Nissan Ester Oil

semtex · 04-15-2009, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

Nissan states the following in the Owners Manual (see pict below); there is no reference to Nissan's ester based oil in the Service and Maintenance Guide; there is reference of a "recommendation" in Service (shop) Manual, but owner's are not expected to purchase a shop manual. I feel if Nissan is supposedly ahead of the engine design curve then such an ester precautions would not be necessary and the Nissan stated API rating should suffice as this is a mass produced vehicle for the masses to be serviced by standard dealerships and not some esoteric engineering prowess to be serviced by the few who have the qualified fluids to do so. That defeats the premise of the Z from its very origins. Hey, but that's just me.

SoCal,

While it is true that there is no mention of Nissan Ester Oil on page 9-5 of the Owner's Manual, I just want to point out that this is on page 9-2 of the Owners Manual:

So while I agree with you that owners are not expected to purchase a Service Manual, one doesn't actually have to go to the Service Manual to find a reference to this oil. But in any case, it is indeed just a recommendation, not a requirement, so I also agree with you that any oil that meets or exceeds the stated API rating on page 9-5 should suffice.

- Semtex <- Contrarian feather ruffler.

Bobba Booey · 04-15-2009, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wstar

Between the 300V and the K&N filter, I'm looking at somewhere around $95 cost per oil change DIY (no labor charges), but it's worth it to me.

I hope you will have some used oil analysis done since you're spending so much on these oil changes. It would be nice to know how Motul protects the VHR because the results on the DE were poor. Castrol GTX showed better results at a fraction of the cost.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

Oil arguments will go on until there is no more oil.

So very true. Using a quality name brand oil in the proper weight is all that is necessary. Changing the oil every 3,000 miles while using synthetic isn't necessary, but I guess it gives people something to do on the weekend.

wstar · 04-15-2009, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobba Booey

I hope you will have some used oil analysis done since you're spending so much on these oil changes. It would be nice to know how Motul protects the VHR because the results on the DE were poor. Castrol GTX showed better results at a fraction of the cost.

Yes, and we'll see. I've got a 6-pack of UOA kits inbound from Blackstone, I'm going to have them look at my Nissan Ester Oil from the first change too.

Quote:

So very true. Using a quality name brand oil in the proper weight is all that is necessary. Changing the oil every 3,000 miles while using synthetic isn't necessary, but I guess it gives people something to do on the weekend.

3,000 miles is excessive for some people, sure. The oil analysis will help hone in on the right values, but I'll be playing it safe until then.

ZzzZz · 04-15-2009, 01:23 PM

For your reference, I had a baseline oil analysis done on the original oil @1000mi.

My Oil Analysis @1000mi

Quote:

Originally Posted by wstar

Yes, and we'll see. I've got a 6-pack of UOA kits inbound from Blackstone, I'm going to have them look at my Nissan Ester Oil from the first change too.

3,000 miles is excessive for some people, sure. The oil analysis will help hone in on the right values, but I'll be playing it safe until then.

import111 · 04-16-2009, 11:41 AM

My question is, is there a cheaper ester based oil that we can get from an auto parts store that will work just as well?

ZzzZz · 04-16-2009, 11:51 AM

Synthetic with Esters is easy to get but petro based with Esters is tough. I haven't come across any major brands that do it.

Supposedly German Castrol GTX but stores don't sell it anymore. I'm trying to figure this one out as well.

... maybe Nissan coming out with their own oil is justified after all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by import111

My question is, is there a cheaper ester based oil that we can get from an auto parts store that will work just as well?

SoCal 370Z · 04-16-2009, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZzzZz

... maybe Nissan coming out with their own oil is justified after all.

Is this oil new to the 370Z or has it been at the dealerships for several years?

ZzzZz · 04-16-2009, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

Is this oil new to the 370Z or has it been at the dealerships for several years?

To my knowledge, it's been out since the G37 has been out.

RCZ · 04-16-2009, 12:13 PM

My dealer told me it isnt necessary, however it will make the engine run a lot quieter if you run it. You wont harm the engine by running different oil, its just going to click a lot because of the valvetrain.

Pushing_Tin · 05-09-2009, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCZ

My dealer told me it isnt necessary, however it will make the engine run a lot quieter if you run it. You wont harm the engine by running different oil, its just going to click a lot because of the valvetrain.

This is what I was told by the master tech at my dealer too.

