Oil Overheat IMPORTANT UPDATE

vman · 05-13-2009, 12:02 AM

hey spearfish, where did you get your z from? and is this oil issue that bad? I mean if I decide to take a mini road trip (lets say Iowa) on a 90 degree day, am I going to have problems? Thanks!

travisjb · 05-13-2009, 01:00 AM

I'm always amazed at the ppl that stumble across this issue and post in random places without realizing there's a ~30 page thread on it with like 20,000 hits... ppls please go skim this http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-g...mp-issues.html

Chris, please print the latest oil temp survey out for him too... we've got 68 completed surveys now zsurvey and about 1/3 experiencing oil >260F

>135I · 05-13-2009, 01:21 AM

I just want to say THANK YOU spearfish25 for taking this to the right people and being the spokesman for us. I hope that you efforts help everyone and things get fixed. I have not seen this issue yet but its not that hot here and when I move to KY I am expecting to see the issue first hand then make a complaint.

vman · 05-13-2009, 01:40 AM

I'm amazed at people that complain about someone that post a question regarding oil temp problems under a oil temperature update forum topic, yet they, themselves can't just skip the persons post if they find it redundant......sorry justin, I am pretty new to the board and am deciding on if I want to buy a Z and deal with this trouble and was asking someone with first hand knowledge and seems to be taking a lot of initiative on this subject.

Forrest · 05-13-2009, 04:47 AM

Okay i am trying to find these as i go So they may not be in order, may try to order them when i can.
#1Inside Line Throws a Party for the 2009 Nissan 370Z

Quote:

There's one surprise, however. As the event is ending, noted GT-R tuning guru Sean Morris asks us what the deal is with the auxiliary differential coolers on all three cars. Coolers? Turns out each of the three cars has some snazzy AN aircraft fittings to plumb in a differential cooler that looks fresh out of the catalog from Summit Racing. We do a little more poking around and find out that each car also has a supplemental cooler for the engine oil as well. Since these cars are scheduled for testing by the media, maybe Nissan is worried about the abuse the cars are likely to get.

I would spin this like so "Nissan adds oil cooler to cars that will be tested so the public will not know the cars flaw."

#2 http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=136547
possible usefull contact information, By Michael Jordan, Executive Editor editorsIL@edmunds.com

Quote:

if you're someone who does track days, you'll be interested in the optional Sport package with its bigger tires and bigger brakes. You might also be interested in the special Nismo parts fitted to this test car, an engine oil cooler and an oil cooler for the limited-slip rear differential. The engine's extreme output has made it more sensitive to oil temperature, we understand, so if you're looking for the ability to reach redline throughout a long track session on a warm day, the Nismo bits are a good thing to have (especially since there was even serious discussion about making them a part of the Sport option).

#3 http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....&page_number=2
Contact "By Jonathan Elfalan " Could not find a email.

Quote:

Providing the go juice for the Z is a larger variation of the ever-evolving VQ-series V-6, which displaces 3.7 liters now (up from the 350's 3.5 liters). It revs to a commendable 7500 rpm and produces a healthy 332 bhp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. The added displacement and commensurate power gain are noticeable, though I agreed with Bornhop when he stated: "I don't particularly like the strained sound of the 3.7-liter V-6. The engine makes good power and torque, but its power delivery has a coarse, loud character, which is in stark contrast to the silken flat-6 of the Cayman S." An observation we made over the week was the VQ's sensitivity to temperature. Engines prefer cool weather, but the VQ absolutely detests hot days. During the track day, we had to pit after about four laps in each session, the VQ winded by high oil temps and limited by its engine management to 6500 rpm.

Threads here
#1 Thread owner and contact information http://www.the370z.com/members/travisjb.html
First track experience today ! Some good, some really bad

#2 Thread owner and contact http://www.the370z.com/members/rcz.html
First Trackday Impressions

Okay this is best i could do for now. Could you please provide this information? i tryed to source it best i could.

spearfish25 · 05-13-2009, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7sudden

I would be happy to provide my contact info if he could hook me up with an engineer here in Phoenix. It would be easy to demonstrate, as we're already seeing 100+ degree days.

I can replicate in a matter of a few minutes.

7sudden and AARC51, go ahead and PM me your name, contact telephones and addresses. I'll call Bill and see if he has the info for his counterpart in the Southwest. That will surely expedite the demonstration, and perhaps you could demonstrate the issue during more 'normal' driving. With the 60-70F weather here in Chicago now, I'd have to drive like a maniac to make it happen and he may just wave it off saying I'm being excessive. I think less is more during the demo...take 30 minutes, drive it sporty but sanely and show him 260+. Then it's a done deal.

