Another Vegas Run and Oil Temps scared me

TamZ · 07-26-2010, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

Would you mind highlighting this road stretch on a Google map? This is the very reason my wife will not drive our 370Z on a long trip into the high, heated elevations. She does not trust it in weather with high heat.

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I will see if I can get my daughter to help me out with the google map thing. But I was about 20 minutes past Baker on the 15. And the only time they went below 220 after that was when I was going downhill, going across state line.

I am going to take it in to Nissan this week to get the oil changed, it's about 2500 miles since my last oil change but wanted to get it changed after this and talk to them at service.

I actually don't blame your wife. As I was sitting there in the MIDDLE OF NOWHERE..with my 14 year old daughter, in the blazing heat, hoping I wasn't going to blow up my car...I can understand why she'd be afraid. We were fine..but still. Frustrating. I was definitely NOT pushing the car in any way--I had my daughter with me!

SoCal 370Z · 07-26-2010, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TamZ

I actually don't blame your wife. As I was sitting there in the MIDDLE OF NOWHERE..with my 14 year old daughter, in the blazing heat, hoping I wasn't going to blow up my car...I can understand why she'd be afraid. We were fine..but still. Frustrating. I was definitely NOT pushing the car in any way--I had my daughter with me!

When the oil temp issue first arose I explained on this forum that my motivations for being concerned about this issue were not the motivations that others share—your case is the exact case in point for my motivation. My wife just read this thread and she is mad as hell. Personally, I believe she has every right to be as I believe Nissan is hedging its bet on a very small calculated probability that this will happen which Nissan deems acceptable.

P.S. I have considered signing my wife up here as a premium member, but I am sure after a few posts AK would kick her off the forum. (She doesn't have a problem, "telling it like it is.")

TamZ · 07-26-2010, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

When the oil temp issue first arose I explained on this forum that my motivations for being concerned about this issue were not the motivations that others share—your case is the exact case in point for my motivation. My wife just read this thread and she is mad as hell. Personally, I believe she has every right to be as I believe Nissan is hedging its bet on a very small calculated probability that this will happen which Nissan deems acceptable.

P.S. I have considered signing my wife up here as a premium member, but I am sure after a few posts AK would kick her off the forum. (She doesn't have a problem, "telling it like it is.")

I honestly never gave the oil temp issue much thought--just a "Hmm..well, I never track it so..."

Now, I understand. But I also know I don't drive to Vegas all the time either, in high heat. But still..Some people actually LIVE in places like this and that would scare me.

I still love my car. But I don't think I'll drive it through Baker again in 100+ degree temps. I'll time my trips to not be in the heat of the day. But sure wish I didn't have to worry about that with a new car

Super Tanooki · 07-26-2010, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TamZ

Now, I understand. But I also know I don't drive to Vegas all the time either, in high heat. But still..Some people actually LIVE in places like this and that would scare me.

Yeah, I live in Vegas, and it's hot as hell right now. I don't have my Z yet but it's worrying enough that I'm thinking an oil cooler could possibly be a mandatory purchase to run the car smoothly out here without worry.

Now I'm wondering how much fitting costs...

280z/300zx · 07-26-2010, 03:50 AM

I live in vegas and have had my Z for about a year now. Even right now that we are seeing temps between 115-120 my oil temp has never gone higher than 230-240. Typically while cruising it's right at 220 and even when stuck in traffic it sits at about 220-230. The only times I've seen it hit the 230-240 mark is when I've been on the fwy going about 75-80mph and then have to come to a near stop due to traffic and the damn 15fwy near the strip. Then it shoots up to about 240 for a few minutes and then calms back down to 220.

Even when I auto-x or drag race the temps are never higher than 240. Mind you those races are short (anywhere from 13sec to 70sec) but still. I'll even admit to a few hwy runs that lasted minutes and the temps never got above 240.

Lastly I've done the California to Vegas run when it's been in the triple digits; mind you it was only about 102-104. The car did great and never had high oil temps. I even did a few pulls against a C6 Vette on one of my trips back to Ca and again the temps never got higher than 240.

Not sure why the OP had problems but I would definetly check the oil level in the car. Also how fast where you going and in what gear when going up Baker hill. If going the speed limit and in the highest gear the rpms may have been a little too low causing you to lug the engine (essentially making it work harder). I know with my 6-speed manual that if going up a long incline at speed limit (65mph) the rpms make the car feel a little less comfortable than say if you had it in 5th. I could definitely see going up Baker hill with the a/c on at 114 degrees and only having the rpms at 2200-2500 causing the motor to work a little harder. I'll be honest, I typically do about 85-90mph going up that hill (as do most motorist driving that stretch of road) which has the rpms at a nice and healthy 3k+.

There are a lot of factors that come into play but what I can tell you is that living here I've never had a problem with my Z. I too was worried prior to buying it but so far no issues.

Super Tanooki · 07-26-2010, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 280z/300zx

There are a lot of factors that come into play but what I can tell you is that living here I've never had a problem with my Z. I too was worried prior to buying it but so far no issues.

That's good comforting news, thanks! And TamZ it'd be good to know what was the cause of your high temps if you ever get to the bottom of it...

cfleming2226 · 07-27-2010, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TamZ

I honestly never gave the oil temp issue much thought--just a "Hmm..well, I never track it so..."

Now, I understand. But I also know I don't drive to Vegas all the time either, in high heat. But still..Some people actually LIVE in places like this and that would scare me.

