Oil Consumption Test Today
 

Hey all,
Like many, my Z has been drinking oil... I recently took her in to the service department, and they told me to come back in 1000 miles to perform an oil consumption test. Today is the day. I woke up, went downstairs, and checked the dipstick, it is about 3/4 after 1000 miles. My question to all you out there is,
1). What can expect going into the dealership today? (I know about the whole 1 qt. 1000 miles)
2). What is generally the course of action if they do determine that my engine is drinking oil?
3). Will this issue affect my resale value in the future (if they wind up replacing the engine??)

My car just turned 9,000 miles on it, and the problem has yet to stop...
Thanks!
:tiphat:

Some have pursued the issue and gotten new motors. If your car is still eating that much oil at 9k you might need to go that direction.

My Z ate about 3/4qt in the first 1500 miles, but since then I have had ZERO loss. This is after 9800 miles, 2 oil changes (added a cooler), and a track weekend.

I am assuming I would have much better chances of getting a new motor than just recieving a buy back??

Wait....3/4 full after 1000 miles? They're gonna tel you you don't have a problem (and you don't)

:stirthepot:
Quit using Mazola Oil and start using something decent

Mobil 1, Redline, Castrol Edge, or Amsoil, take your pick with one of those and try one last time, then start biotching at them if one of those doesnt help.

*Get a K&N or Mobil 1 filter as well!

If I recall correctly, You are NOT suppose to touch/check the dip stick. They (dealership) usually seal it or put a "DO NOT TEMPER" tape on the dipstick so that the owner of the car do not attempt to suction out any oil. They do the same with drain bolt as well. I'm just typing what I have read from the 06 350Z consumption tests. My :twocents:

How long did it took you to accumulate 1000 miles?

Yes...that's a bit of a bogus test if it wasn't made tamperproof.. They might have just been shining on the op..But it sounds like there is really no problem.

Alright everyone, update....
1). The dealer has done all oil changes on the car. The oil being used is the exact oil that is being called for in the owner's manual. It is from Nissan. I have, however, used Mobil 1 to top off before, and it has still gone through that.
2). I asked the service representitive, and he said I can check the oil as much as I pleased, however, I can not add oil unless it is below the L mark (had to give him a call).
3). It took me approx. 1 month to put on 1000 miles (We have had snow on the ground for much of January/Feb. in WV

When I checked my oil initally, it was right at the H, a little over-filled. I insured that was the case, as I let it sit over nite. The service advisor did acknoledge that it was an issue, however, they would have to call some Nissan factory tech. for further instructions. I simply made my case that I did not buy a $40,000.00 sports car to dump a qt. of oil in every 2000 miles.
Long story short, they want to see it again in 1500 miles.... We will see how it goes!

You should not be mixing oils or oil brands for topping off purposes. Top off with the same brand and weight that is in the engine.

You can pay twice that for a car and use twice the oil... You are well within the factory norms.

I'm sorry, but I have to ask...First car?

I did the top off as instructed by the dealership. This is not my first new car, it is actually my third, although, I do admit, the Z is the most sporty new car I have owned. A couple of my friends have Z06 vettes, STI's, BMW's etc, but none have seemed to have this issue.
I guess where this really is becoming an issue is the dealership oil changes.... I got them free for life from the dealership, however, they change it once every 7500 with the Nissan synthetic they put in it... I know that if I didn't stay on top of this issue, the car would have no oil by the time that it is due for its next change....

problem? yes. nissan think so? maybe not. my car has burned oil since day one. last check, i was 1.5 qts low at 1700 miles. (full to below empty on stick)

no this isnt my first car, and yes its too much oil to burn. my last toyota v6 was putting out 425 hp, and would burn ZERO oil. now i have to watch my oil over a long road trip, not pleasant in a 40k, or a 10k car.

it is what it is though, id rather dump in oil than have some 20 yr old kid swap my engine on my car...... too many horror stories at the dealership (including incorrect install that led to a blown engine)

:icon14::shakes head:

I would not be so sure about that....... if it were anything other than a Z or GTR, then i would JUMP at the free oil change for life..........

most likely they use regular oil.......... unless, if you had verified with your own eyes already....

hope you get the issue resolved in one way or the other....

perhaps, it is not a big issue......... but, i bet no one on this forum would feel ok with it..... for it is a $40k new car..

if i were you, i would take it to the dealer 3 threes, get the paper work ready, and claim lemon...... i had put in a new engine in my toyota avalon, but it is not the same.....

