Another Vegas Run and Oil Temps scared me

Originally Posted by shadow2k

Is it scary? Well...yes and no. I mean, I wouldn't be worried that the engine is going to blow up. However, I'd look into ways to keep it from occuring in the future. An oil cooler would be #1 on my to do list if my car ever hit 260. Mine has never reached 230, and I drive in 110 humid summers here in KC. Even when I drive like an ***, the highest I've managed is 228.

Ideal oil temps are around 200-210. If someone cares to argue this point, feel free, but I don't really care. As a ballpark range, I'm fine with it. Many fine cars generally run hotter than this, especially newer cars that are more worried about fuel economy than engine longevity...but most cars don't have oil temp guages. Ignorance is bliss.

At 260, your oil is basically oxidizing four times faster than it would at 220. This means that your shiny bits are not being protected as they deserve to be. That doesn't mean catastrophic failure is imminent. It means it is shortening the life of your engine. The oil is breaking down faster, and the shiny bits are grinding over each other instead of slipping over the oil. Sludge deposits form, and the shiny bits can also rust...so I wouldn't be able to call them shiny bits anymore.

I'd also find out what oil the dealer is putting in your engine. If you like your car enough to post in here so much, than you obviously care about your car. You should find out exactly what you're letting strangers pour into her heart. I use Pennzoil Platinum, it is a synthetic with no ester. Many in here use Redline, and ester synthetic. Nissan recommends their own ester oil, but it is not synthetic, and there's a good chance your dealer did not use it because it is not required, only recommended. My guess is they put in whatever is most profitable for them. Good for them, not so much for you and your car. I'm sure they put in a reasonable oil, but I'm 100% positive there are better options than whatever they did put in her.