Esther Oil?

Cmike2780 · 02-09-2011, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

I think it has been determined that it doesn't do that as well as most good synthetics.

Nissan has kept quite on the details on the oil to spook people into thinking it has some magical properties, but any decent oil will do the same job.

The benefit to the Ester oil is it is supposed to react with the DLC coating on the cam follower, and helps prevent the tapping noise you will hear sometimes when you don't run the Ester oil.

Do you know where we can find the info or comparison test you mentioned? Ester is a synthetic, so it would seem logical that the properties are identical with margin gains in lubricating properties. I think it would be to the community's benefit to have reliable scientific data before we jump one way or the other. We all know how easily misconceptions spread on the internet.

Red__Zed · 02-09-2011, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

Do you know where we can find the info or comparison test you mentioned? Ester is a synthetic, so it would seem logical that the properties are identical with margin gains in lubricating properties. I think it would be to the community's benefit to have reliable scientific data before we jump one way or the other. We all know how easily misconceptions spread on the internet.

Clickie!!!!

Cmike2780 · 02-09-2011, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

Clickie!!!!

No, I want to know which study you were looking at.

Red__Zed · 02-09-2011, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

No, I want to know which study you were looking at.

What study are you referring to?

Cmike2780 · 02-09-2011, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

What study are you referring to?

"I think it has been determined that it doesn't do that as well as most good synthetics"

Red__Zed · 02-09-2011, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

"I think it has been determined that it doesn't do that as well as most good synthetics"

Read through the UOA's that are out there. It's a group 3 blend that shears down dangerously around 4k miles. It doesn't handle the heat of the VQ well, and the wear metal percentages are much higher than with most other oils that have been used.

dad · 02-09-2011, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolZ

Just picked up my black Z with sport package last night. Only 94 miles, the long way home, but absolutely love it! The service department warned me that you should only use this special esther oil that sells for $15/quart in my Z. I've never heard of it and they really couldn't tell me much about it. Anyone able to fill me in on this subject? I do all my own maintenance and realize the Z will be a challenge just changing the oil.....but I'm hoping this oil thing is just the usual dealer BS.

Great site! I'll be back often.

Paul
Southern NH

DIY: Nissan 370Z Oil change (AK370Z way) Pictures inside

Cmike2780 · 02-09-2011, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

Read through the UOA's that are out there. It's a group 3 blend that shears down dangerously around 4k miles. It doesn't handle the heat of the VQ well, and the wear metal percentages are much higher than with most other oils that have been used.

That's good to know. Thanks for the info Red. Seems very much false or misleading advertising by Nissan to call it ester oil then. It doesn't seem logical to recommend this specifically to the Z. You would think some testing would have been done, and chances are this would have been the type they used. The only UOA I found for the Z referring to wear metal percentage had the Nissan oil tested at the 1st oil change, which is normal for break in. Unfortunately, they switched to another synthetic after that.

VCuomo · 02-09-2011, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

...The dealer is correct. ... I wouldn't recommend using regular motor oil. ...

The dealer is not correct. And if by "regular motor oil" you mean non-Nissan oil (e.g., Mobil 1, Pennzoil synthetic, Castrol synthetic, etc.), then your "recommendation" is also incorrect.

Much has been written about this - use the search function and/or visit BobIsTheOilGuy.com.

Cmike2780 · 02-09-2011, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VCuomo

The dealer is not correct. And if by "regular motor oil" you mean Mobil 1, Pennzoil synthetic, Castrol synthetic, etc., then your "recommendation" is also incorrect.

Much has been written about this - use the search function and/or visit BobIsTheOilGuy.com.

"Regular" as in non-synthetic dino oil. Its not required to use synthetic, but it is recommended.

VCuomo · 02-09-2011, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

"Regular" as in non-synthetic dino oil. Its not required to use synthetic, but it is recommended.

Yep, true. But the dealer is wrong about only using Nissan's ester oil.

Cmike2780 · 02-09-2011, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VCuomo

Yep, true. But the dealer is wrong about only using Nissan's ester oil.

Yeah, I just meant that it is recommended to use synthetic for which there is a significant gain over non-synthetic. I just didn't realize the Nissan Ester synthetic was a group 3. The dealer wasn't technically "wrong", but maybe we're just arguing semantics here. You "should only" vs. you "must only". I think most of us, including myself have a tendency to dismiss the service rep's advice anyways. From a Nissan dealer's point of view, there is no other brands but the stuff they sell. I mean no disrespect, just looking for some knowledge.

PapoZalsa · 02-09-2011, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

Ester oil is a special synthetic. The dealer is correct. A dealer oil change will usually run around $90. Some members here use Redline, which isn't cheap either. I wouldn't recommend using regular motor oil.

Few of the local Nissan dealer here in town uses Valvoline unless you tell them otherwise.

CoolZ · 02-09-2011, 08:35 PM

Thanks for all of the great info and friendly responses! A few questions:
Is everyone sold on the magnetic plugs? Wouldn't most of these trapped particles drain out anyway with the old oil?
And clumping them together, couldn't this do more damage if a clump broke free and floated it's way through the pistons?
If only the front end is on ramps, does the oil drain completely? Isn't it better to have the car level?

Mt Tam I am · 02-09-2011, 11:45 PM

I had my oil changed yesterday at the dealership. The service guy asked if I wanted regular oil or esther oil for ($42?) more. So you can run either or many by implication. Since Nissan gave me a Gold Maintenance plan as compensation for my oil consumption/short block replacement, I took the esther oil. I also began my new oil consumption test. 1.8 quarts in 1900 miles.

02-09-2011, 11:45 PM	#30 (permalink)
Mt Tam I am A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 10,709 Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE Rep Power: 3843	I had my oil changed yesterday at the dealership. The service guy asked if I wanted regular oil or esther oil for ($42?) more. So you can run either or many by implication. Since Nissan gave me a Gold Maintenance plan as compensation for my oil consumption/short block replacement, I took the esther oil. I also began my new oil consumption test. 1.8 quarts in 1900 miles. __________________ "Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women." Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

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CoolZ Base Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NH Posts: 15 Drives: 11 Nissan 370Z M6 Rep Power: 14	Thanks for all of the great info and friendly responses! A few questions: Is everyone sold on the magnetic plugs? Wouldn't most of these trapped particles drain out anyway with the old oil? And clumping them together, couldn't this do more damage if a clump broke free and floated it's way through the pistons? If only the front end is on ramps, does the oil drain completely? Isn't it better to have the car level?