WoZZer · 05-09-2009, 07:44 AM

I would suggest that if you can hear it, there is some wear happening, albeit not very much. Anything to improve the mechanical knocks/sounds is a good thing.

scorpion90 · 05-09-2009, 11:18 AM

So I'm wondering if Red Line's Engine Oil Break In Additive would be a good addition to the oil since it states that "designed for flat-tappet camshaft engines and essential for solid-roller and hydraulic roller valve train".

It also states: "For use in conventional motor oils lacking zinc, phosphorous (ZDDP) and anti-wear additive packages necessary for protecting against excessive camshaft and valve train wear".

It seems a lot of observations on motor oil change are about valve noise. I wonder if this additive with be a good addition at regular oil change intervals. I plan on using a full synthetic (royal purple) so maybe it's not as necessary as with other types of oil?

wstar · 05-09-2009, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scorpion90

So I'm wondering if Red Line's Engine Oil Break In Additive would be a good addition to the oil since it states that "designed for flat-tappet camshaft engines and essential for solid-roller and hydraulic roller valve train".

It also states: "For use in conventional motor oils lacking zinc, phosphorous (ZDDP) and anti-wear additive packages necessary for protecting against excessive camshaft and valve train wear".

It seems a lot of observations on motor oil change are about valve noise. I wonder if this additive with be a good addition at regular oil change intervals. I plan on using a full synthetic (royal purple) so maybe it's not as necessary as with other types of oil?

Mostly the ZDDP issue regarding 'flat-tappet camshafts', etc is about traditional race engines that were designed for oils with ZDDP. Our engine was designed for SM-rated oil with the reduced ZDDP levels, I don't think it needs ZDDP added.

bluzman · 05-10-2009, 03:16 PM

I assume my 370Z came from the factory with Nissan Ester in it. I've changed the oil twice since then NOT using Nissan Ester (Castrol GTX) and I can hear absolutely no difference in the sound of the engine today (~7,700 miles) versus the day I took delivery (8 miles). Just sayin'

SoCal 370Z · 05-10-2009, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluzman

I assume my 370Z came from the factory with Nissan Ester in it. I've changed the oil twice since then NOT using Nissan Ester (Castrol GTX) and I can hear absolutely no difference in the sound of the engine today (~7,700 miles) versus the day I took delivery (8 miles). Just sayin'

Ester is mostly likely in the Castrol GTX formulation.

05-09-2009, 11:18 AM	#12 (permalink)
scorpion90 Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Akron, Ohio Age: 77 Posts: 109 Drives: 370Z Base 7AT+Sports Rep Power: 284	Red Line Break In Additive So I'm wondering if Red Line's Engine Oil Break In Additive would be a good addition to the oil since it states that "designed for flat-tappet camshaft engines and essential for solid-roller and hydraulic roller valve train". It also states: "For use in conventional motor oils lacking zinc, phosphorous (ZDDP) and anti-wear additive packages necessary for protecting against excessive camshaft and valve train wear". It seems a lot of observations on motor oil change are about valve noise. I wonder if this additive with be a good addition at regular oil change intervals. I plan on using a full synthetic (royal purple) so maybe it's not as necessary as with other types of oil?

05-10-2009, 03:16 PM	#14 (permalink)
bluzman Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 349 Drives: Red Touring 7AT Rep Power: 17	I assume my 370Z came from the factory with Nissan Ester in it. I've changed the oil twice since then NOT using Nissan Ester (Castrol GTX) and I can hear absolutely no difference in the sound of the engine today (~7,700 miles) versus the day I took delivery (8 miles). Just sayin' __________________ My Gallery

04-16-2009, 11:41 AM	#5 (permalink)
import111 Track Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ. Posts: 622 Drives: 09 Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 192	My question is, is there a cheaper ester based oil that we can get from an auto parts store that will work just as well?

04-16-2009, 12:13 PM	#9 (permalink)
RCZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami Posts: 6,403 Drives: '09 370Z Rep Power: 1119	My dealer told me it isnt necessary, however it will make the engine run a lot quieter if you run it. You wont harm the engine by running different oil, its just going to click a lot because of the valvetrain.

05-09-2009, 07:44 AM	#11 (permalink)
WoZZer Base Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NE of Somewhere Posts: 61 Drives: 370Z - gone Rep Power: 17	I would suggest that if you can hear it, there is some wear happening, albeit not very much. Anything to improve the mechanical knocks/sounds is a good thing.