My 91 SE has 197,000 miles on it. Bought it in Feb. with 193,000.

When does the VG usually start burning oil?......Previous original owner was college teacher in her 50s, so I know she did not beat on it. Was dealer maintained till the day I bought it. In the 3,000 miles I've put on it since the last oil change, the oil level has not moved at all.

BUT.....

In February I took it for an oil change at the dealer.......drove it home.....the next day I notice a funny tapping sound. Only after the car warms up. Happens say when I barely am on the gas goin thru a parking lot. Anything other than a small amount of gas pedal, it's fine. I'm leaning towards lifters, but when car is idling they are silent. Today I changed the oil myself(Nissan oil filter and Castrol 10w-30).......the noise is more pronounced like right after the last oil change. It seems as the miles go by on the oil the noise subsides a little. Is there an oil pressure issue with the hydraulic lifters on these engines? It's strange it only does it when I'm barely on the gas say around 1500 rpms. And btw it's not exhaust manifold leaks.

 

Hey what's up, and y0 to a fellow Winter Blue Metallic Max!! A VG will start burning oil when hell freezes over if it's well taken care of (mine has 166k and doesnt burn oil). As far as I know, there aren't any lifter issues with the VG30E, so I don't think that is your problem. Maybe an audio clip if you could supply it?