I'll wait for your info until I call him just in case he asks for it directly.

shadyDR · 05-13-2009, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azn370z

Correct me if I'm wrong but the z doesn't go into limp mode when driven on a hot day. The z does however go into limp mode when driven on a race track. I don't see nissan doing anything for us if it only over heats on the track.

I'm in NY and the temps only get high in the summer. But it happens to be that I will be getting a car around august(hopefully the 370z). The car will never be tracked and I will get it in automatic. This would be my daily driver and would be driven aggressively on occasion. Any feedback would be appreciated.

ricer333 · 05-13-2009, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

I agree this is very exciting...we have Nissan's ear now.

The only thing that will hold up progress here is waiting for a 75F or hotter day in Chicago so I can do the test drive. IMO, the worst thing that could happen to us is that I get him in the car with his onboard diagnostics setup and I don't get the Z to overheat. So, he knows that I'll call him when the weather warms up a bit more and then he's onboard for the test drive. Just please be a bit patient so we can ensure a good showing of my car turning into a blazing inferno. If the temp is 80F or better, I can certainly make the gauge hit 260 on the streets.

When I spoke to him on the phone, I brought up the extensive overheat issues noted on this forum. He really wasn't interested in the details and wants tangible hard evidence...he asked that we focus on my car and redemonstrating the issue while he has his computer hooked up.

However, I absolutely DO think it's worth while to print some of the threads and articles that demonstrate an oil cooler solves the problem. Also, please continue to post any ideas or suggestions you have as it seems I've become the ambassador of our oil problems. More news to follow as soon as I have it...

If you'd like to email me your name, email, telephone...I can bring him a list so he can contact you if he needs more info or proof.

Spearfish,
I am a software engineer and I had the same worry that you did. In this 'I need to replicate the problem before fixing' age that really could throw a wrench into the problem (no pun intended... or maybe it was?).

Anyways, I would suggest taking the car out yourself and documenting (via digital video) the heat of the day, the Date/Time, and the temp of the oil gauge at start up, 10 mins in... 20 mins in.. etc.

I have a digital camera with an 8GB HCSD card (high capacity secure digital). It can take up to an hour and a half of video constantly.

This would be great evidence to show him. If you were to take someone out or set up the camera to run continuously then there would be no denying that this is an issue.

Musashi · 05-13-2009, 09:19 AM

I like what I'm reading... Spearfish, may I suggest that you plot a course for your ride? It could ensure that you will have oil temps pushing past 260. I think everyone must understand you can't go flogging the car. That's why a planned route could be important.

TheWeatherman · 05-13-2009, 09:21 AM

My Midwest CS manager called me as well on Monday. I was also told that the Nissan Motorsports cooler is just about out. She said they'd like some of us to try it and monitor it with them to "have it available for future models." Don't worry. Nissan's on it. I've owned Nissans and Infinitis loyally for a lot of years. They will make sure we're happy. With my experiences, I know they are very, very serious about things like this. Cars are cars. Things can go wrong with any brand. Look at Bimmer with all of their TT V-6s. Same thing, and that's "German engineering." Yeah, would we have liked them to resolve this before the car was released? Of course. They're machines, and aren't always perfect. Think about a lot of other products we know that have problems and noone at the companies do a thing about flaws. (eg. bad refrigerators, washer/dryers, furnaces, computers, TV's, home problems... etc.) My CS person couldn't have been nicer, and is going to let owners know when this product is available. She said just a few weeks, and it will be here. The engineering department is now well-aware of the problem. Not all of the CS people know. Think about all the other people calling them b**ching about the door handles on their Sentras and Versas thinking they have serious issues. Be nice, and we all will get a long way. Have some faith in this company. They usually come though... And in my case, they do better than most companies on the market. This all is my perspective on the issue, and you can deal with it the way you'd want, so take it easy.

wstar · 05-13-2009, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWeatherman

My Midwest CS manager called me as well on Monday. I was also told that the Nissan Motorsports cooler is just about out. She said they'd like some of us to try it and monitor it with them to "have it available for future models." Don't worry. Nissan's on it. I've owned Nissans and Infinitis loyally for a lot of years. They will make sure we're happy. With my experiences, I know they are very, very serious about things like this. Cars are cars. Things can go wrong with any brand. Look at Bimmer with all of their TT V-6s. Same thing, and that's "German engineering." Yeah, would we have liked them to resolve this before the car was released? Of course. They're machines, and aren't always perfect. Think about a lot of other products we know that have problems and noone at the companies do a thing about flaws. (eg. bad refrigerators, washer/dryers, furnaces, computers, TV's, home problems... etc.) My CS person couldn't have been nicer, and is going to let owners know when this product is available. She said just a few weeks, and it will be here. The engineering department is now well-aware of the problem. Not all of the CS people know. Think about all the other people calling them b**ching about the door handles on their Sentras and Versas thinking they have serious issues. Be nice, and we all will get a long way. Have some faith in this company. They usually come though... And in my case, they do better than most companies on the market. This all is my perspective on the issue, and you can deal with it the way you'd want, so take it easy.