I still love my car. But I don't think I'll drive it through Baker again in 100+ degree temps. I'll time my trips to not be in the heat of the day. But sure wish I didn't have to worry about that with a new car

I live in AZ and I regularly see my temps getting into the 240+ range, it’s been in 110 -115 degree range daily (dont worry it cools to a brisk 95 at night) and it does not take much to get that temp up. I have been told by a few Nissan tec's and many people here, the high temps are to be expected. I am planning for an oil cooler sooner than later but I think if there was no Oil Temp gauge most would never see/realize there is any issue at all.

Many here say that you only need an oil cooler if you are tracking the car, I believe you only need an oil cooler if you are tracking the car ... or live in the armpit of hell which is Arizona.

Thats my two cents.

TamZ · 07-27-2010, 03:17 PM

I appreciate everyone's responses!

Admittedly, I am pretty unfamiliar with the inner workings of the engine of my car. As much as I do love my car, I haven't bothered to learn very much about what makes it run like the powerful machine that it is

That is why I was excited to find this site over a year ago and get to know you fine people

All of what I've read here on this thread is very interesting and once I can get the car into Nissan this week, I plan on asking some questions. Since I'm pretty sure I will be talking to the same guy I talked to on the phone, I'm not sure I'll receive any more answers than I already did from them over the phone when I was stopped on the side of the road but maybe when I'm there in person, I can explain things better or maybe a mechanic will be available who actually knows the car. He told me over the phone, he was not familiar with my car.

I think more than anything, I was just concerned, with those temps, that if I continued to drive, I may break down on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. Most definitely, driving her in 121 degree temps will NOT be the norm for me. Whenever we make most of our Vegas or Laughlin (river) trips, we are in my husbands truck. So I'm not even 100% convinced I'll get an oil cooler YET. I am, though, a bit bummed knowing that I will forever not be sure I can "trust" my car, if I find myself in the middle of the desert again for some reason! But: <3 Still love my car <3

I wonder if, when they change my oil, they can tell me the "condition" of the oil. Will it be/look different if it's been 'broken down' or whatever, from the heat.

Truly, the only oil I was familiar with is baby oil, which I used to use in the 80's to fry myself with in the sun, in search of that perfect tan. I know better now

Thanks everyone!

07-27-2010, 03:17 PM	#8 (permalink)
TamZ Enthusiast Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: So Cal Posts: 433 Drives: 2011 Mercedes GL 350 Rep Power: 17	I appreciate everyone's responses! Admittedly, I am pretty unfamiliar with the inner workings of the engine of my car. As much as I do love my car, I haven't bothered to learn very much about what makes it run like the powerful machine that it is That is why I was excited to find this site over a year ago and get to know you fine people All of what I've read here on this thread is very interesting and once I can get the car into Nissan this week, I plan on asking some questions. Since I'm pretty sure I will be talking to the same guy I talked to on the phone, I'm not sure I'll receive any more answers than I already did from them over the phone when I was stopped on the side of the road but maybe when I'm there in person, I can explain things better or maybe a mechanic will be available who actually knows the car. He told me over the phone, he was not familiar with my car. I think more than anything, I was just concerned, with those temps, that if I continued to drive, I may break down on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. Most definitely, driving her in 121 degree temps will NOT be the norm for me. Whenever we make most of our Vegas or Laughlin (river) trips, we are in my husbands truck. So I'm not even 100% convinced I'll get an oil cooler YET. I am, though, a bit bummed knowing that I will forever not be sure I can "trust" my car, if I find myself in the middle of the desert again for some reason! But: <3 Still love my car <3 I wonder if, when they change my oil, they can tell me the "condition" of the oil. Will it be/look different if it's been 'broken down' or whatever, from the heat. Truly, the only oil I was familiar with is baby oil, which I used to use in the 80's to fry myself with in the sun, in search of that perfect tan. I know better now Thanks everyone! __________________ Tammy Last edited by TamZ; 07-27-2010 at 03:57 PM.

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07-26-2010, 03:50 AM	#5 (permalink)
280z/300zx Track Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Nevada Posts: 689 Drives: 280z, 300zx, Vette Rep Power: 274	I live in vegas and have had my Z for about a year now. Even right now that we are seeing temps between 115-120 my oil temp has never gone higher than 230-240. Typically while cruising it's right at 220 and even when stuck in traffic it sits at about 220-230. The only times I've seen it hit the 230-240 mark is when I've been on the fwy going about 75-80mph and then have to come to a near stop due to traffic and the damn 15fwy near the strip. Then it shoots up to about 240 for a few minutes and then calms back down to 220. Even when I auto-x or drag race the temps are never higher than 240. Mind you those races are short (anywhere from 13sec to 70sec) but still. I'll even admit to a few hwy runs that lasted minutes and the temps never got above 240. Lastly I've done the California to Vegas run when it's been in the triple digits; mind you it was only about 102-104. The car did great and never had high oil temps. I even did a few pulls against a C6 Vette on one of my trips back to Ca and again the temps never got higher than 240. Not sure why the OP had problems but I would definetly check the oil level in the car. Also how fast where you going and in what gear when going up Baker hill. If going the speed limit and in the highest gear the rpms may have been a little too low causing you to lug the engine (essentially making it work harder). I know with my 6-speed manual that if going up a long incline at speed limit (65mph) the rpms make the car feel a little less comfortable than say if you had it in 5th. I could definitely see going up Baker hill with the a/c on at 114 degrees and only having the rpms at 2200-2500 causing the motor to work a little harder. I'll be honest, I typically do about 85-90mph going up that hill (as do most motorist driving that stretch of road) which has the rpms at a nice and healthy 3k+. There are a lot of factors that come into play but what I can tell you is that living here I've never had a problem with my Z. I too was worried prior to buying it but so far no issues.