I'm sorry...Claim lemon for what? The OP has used 1/4 qt. in 1000 miles per his consumption test. That's hardly a justification for a buyback..

:tiphat:

perhaps, i have misunderstood, but OP did say "checked the dipstick, it is about 3/4 after 1000 miles."

3/4 on the dipstick in just 1000 miles........ correct me if i am wrong.......

i would not make the comment on the rate of consumption without a solid proof, but considering the fact that his dealership changes every 7500, who knows how much is left or what the repercussions without adding in every so often..... i would hate to even imagine about it...

personally, for it is a new car......... i would never consider adding in additional oil as something tolerable......... just my two cents....

on the other hand, if indeed it is 1/4 qt between oil changes, it would not even be a consideration/problem..... but it so seems, solely based on speculation at this point, it is not 1/4 between oil changes...


having had new car engine issues and having dealt numerous times with dealers, it might be better to go with the lemon. i think it is a win-win situation, for you do not lose anything........it is just that your claim can get rejected at worst........

I'm am starting to see an oil consumption issue myself after my 1st oil change at 3,700 miles. I am monitoring the situation. I baby'd this car for the first 3k, now that it's broken in, I driving more aggressively, but not beating on it. I'm shifting anywhere from 3-4k now instead of 2-3k, with occasional hard pull here and there.

I owned an 05 350Z for 4.5 years before this one and had no such issues, so I can relate.

I will get my brand new vq37vhr the next days
Nissan VQ engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

i think this is a burning in problem with low budget test drivers at dealership (i think you call it donats driving ..the bavarian have a lot of more skill, they make a prezel) without degreed engineer know-how !!
how many miles your car has on the odometer when you bought it ?

we will see if it is the same for me as engineer !:tiphat:

by the way there is a lot of linguistic know-how inside the word doughnot..
may it means -- do not :yum:

So are you saying that your engine has about 3/4ths Full after a 1,000 miles? Thus, that would mean, theoretically, at 2,000 miles you are at 1/2 and at 3,000 miles are left with a 1/4 of the intended oil (wayyy below L).

If THAT is the case, then I agree you have an issue.

Yes, I am saying that it is at 3/4 after just changing the oil 1,050 miles exactly... It was also a little overfilled ( Right on the H, a little above the top hole)..... If I where to go without ever checking the oil, I would hate to see what would happen.... At 7500 miles (or however long it took), I would have zero oil.... I would have no issue, and I find it to be perfectly acceptable if it is at 3/4 after 7500 miles, but this is *ONLY 1000 MILES AFTER THE OIL CHANGE* ... I am sorry, I didnt pay this much money to have to keep a spare quart of oil with me on long road trips..... I understand that engines burn oil, hell, I drive fire trucks at work. We tax those engines more than most people tax the engines on their Z's.... But they usually are good for burning 2 qts of oil every 10,000 miles or so.... Even that would be acceptible....
I know this is an issue, and it is only going to be a matter of time before Nissan realizes this is going to be an issue. My only question is what happens from there??? I have heard numerious people on this fourm state that after engine swaps, the car isn't the same, and there are issues, etc.... I don't really want that... Not to mention, I would assume that it would come up in a carfax report.... Anyone got any ideas??

Sorry, I have no experience with the engine swap issue. In fact, what you are describing seems to be an anomaly, and is not typical, at least compared to my 370z.

Don't worry...You won't be getting a new engine so no need to sweat that. If you were burining a quart per 7 to 800 miles like a few others that got engines you could then start.
Sorry, but this sounds more like whining than a problem. The world is not a perfect place.. The fact that your dealer is only doing your FREE oil change at 7500 miles has nothing to do with your need to check and maintain the car. Cars use oil, some use more than others. Get over it. I had a car that didn't stop using til it hit 15K.

The general sense of entitlement here is amazing..

I had my engine replaced due to oil consumption = 2 Qts/1000 miles. I'll chime in later to provide input.

:iagree:

Burning a quart of oil per 1000 miles is an acceptable amount in the automotive industry whether it be a Veyron or an Accent. I would be checking my oil at every fill up and also carry a quart in the car at all times.

