Nissan Ester Oil

wstar · 04-15-2009, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

Oil arguments will go on until there is no more oil. I've following them for decades now, and probably the best answer I've read consistently is to use a good quality motor oil and change it often, along with the oil filter. Regarding any upper-end sounds, if you are hearing those noises after the engine has warmed-up then the upper-end is simply not receiving the proper lubrication as the oil circulation is in play. Having to use clinging additives to prevent these is a design flaw. You'd be better off simply adding a preoiler.

The VVEL's design is pretty unique, I'm not gonna knock Nissan for saying it has special oiling requirements. As far as "having to use XX additives to prevent Y", this is something that's been going on with oil and engine forever. That's why API SA-grade oil is a no-no in anything made after 1930, it doesn't contain even the additives needed back then (probably wasn't very well refined either).

We're up to SM now for better or worse. All along the way, all kinds of additives have been added to better protect all kinds of engines, some of which are necessary for modern engines. Good quality API "SF" oil from a quality manufacturer (if you happen to have some stashed from years ago) should not be used in a 2009 car from any manufacturer and it comes down to necessary additives for newer engine technologies.

So if Nissan comes out with some new engine tech and says "hey this requires better oil than what a lot of mfgs are asking for (and a lot of what you'll find on the shelf) today", I don't see that as a big problem, they're just running a little ahead of the curve.