Well, I agree that diplomacy is an important tool, especially now that we've got some engineering types looking at our cars in the field.

However: (a) I really wish they hadn't decided to do their test in the northern climates. It's the guys along the southern edge of the country that are going to see this problem the worst, and that's really where they should be looking. Also (b) 'just a few weeks' more? We're already on the verge of proper summer in the southern states. A few more weeks to release, a few more weeks after that for people to actually get them into their cars... they're running late, and people are going to hurt their cars in the hot weather in the meantime. We should have been at this stage back in February.

TheWeatherman · 05-13-2009, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wstar

Well, I agree that diplomacy is an important tool, especially now that we've got some engineering types looking at our cars in the field.

However: (a) I really wish they hadn't decided to do their test in the northern climates. It's the guys along the southern edge of the country that are going to see this problem the worst, and that's really where they should be looking. Also (b) 'just a few weeks' more? We're already on the verge of proper summer in the southern states. A few more weeks to release, a few more weeks after that for people to actually get them into their cars... they're running late, and people are going to hurt their cars in the hot weather in the meantime. We should have been at this stage back in February.

In know, February would've been the best time, but at least the fix will be here in a bit. You'll also have the cooler available for you in a few weeks. We're the actual testers because the engineers are wondering why they're getting so hot this far north. I think when it comes out for us getting logged by engineers, you will also have this product for your car. (IMO, you do have to be just a bit throttle-happy to get this to happen.) For those of you wondering if this is going to be a problem on long highway trips in the heat, don't cancel your plans. It sounds like some people are really getting freaked out by this. Buy this car, and you can get the Nissan Motorsports oil cooler. It's just about here. The company is positive of this, and are confident it will work perfectly.

spearfish25 · 05-13-2009, 12:29 PM

Spoke with Bill again and he alluded that they know much more about this than he did when I talked to him yesterday. He said that they have plenty of test cars in Phoenix and wanted to focus on cars in the Midwest (not sure what this means...perhaps determine the extent of the issue in cooler climates??? Your guess is as good as mine.). He did mention they had two other people in the Midwest that they've contacted and are working with to reproduce and evaluate the problem. Weatherman, you must be one of them. They also know all about this site and these threads, though they are focusing on objective information first hand rather than posts here.

Things are happening, eveyone. Be patient, hang in there, and know that it looks like Nissan is taking positive steps. Thus far, everyone I've spoken to from Nissan has been both professional and understanding. They want this fixed just like we do.

SoCal 370Z · 05-13-2009, 12:40 PM

One cannot help wonder where Nissan ran their 370Z mules? They collect reams of data on mules, and for this not to show up as it is has to make you question how they collected their data too?

I still empathetically state that the person coming to take spearfish25's data be a Japanese National from corporate Nissan Japan if we want better results.

TheWeatherman · 05-13-2009, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

Spoke with Bill again and he alluded that they know much more about this than he did when I talked to him yesterday. He said that they have plenty of test cars in Phoenix and wanted to focus on cars in the Midwest (not sure what this means...perhaps determine the extent of the issue in cooler climates??? Your guess is as good as mine.). He did mention they had two other people in the Midwest that they've contacted and are working with to reproduce and evaluate the problem. Weatherman, you must be one of them. They also know all about this site and these threads, though they are focusing on objective information first hand rather than posts here.

Things are happening, eveyone. Be patient, hang in there, and know that it looks like Nissan is taking positive steps. Thus far, everyone I've spoken to from Nissan has been both professional and understanding. They want this fixed just like we do.

Yup, I'm a test mule! Just don't call mine a "jacka$$" ha ha! Nissan has been great with me. Spearfish couldn't be any more correct. Just be patient. They're on it. Spear, did you say you're in Chicago? We're having engineers fly in to look at our cars. You're right about two things. First, they know that if our northern cars are having problems already, the south will definitely. Secondly, I think they picked the two of us because we are so close together. They can go to Chicago and just drive up to Milwaukee. That was if I remember you saying you were in Chicago. I could be wrong on that one.