Sense of entitlement?? Are you ******* kidding me? The only reason I posted was to get more information, and share my experances, because there are people here who are going through the same damn thing... Maybe I am asking too much for a car that doesn't use a qt. of oil every 2000-2500 miles, exp. considering there are several members on this fourm who have no issues at all.... I am sorry, I don't claim to be a master mechanic, or anything like that, I just know that from the cars I own, and the fire trucks I drive, this is a bit abnormal... But as far as entitlement?? I busted my *** to buy this car, and I want to make sure it is around for a long time.... That is all....

by the time you do all the milage stuff they want your warranty will be up. Id ask them why their magic isnt working good just to stir the pot on them.

haha this thread cracks me up. you should be jumping for joy that your car's burning 1/4 qt per 1k miles. i kinda wish you bought a mazda rx8 which burns over 1qt per 1k miles and is normal, and saw how you reacted to that.

well, if indeed you had a Veyron, which burns oil as stated, i do not think you could/would say such a thing............but, on the other hand, if ppl had that kinda of money, no need to worry.........:ughdance:


:iagree: 100%

some ppl can handle it and some not....... i guess i am on the NOT-side... as i said, having had a similar issue, it is NOT acceptable/tolerable.....

in any event, hope everything gets taken care of..........:p

AND, instead of dictating what is right/wrong or acceptable/unacceptable, i believe we should give OP suggestions, if not condolence.......

Of course I would not like a car using oil at a quart/1000 miles but it is an acceptable limit and crying about it won't get you a new engine.

Yes you are. And don't change the numbers. 1/4 qt per thousand = 1 qt every 4000 miles. A few thousand miles from now it may stop using completely. Regardless, 1qt per thousand is most manufacturers acceptable norm. (like it or not)

Is that a revival of the 2006 350Z issue, guys? Whoa!

What are you not getting here?

He said 3/4 full in 1000 miles. That's 1/4 down. As in 1.25 quarts lost in 1000 miles. That's crazy, and I'll be keeping an eye on mine.

1 quart per 1000 miles was acceptable 20 years ago - not today.

That is not acceptable for a new car. New cars do not burn oil like unless there is something wrong with it. I think you have a problem and should see a different dealer to see what they say. You can send a email to nissan north america service department and see if what they say.

Consider yourself lucky if your engine is using 1/4 qt/1000 miles.

My original engine used almost 2 qts every 800-900 miles. Ultimately Thousand Oaks Nissan installed a new engine. To the best of my recollection, it was their first 370Z to work on; luckily, no issues so far. Do I feel different about the car and the semi-bad experience? No! I saw the glass as half-full (I put about 9,000 miles on the old engine).

Search the web; I believe that unless your motor is consuming 1 qt/1000 miles, the manufacturer would not replace the motor --- (so I read anyway).

Whatever happens, good luck.

Wow! You guys must be students of the New Math. 1/4 down on the stick is roughly 1/4 quart. The sky must be falling where you live...

I don't think he ever said that. He said his oil was "3/4 full." He didn't say anything about the stick.

I could be wrong, but I interpret that as 3/4 = 3.75 Qt. full. (or so).


I mean, in his first post, he said, "whole 1 qt. 1000 miles."

The difference from H to L on the stick is just a level indicator. It does not measure the total 5 quarts in the sump. Just the top 1-1.5 quarts..Some misinterpretation here methinks..
1/4 down (or 3/4 up from low) is 1/4 quart or so. An overfilled engine will burn more oil so it's really hard to tell what is actually going on. This is hardly a scientific consumption test at this point.

There's really no point in arguing....He's using more then NONE but (considerably) LESS than it will take for Nissan to consider this an issue. When you start seeing a quart or more disappear in a thousand miles or less they will look harder at it..

Maybe what he's saying is ambiguous, then. I interpret it as 3.75 when he says "it is about 3/4 after 1000 miles."

I agree if it's 1/4 qt in 1000 miles, it's not good, but it's not something that would be fixed. But if he's saying 1.25 qt. in 1000 miles - that's outrageous. They'd damn well better fix that.

Yeah, he was supposed to call the service manager if it dipped below the "L" which it would have using your interpretation, and there is no mention of that. The only measurement scale you have is L and H.

Yeah, true. But usually the stick is long enough on the end to see how much lower it is than "L"...I can't remember if it is on this engine or not.

But I think I'm going to go check my oil right now. :icon17: