue was a result of a damaged part, probably in shipping/installation of the replacement longblock. I think he called it a intake valve timing solenoid... it sits right there on the front of the engine... they actually let me in the shop (thought that was an insurance liability, but I'm not complaining).... every time the guy revved the engine oil would shoot out.... directly onto the belt.... which in turn flung oil everywhere... even the inside of my tires are coated in oil along with the entire engine bay...

The guys at the service department have been really great in taking care of me.... not a single complaint there. But... that doesn't change the fact my car ONCE AGAIN.... is sitting at a ******* dealership with no part availability and no ETA while I'm making payments on a $35,000 PAPERWEIGHT.

Irritated. :shakes head:

Sorry to hear about your oil issues Zilent_Jay I hope they get it back to you completely fixed in a timely manner.

I posted earlier that my Z also consumes what some would say is a ok amount of oil 1qt 3-4k. So I decided to check my 2008 Trail Blazer SS (LS2 Corvette motor) and guess what seems to have lost a 1qt it has been 4k miles since the last oil change. So got the oil changed yesterday and transmission fluid it just hit 50k miles. I will be watching the TBSS now to ensure it has the proper amount of oil in it at all times. I did some more searching and it’s not uncommon for the LS2 engines to consume 1qt every 3-5k or so. And people have suggested if you really get on your vehicle a lot then you can bet it will consume a bit of oil. I wonder if the high compression of these engines has something to do with it. Or it is possible every car I owned consumed some oil just never checked those vehicles to know if that was the case.

If I got a new engine after 17K, I'd be ecstatic.

BTW, my engine consumes almost no oil at 3500 miles. I was very easy on the engine until 1200 mile break-in was done.

If your oil is in-between the holes, you need to add oil.

Why would you be ecstatic? You have to wait forever for the longblock to arrive, then you have to wait another week while they install it... then you have to go through the break-in process all over again... and then you have to leave your broken car at the dealership while they try to get parts to fix things that were jacked up with the swap.

Not my idea of enjoying a brand new sports car... but that's just me. :icon17:

How did you get that much oil sprayed around the engine bay? Source?

By the time I got it to the dealer (3 miles) it was even worse... I didn't have my camera with me or I would have taken pictures... the insides of my front tires were coated in oil....

I think the guy called it a intake valve timing solenoid.... it's a little part on the front of the engine that controls the timing and is oil actuated... every time you step on the gas... (wouldn't do it at an idle) oil would spray onto the nearby belt and get flung all over the place.... the part was physically damaged at some point because you could wiggle it around freely... my guess is it happened during shipping/handling of the replacement long block. The guy who did the install did a fantastic job otherwise and I don't think he had anything to do with it... the problem wasn't present/obvious directly after the swap... Coincidentally, it started directly after the point I started revving to 5k instead of 4k during the break-in process. Once I felt the motor start to loosen up my plan was to work it at 5k for a while and then get the oil changed before going all out. Guess I get my oil change now.

Are you sure about this? In the manual it says between the holes is normal level and no top off required

Make sure you engine is warmed up, not cold, when you check the oil!

Warm engine and wait 15 minutes according to the manual. The manual says add some oil if it is below the lowest hole. I'm assuming this means leave it be if between the holes.

My Z is at the shop right now for oil comsumption. The dealer asked for reciepts from my last oil change. Told him I dont have any. They want to replace my engine also. So just waiting to find out if it will be under warranty. I havent done any major mods or whatever, so no worries there. Just over 18k on mine. Guess its a lesson learned though to check my oil regularly from now on.

My Z is at the dealer (8th day and counting) getting the replacement short block + a laundry list of other parts replaced after failing the oil consumption test. fortunately my '09 Z will essentially have a '10 engine. Mine was the first fail at my dealership. the problem started at 7500 miles. Break in was normal except the original 211 miles (those I have no idea) and by the book. During the oil consumption process, the engine scrammed once (electronic protection w/o power above 2500 rpm). No mods yet, waiting for this issue to be resolved. The tell-tale was 220-240 on the guage...before getting on the freeway. Dealer is taking their time since one more visit within 30 days of this issue and it triggers lemon law.

Just got my car back from the dealer. New short block and everything that goes in it was replaced. The tech spent a few extra days doing some shake out and retuning. I was definitely losing hp with the leaky seals and the car sounds (and smells) better. If you run with the ester oil, a tell tale sign of the ester oil consumption issue is that faint hint of 'french fries' smell in the garage, lol! Now for the painful 1500mi break in period...again. Looking forward to upgrading the exhaust and intakes after that.

Three weeks after buying my 01/09 Z in 05/10, I decided to check my oil for the first time at 485 miles (after oil temp hit 245 degrees, while outside was 59 degrees). Sure enough the dip stick was where hand book recommends adding oil. So I added 3/4 quarts. Today at 1048 miles I just added another 3/4's. Car normally runs at 220+ during break in, under 4000 revs.

oil problem
 

I have the oil problem too. I bought mine last june and at about 3k mi it was in the shop as it went into limp mode, they replaced cam shaft actuators had the car for a week. I garaged the car with 6k on it for winter had the oil changed when i took it out of storage, have been back to dealer twice and both times I have had 1.25 qts of oil added the car has 7051 miles on it. Im getting a new motor but for the money I spent Im pretty upset.

They are checking my oil every 500 miles. at 200 I am down 1/2 qt. Do you think I am a candidate for new engine too?

Nope, it's normal.

It doesn't sound normal if it continues - 1/2 qt at 200, means 2.5 qt every 1000 miles, way over the 1 qt per 1000 max.

ya that ain't kosher

An update for those with the excessive oil consumption issue. After Nissan replaced the short block (trying to get the photos that shows all the blow by past the seals) and going through yet another 1500 mi break-in period, I got the dreaded Service Engine Soon light. Took it into the dealer right away and they checked the code - valve timing issue. When they tried to reset the code the engine completely shut down and the techs could not restart the car....yes i was dumbfounded as well. First they wanted to replace the sensors....three days later i hear nothing. I told the service guy to go get one off a car in the lot and make sure that's the issue. well magically the parts arrive later that day and i'm told Nissan recommends replacing the long block now. I'm a little fed up as the original question I had was why not just replace the whole damn thing. So now i'm 12 days in a loaner, still a week away and in less than a year my car has been in the shop over a month and i'm going to have to go through a third nanny driving session.

Anybody have reasonable suggestions about going to nissan corporate and getting some relief? I'm beyond fustrated and i just want a car that works as it was intended.

:facepalm: