Where Is The Oil Going??

6spd · 12-31-2009, 09:56 PM

i havent burned a drop in 2k, and i didnt follow any break in procedure, i just drove it normally like i do every other day in any other car. i think us sitting back and taking it in the *** accepting this oil consumption issue isn't a good thing. believing its a "normal" occurrence just allows manufacturers to take advantage of people ignorance. people need to demand that these cars are built better, for christs sake, these arent worn out engines. 2 qts between oil changes, thats ludicrous!

cab83_750 · 12-31-2009, 10:45 PM

My motor was replaced due to oil consumption. Burnt almost 2 qts per 1000 miles.

Try Google....1 quart may be considered as normal by some auto manufacturer. In any case good luck.

FricFrac · 01-01-2010, 03:58 AM

These are very high compresion engines - we're getting almost 100 HP/liter which was unheard of from a N/A not too long ago. Corvettes normal consumption is up to a liter per 1000 miles. First off the car is still breaking in. Secondly if you are concerned about it get Nissan to do an oil consumption check and they'll tell you if the engine needs replacement.

Its funny if the engine was designed to not burn a drop of oil but wore out right after the warranty expired people would be up in arms. Nissan designs a high performance engine that by design consumes some oil but doesn't blow up and people are still up in arms. You can't have it both ways....

Oh and for the bazillionth person who says "my Honda Civic never burnt a drop of oil" or whatever other car you drove - if it was so freaking awesome WHY DID YOU GET RID OF IT! If you can afford a 370Z surely you can afford an extra quart of oil every other month.....

On another note for those who are interested it seems the VQ engines consume more oil when you are using the engine back presure as a brake (eg coasting down a hill in second with the revs up). Just FYI....

Modshack · 01-01-2010, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FricFrac

Secondly if you are concerned about it get Nissan to do an oil consumption check and they'll tell you if the engine needs replacement.

.

...However, they probably won't take this seriously until the 1qt/1000 mile mark... Chances are your burn rate will reduce.

You need to do your own consumption test...Did you check it after the dealer oil change? Assuming it was up to the full mark may not be right. Lets say they shorted you a quart...You're then Adding one more between changes plus the second for the shortage. This would certainly not be out of line. Top it up, note the miles, and keep track. I'd bet your consumption will prove to be less than you think it is..

davidyan · 01-02-2010, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FricFrac

Its funny if the engine was designed to not burn a drop of oil but wore out right after the warranty expired people would be up in arms. Nissan designs a high performance engine that by design consumes some oil but doesn't blow up and people are still up in arms. You can't have it both ways....

Oh and for the bazillionth person who says "my Honda Civic never burnt a drop of oil" or whatever other car you drove - if it was so freaking awesome WHY DID YOU GET RID OF IT! If you can afford a 370Z surely you can afford an extra quart of oil every other month.....

I don't think anyone is saying that its bad car nor do i think that the issue is related to spending a few bucks to top off oil.

A car that burns that much oil when new might have developed some internal engine problems. Its definitely not the norm for a new 370z to burn almost a quart/1000 miles. Although anything up to that is "normal" by the book, If you are near that 1 Qt/1000 miles, you are already at the maximum threshold and our cars are still new. That is disconcerting for many. What if at 37,000 miles when his car is out of warranty, he starts burning 1.5quarts/1000 miles? Now he needs a new engine and would have to pay out of pocket. Therefore, my recommendation to the original poster is:

1. Go to the dealer and get them to document that this is something you have observed. Setup a schedule where you and the dealer regularly check in and record oil usage. During this time, don't do any of your own oil changes. Just go to the dealer, that way they cant say it was your fault. Also let them perform any topping off.

2. After you hit 1qt/1k, tell them that this is a new car that is fully broken in, that already has reached the maximum threshold of "normal usage". Given that from here it will only get worse, ask them to perform further tests and replace the engine if necessary. Keep bugging them about it.

370Zsteve · 01-02-2010, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidyan

I don't think anyone is saying that its bad car nor do i think that the issue is related to spending a few bucks to top off oil.

A car that burns that much oil when new might have developed some internal engine problems. Its definitely not the norm for a new 370z to burn almost a quart/1000 miles. Although anything up to that is "normal" by the book, If you are near that 1 Qt/1000 miles, you are already at the maximum threshold and our cars are still new. That is disconcerting for many. What if at 37,000 miles when his car is out of warranty, he starts burning 1.5quarts/1000 miles? Now he needs a new engine and would have to pay out of pocket. Therefore, my recommendation to the original poster is:

1. Go to the dealer and get them to document that this is something you have observed. Setup a schedule where you and the dealer regularly check in and record oil usage. During this time, don't do any of your own oil changes. Just go to the dealer, that way they cant say it was your fault. Also let them perform any topping off.

2. After you hit 1qt/1k, tell them that this is a new car that is fully broken in, that already has reached the maximum threshold of "normal usage". Given that from here it will only get worse, ask them to perform further tests and replace the engine if necessary. Keep bugging them about it.

3. Make sure you break the car in properly before attempting item #2.

vipor · 01-01-2010, 11:25 AM

i changed my oil at 3250 to Mobil 1. checked the level at about 5000 and it was still right on the high mark. checked it again a couple days ago at about 6400 miles and it was still right on the high mark.

even the oil that came with my car didn't have much burn off at all. checked right about 2800 before a road trip, needed like 1/4 qt. to put it at the full mark.

DooDooBrown · 01-01-2010, 12:25 PM

Yes, I did follow the break in procedures. Not to the letter, but I did baby the car for a little bit. I have checked the oil when I got it back from the dealership, and it was full at that time. I check it every time (or every other time) I fill up. I generally don't downshift to get the braking effect, unless it is a very steep/long hill. I am going to call up Nissan and ask for an oil consumption test I guess..... I am sorry, but I do not see how a brand new car is burning 4 quarts of oil in less than 10,000 miles. I haven't tore up too many back roads this oil change, and it has really all been highway driving....

TreeSemdyZee · 01-01-2010, 12:50 PM

I'm kind of surprised by all of the comments calling oil usage "normal". Maybe this is a just a Nissan thing that I'm unaware of.
I drove mostly Toyotas up until I bought my 350 3 1/2 years ago and NEVER used oil. The last Toyota that I drove was a Celica GTS with 11.5 to 1 compression and 100 hp per liter. I drove it for 90,000 miles and never put any oil in except during oil changes. With today's technology being what it is, oil use should never be a problem. Maybe I'm just dreaming.

Modshack · 01-01-2010, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TreeSemdyZee

With today's technology being what it is, oil use should never be a problem. Maybe I'm just dreaming.

Nothing is perfect. Every engine, and the drive cycles it is put through by the owners, are different. It is generally a small percentage of any production engines that have an issue. Believe it or not, some Toyotas and Hondas burn oil as well, and many Nissans, like the majority here, burn none..

nicknick · 01-03-2010, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DooDooBrown

Yes, I did follow the break in procedures. Not to the letter, but I did baby the car for a little bit. I have checked the oil when I got it back from the dealership, and it was full at that time. I check it every time (or every other time) I fill up. I generally don't downshift to get the braking effect, unless it is a very steep/long hill. I am going to call up Nissan and ask for an oil consumption test I guess..... I am sorry, but I do not see how a brand new car is burning 4 quarts of oil in less than 10,000 miles. I haven't tore up too many back roads this oil change, and it has really all been highway driving....

Checking the oil when you fill up is probably not a good idea as the oil does not have a much of a chance of draining properley in the small amount of time at the service station. Best thing is to check it on a level ground first thing in the morning to get a more indicative reading.

dad · 01-03-2010, 09:05 PM

Your checking it after warming up the engine, right?

TreeSemdyZee · 01-03-2010, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dad

Your checking it after warming up the engine, right?

Why would you do that? You don't get a proper oil reading after running the engine. I've NEVER checked the oil after running the engine.

vipor · 01-01-2010, 02:14 PM

Honda + VTEC = burning oil.

a friend with an RSXS says that if he hits it hard for a month he can lose up to a qt.

coaster · 01-01-2010, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vipor

Honda + VTEC = burning oil.

a friend with an RSXS says that if he hits it hard for a month he can lose up to a qt.

I agree. All of my past Honda's (NSX/S2000/Civic Si/Integra) burned oil. It must have been the VTEC :-D

12-31-2009, 09:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
6spd A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 3,001 Drives: Q50RS Rep Power: 26	i havent burned a drop in 2k, and i didnt follow any break in procedure, i just drove it normally like i do every other day in any other car. i think us sitting back and taking it in the * accepting this oil consumption issue isn't a good thing. believing its a "normal" occurrence just allows manufacturers to take advantage of people ignorance. people need to demand that these cars are built better, for christs sake, these arent worn out engines. 2 qts between oil changes, thats ludicrous! __________________ -Jay-** jonathanjamesphotographer.com

01-01-2010, 03:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
FricFrac A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 1,481 Drives: 370Z 300ZX 280ZX 240 Rep Power: 229	These are very high compresion engines - we're getting almost 100 HP/liter which was unheard of from a N/A not too long ago. Corvettes normal consumption is up to a liter per 1000 miles. First off the car is still breaking in. Secondly if you are concerned about it get Nissan to do an oil consumption check and they'll tell you if the engine needs replacement. Its funny if the engine was designed to not burn a drop of oil but wore out right after the warranty expired people would be up in arms. Nissan designs a high performance engine that by design consumes some oil but doesn't blow up and people are still up in arms. You can't have it both ways.... Oh and for the bazillionth person who says "my Honda Civic never burnt a drop of oil" or whatever other car you drove - if it was so freaking awesome WHY DID YOU GET RID OF IT! If you can afford a 370Z surely you can afford an extra quart of oil every other month..... On another note for those who are interested it seems the VQ engines consume more oil when you are using the engine back presure as a brake (eg coasting down a hill in second with the revs up). Just FYI.... __________________ '09 370Z - '93 300ZX Vert - '83 280ZX - '83 280ZXT -'81 280ZXT stroker - '72 240Z - Stillen CBE, HFC, G3, Grounding Kit, Sways // Swift Spring // H&R 15mm // 5% Tint // Clear Bra //

01-01-2010, 11:25 AM	#7 (permalink)
vipor A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Euless, TX [ DFW ] Age: 43 Posts: 13,531 Drives: Nismo 09-0183 QAB Rep Power: 50	i changed my oil at 3250 to Mobil 1. checked the level at about 5000 and it was still right on the high mark. checked it again a couple days ago at about 6400 miles and it was still right on the high mark. even the oil that came with my car didn't have much burn off at all. checked right about 2800 before a road trip, needed like 1/4 qt. to put it at the full mark. __________________ 2009 NISMO # 0193 \| QAB \| Albums! \| 05.04.10 (Dynojet) 291.94hp/248.28tq Oil Cooler (DIY) \| Custom Headlights \| GTSPEC Braces \| F.I. Long Tube Headers

01-01-2010, 02:14 PM	#14 (permalink)
vipor A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Euless, TX [ DFW ] Age: 43 Posts: 13,531 Drives: Nismo 09-0183 QAB Rep Power: 50	Honda + VTEC = burning oil. a friend with an RSXS says that if he hits it hard for a month he can lose up to a qt. __________________ 2009 NISMO # 0193 \| QAB \| Albums! \| 05.04.10 (Dynojet) 291.94hp/248.28tq Oil Cooler (DIY) \| Custom Headlights \| GTSPEC Braces \| F.I. Long Tube Headers

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12-31-2009, 10:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
cab83_750 Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: CA Posts: 887 Drives: 09 NISSAN 370Z Rep Power: 418	My motor was replaced due to oil consumption. Burnt almost 2 qts per 1000 miles. Try Google....1 quart may be considered as normal by some auto manufacturer. In any case good luck.

01-01-2010, 12:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
DooDooBrown Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ranson, WV Posts: 178 Drives: 09 370 Touring w/spt Rep Power: 17	Yes, I did follow the break in procedures. Not to the letter, but I did baby the car for a little bit. I have checked the oil when I got it back from the dealership, and it was full at that time. I check it every time (or every other time) I fill up. I generally don't downshift to get the braking effect, unless it is a very steep/long hill. I am going to call up Nissan and ask for an oil consumption test I guess..... I am sorry, but I do not see how a brand new car is burning 4 quarts of oil in less than 10,000 miles. I haven't tore up too many back roads this oil change, and it has really all been highway driving....

01-01-2010, 12:50 PM	#9 (permalink)
TreeSemdyZee Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Kentuck-IANA Age: 61 Posts: 4,887 Drives: '09 370 & ‘14 Juke Rep Power: 27409	I'm kind of surprised by all of the comments calling oil usage "normal". Maybe this is a just a Nissan thing that I'm unaware of. I drove mostly Toyotas up until I bought my 350 3 1/2 years ago and NEVER used oil. The last Toyota that I drove was a Celica GTS with 11.5 to 1 compression and 100 hp per liter. I drove it for 90,000 miles and never put any oil in except during oil changes. With today's technology being what it is, oil use should never be a problem. Maybe I'm just dreaming.

01-03-2010, 09:05 PM	#12 (permalink)
dad Grand Prix of Endurance Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 3,476 Drives: Mulsanne Straight Rep Power: 26	Your checking it after warming up the engine, right?