05-13-2009, 01:00 AM	#32 (permalink)
travisjb A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: GSO Posts: 2,803 Drives: VIR Rep Power: 188	I'm always amazed at the ppl that stumble across this issue and post in random places without realizing there's a ~30 page thread on it with like 20,000 hits... ppls please go skim this http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-g...mp-issues.html Chris, please print the latest oil temp survey out for him too... we've got 68 completed surveys now zsurvey and about 1/3 experiencing oil >260F __________________ 2009 370Z #104 For Sale

05-13-2009, 01:21 AM	#33 (permalink)
>135I Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Radcliff, KY Age: 41 Posts: 409 Drives: 2003 Cobra Rep Power: 16	I just want to say THANK YOU spearfish25 for taking this to the right people and being the spokesman for us. I hope that you efforts help everyone and things get fixed. I have not seen this issue yet but its not that hot here and when I move to KY I am expecting to see the issue first hand then make a complaint. __________________ I will miss my Z. I hope she goes to a good home.

05-13-2009, 12:29 PM	#43 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1856	Spoke with Bill again and he alluded that they know much more about this than he did when I talked to him yesterday. He said that they have plenty of test cars in Phoenix and wanted to focus on cars in the Midwest (not sure what this means...perhaps determine the extent of the issue in cooler climates??? Your guess is as good as mine.). He did mention they had two other people in the Midwest that they've contacted and are working with to reproduce and evaluate the problem. Weatherman, you must be one of them. They also know all about this site and these threads, though they are focusing on objective information first hand rather than posts here. Things are happening, eveyone. Be patient, hang in there, and know that it looks like Nissan is taking positive steps. Thus far, everyone I've spoken to from Nissan has been both professional and understanding. They want this fixed just like we do. Last edited by spearfish25; 05-13-2009 at 12:31 PM.

05-13-2009, 12:40 PM	#44 (permalink)
SoCal 370Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: US of A Posts: 2,842 Drives: Answers Rep Power: 33	One cannot help wonder where Nissan ran their 370Z mules? They collect reams of data on mules, and for this not to show up as it is has to make you question how they collected their data too? I still empathetically state that the person coming to take spearfish25's data be a Japanese National from corporate Nissan Japan if we want better results. __________________ ( Click to show/hide ) Why I NEVER say NO to the Panda Lou Fusz!!!

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05-13-2009, 12:02 AM	#31 (permalink)
vman Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 31 Drives: 2004 BMW M3 Rep Power: 16	hey spearfish, where did you get your z from? and is this oil issue that bad? I mean if I decide to take a mini road trip (lets say Iowa) on a 90 degree day, am I going to have problems? Thanks!

05-13-2009, 01:40 AM	#34 (permalink)
vman Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 31 Drives: 2004 BMW M3 Rep Power: 16	I'm amazed at people that complain about someone that post a question regarding oil temp problems under a oil temperature update forum topic, yet they, themselves can't just skip the persons post if they find it redundant......sorry justin, I am pretty new to the board and am deciding on if I want to buy a Z and deal with this trouble and was asking someone with first hand knowledge and seems to be taking a lot of initiative on this subject.

05-13-2009, 09:19 AM	#39 (permalink)
Musashi Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 357 Drives: 09 370Z 6speed Rep Power: 606	I like what I'm reading... Spearfish, may I suggest that you plot a course for your ride? It could ensure that you will have oil temps pushing past 260. I think everyone must understand you can't go flogging the car. That's why a planned route could be important.

05-13-2009, 09:21 AM	#40 (permalink)
TheWeatherman Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 265 Drives: 2009 370Z 6MTw/Sport Rep Power: 16	My Midwest CS manager called me as well on Monday. I was also told that the Nissan Motorsports cooler is just about out. She said they'd like some of us to try it and monitor it with them to "have it available for future models." Don't worry. Nissan's on it. I've owned Nissans and Infinitis loyally for a lot of years. They will make sure we're happy. With my experiences, I know they are very, very serious about things like this. Cars are cars. Things can go wrong with any brand. Look at Bimmer with all of their TT V-6s. Same thing, and that's "German engineering." Yeah, would we have liked them to resolve this before the car was released? Of course. They're machines, and aren't always perfect. Think about a lot of other products we know that have problems and noone at the companies do a thing about flaws. (eg. bad refrigerators, washer/dryers, furnaces, computers, TV's, home problems... etc.) My CS person couldn't have been nicer, and is going to let owners know when this product is available. She said just a few weeks, and it will be here. The engineering department is now well-aware of the problem. Not all of the CS people know. Think about all the other people calling them b**ching about the door handles on their Sentras and Versas thinking they have serious issues. Be nice, and we all will get a long way. Have some faith in this company. They usually come though... And in my case, they do better than most companies on the market. This all is my perspective on the issue, and you can deal with it the way you'd want, so take it easy.