Synthetic or Non Synthetic? What do the dealers usually use?
 

I always had them put ester oil in my 370z but i recently had a bunch of work done and an oil leak and they had to put oil in. The problem is that lookuing at the printout ester was not used as it just says:

5w30 Oil, Motor

The problem is the oil level is a little low. I have a feeling its cause they only put 5 qts in when it should be atleast 5.5 because I have an oil cooler. Its almost down to the L. It is also possible its still leaking or burning oil. I want to put more oil in it to test that theory (I just got my car back a day or two ago).

Anyone know what the dealer would normally put in a 370? Regular non-synthetic or synthetic? I am guessing they would just put regular non-synthetic in to save money in warranty repair things like this?

If I add synthetic to it is that a problem (mixing the types)? I tried calling the dealer a bit ago but I can't reach anyone in the service department. I called yesterday too but it was kind of unclear. They said they use mobile 1 and he verified it wasn't ester if it doesn't say that on the printout but he couldn't give me a strait answer on synthetic vs non-synthetic.

Most will put crap oil instead of what's recommended. Mine puts Terrible Herbst oil in it. F that.

Never trusted the stealership to do any work in my Z unless they will allow me to physically present while they do the job.

Given the fact that your oil is that low it doesn't matter whether you put in a synthetic or non-synthetic what is more important now is to top it up immediately to the required level otherwise suffer the consequences of a blown engine.

I personally use a synthetic oil. Never had my oil go down that much I do have an oil cooler and I drive the Z hard most of the time.

I have mixed synthetic with regular oil when i was stuck (different car) it was fine but i wouldn't make it a habit. I'd be interested in knowing what synthetic the dealer uses...

I personally use Royal Purple HPS

My neighborhood Nissan Stealship told me that they use Valvoline 5W-30.

Like every other oil thread...you've over-thinking it. Just make sure to check the oil least once a week and keep it topped off. Pick your favorite 5W-30 oil and bring it with you to the dealer if you're that picky. The dealer is not going to stock every damn oil out there to satisfy every person that cannot change their own oil.


Mobile 1 is synthetic and it's fine for the Z
Regular Valvoline is non-synthetic and it's still fine for the Z
If Walmart doesn't have it...you don't need it.

This isnt soo much about me being picky and I think you missed some stuff. The oil was low and the dealer did not put ester (like normal) and were closed so I was just trying to get an idea of what they usually would use so I can put some more in (top it off) and see if its burning oil. Considering I had a massive oil leak and lost almost all my oil I think thats a pretty valid concern.

Anyway I read online that as its safe to mix synthetic/non-synthetic oils but mixing regular with synthetic will lower the quality of the synthetic. I know the dealer said if synthetic they use mobil one so I went ahead and got some of that and topped it off. The car was almost 1qt low. This is a day or two after having major work done at the dealer (replacing the upper oil pan and valves that go with it). I need to know if the car is burning oil like crazy (possible) or the dealer just f*cked up and put too little oil in (like a bit less than 5qt even though I have an oil cooler which means at least 5.5 qt).

I guess I will know in a few days...

The oil being low is on you, not them, you out a cooler, not them (not trying to argue btw)

And it's 5.125 quarts, lol, so 5 usually covers it because all the oil isn't drained


And it depends what they charge you for...

Oh, and mixing types is 100% A-OK

In a pinch, yes. But there isn't any good reason why you'd mix oils at an oil change.

Who cares? And they sell blends for a reason.
Synthetic is supposed to offer better HP, conventional, better torque

Old school thinking says "oh make sure they're miscible" which they are, so no issue there either

A few oil geeks do. Those that are seriously into the right blend for *their* application will mix and match to find their ideal cocktail and be happy. For example someone who wants more moly or other anti-wear additive in their oil may blend 1 qt of HDEO with 4 of another synthetic and then grab a UOA to check out the performance.

This isn't to suggest doing it: but to echo what others have stated in that you can mix away, don't over think it...its a blend of oil that has a blend of additive packages.

Bottom line is you want to replace it *before* your additive packages have run their course.

To the OP: you may just need to re-iterate you need more oil as your car is non-standard each and every time you get service. Yes sounds like they may have goofed as unless directed, using Ester is not SOP for most dealers.

From the FSM a normal oil change is 5 1/8 qt as is, and likely most folks just toss in 5qt and call it a day as 1/8th is hard to read on a stick :)

Me, I bring my own 5qt container of synthetic to the dealer for my oil change...and I put 1/8th qt in myself afterwards when I measure it. :driving:

- b

Bring the car back to the dealer and ask them to inspect for leaks. Inform them that you have an aftermarket oil cooler which makes your Z require more than the standard 5.1 qts. Do not leave the dealer until the oil is topped off. Check for leaks as needed.

I really don't understand your logic on how the oil being low is on me?

My car has been 95% at the dealer for the last 3 weeks due to an oil leak. They know I have an oil cooler. Also the dealer is far (23 miles away). Don't really want to go back just to have them add some oil. If it looks like its burning or leaking again then I will definitely bring it back but for now its looking like its 1) burning oil or 2) they didn't put enough in. Does not appear to be leaking.