I have a 2003 GLE and today i checked the oil. It was 1 qt low. I used Mobil one for my last oil change about 3,000 miles ago. Is it normal to lose a qt in that time? I do not have anything on my driveway so i do not think it is leaking any. WHAT UP?

 

I heard that the first time synthetic oil is used in a car, oil consumption may increase for a short time. Keep watching oil consumption, it should be back to the way it was soon. If you still lose 1QT/3K after the third oil change, then something is wrong.

 

thanks....... that is what i will do.

 

Anything over 1K/qt is considered normal.

 

I just bought a 2003 Maxima and now I decide to do some research.



I have the VQ35DE.



I’ve seen posts regarding the cause of oil burning issues on these vehicles / engines. Some posts attribute the cause to a right side valve cover having a passage that gets clogged. Same post(s) suggest replacing the valve cover as a fix.


I have also read that the cause was defective or inadequate piston rings that may not seal properly at certain RPM levels. The same or similar posts state the Nissan changed the rings in 2004 to fix the issue.



Please reply to the questions I will pose here with direct, applicable answers / replies if you can knowledgeably do so.



I'd really like to know what percentage of these cars / engines experience this oil burning issue.



Is this an issue that is well known, or proven to affect ‘all’ of these engines (my focus mainly, naturally is the 2003 Maximas)?



Has anyone personally had this oil burning problem, replaced their right side valve cover, and had that resolve the problem?



Same question for piston rings please?



Other proven, personally experienced resolutions to this oil burning problem? (IE have you had the oil burning problem, fixed ‘something’ and had that resolve the problem?)



Also have you seen other evidence to validate any suspected cause for this oil burning problem?



Can we possibly draw a correlation between 'hard' (high RPM) drivers and the problem?


If I determine that my Maxima that I just bought is NOT burning oil, are there any preventative maintenance measures that I may be able to take to prevent the oil burning problem?


My odometer reads 42202 miles, clean carfax, and the car feels looks, and drives like that is the correct mileage. I will be keeping a VERY, VERY close eye on the oil level and giving updates on oil consumption here.



As you can see, I am VERY analytical and inquisitive about my Maxima(s) and would LOVE as detailed as a response as anyone can knowledgeably provide please. Thanks in advance for any response.