I have an 03 Maxima and it uses the oil. It doesnt burn it or leak. For some reason at around 1500 miles I will be a quart low.
It is a little worse in the winter time as well, it still does it in the warmer months but not as drastic.
I tried the STP but it didnt work.

Does enyone else have this problem with there maxima or maybe have heard of this.

Ill take any suggestions because I have asked many people but no luck.

Thanks guys

 

I noticed i have the same problem. i have a catch can which gets about a little more than a tablespoon per month. I have only 2000 since my last oil change and checked the oil last week and i noticed it didnt even register on the dipstick. i had to put a little more than a quart in. i dont know why the engine does this. i only have 80k on the engine.

 

Come on guys! They are burning oil. Where do you think the oil is disappearing to? I take it the OP has a 3.5L as well. It's a common problems with this engine. Bad rings. Get used it.

 

check the rear valve cover, might be leaking there as well. common problem for that cover to crack

 

does anybody have a wirte up on how to replace the rear valve covers?
I know the front is easy but im not too sure about the rear.

 

You do the rears just like the fronts...only thing is you have to take the Upper Intake Manifold off first.

 

Is it leaking?

 

it does not leak or show any blue smoke out of the exhaust

 

I think he is asking if you checked to make sure the valve cover is leaking before you replace it.

Did you even try to search the forum for information on this topic? It has been covered a million and a half times, maybe more.

Search is your friend here.

 

it is not leaking....there is no leaking going on.....thats why i asked because if i saw a leak it would be easy
I did search btw

 

Nissan cheaped out on the rings. It's burning oil.

Just keep filling it up.

 

If it's not leaking, then its burning it. You won't see it exiting the exhaust all the time, especially at idle. Look at it when you 1st start it up in the morning. I bet you will see some smoke.

 

i must not ever notice the smoke. Why does it happen more in the winter time when its cold out?

During the summer it is barely noticeable.

 

I happens more in the winter probably because the engine is a lot colder and the pistons contract thus causing a bigger gap between them and the cylinder walls, therefore allowing more oil to pass through at start up.

 

i know my rear vc is bad. when i did a plug change months ago one spark plug are was full of oil. never got around to changing it. i knew the 3.5 eats oil but when it was barely on the stick i was shocked.

 

So, how long are you going to let the oil soak in your plug?

 

SOrry to be the grumpy old man here guys....but for the OP: this topic has been covered here ALOT, and all to the same conclusions.

I KNOW you didn't search.

3.5's burn oil.
Not all, but alot of us.
Nissan did a few warranty engine replacements, but don't count on them doing anymore.

Get used to it. It's not catastrophic, and all you REALLY need to do is keep an eye on your dipstick between OCI's, and check your spark plugs for Valve Cover seal failure (very common).

Fill-up between OCI's, and enjoy another engineering bonus from your friends @ Nissan!

gr

 

are the 3.0's known for this also????

 

Oh now you're just TRYING to **** me off, aren't you newb!!?

1. Search.
2. Ever heard of the 4th gen forum??
3. See my above post abt SEARCHING.
4. Ans: NO!

gr

 

listen homo relax! we were in a conversation about oil consumption so why not just ask..you dont have to be a dik about it...people come here to get advice about their cars not to be shytted on by people like you ok pal!! have a great day!

 

You've pissed him off. Good going.

 

Well - ouch, don't I feel bad.

Okay, HOMO...who says that anymore?? --I have PERSONALLY written innumerable posts and replies about MY oil consumption, and what Nissan WON'T do about it.
My orig. comments were directed at the OP.

It's only a matter of time before SOMEONE flames you, or locks your REPOST of the same old question -- may as well be about how to change your oil.

25 posts and one of THE most repeated questions on the .org.....you DESERVE to be chastized!
You're wasting bandwidth and not using the search funtion -- now ****-off and go be a good little newbie and S E A R C H before you ask.

ANd I DID answer your question, btw: 3.0's don't exhibit the same oil consumption issue that the 3.5's do.

You SIR, may have a nice day.

gr

 

wow that escalated quickly....so anywaysI plan on doing the valve covers soon and i figured i might as well do the spark plugs too while im at it.Is there anything else you guys think I should replace??BTW.. I have an O3 max with 80K miles

 

Have come accross a couple of posts on missing oil theads...very hot exchanges here...chill guys...LOL!

 

If your valve covers are not leaking, you will be wasting your time and money replacing them.

Like previously stated in this thread and probably and million and a half others (which you probably would have found by searching), its an issue with the rings in the engine. Its the common opinion on here that unless you can get the rings (or engine) replaced under warranty, its not worth fixing. Just check your oil often and refill as necessary.

Personally, I run 5k OCI's and add a quart at about 3000k which gets me to my next oil change.

 

i searched and valve covers have solved the problem for alot of people.
so what are they just getting lucky then??

 

...and by ALL means...CONTINUE to ask repetitive, mundane questions!

gr

 

I assume that the other guys had leaking valve covers and thats why it helped their problem. All I am saying is to check your spark plugs for oil to verify yours are leaking before you spend the time and money. It doesnt sound like you have done this yet.

 

not the answer i was looking for but thanks anyways

 

I did in fact and they did have oil....this is why i was asking politely what else should i replace while im doing the VC's and Plugs

 

if you dont wanna answer or are annoyed by the question dont respond

 

I was going by your statements above about how there is no leaking going on. So it didnt make sense to do the VC's. Since the plugs do have oil, I hope replacing the VC's and seals helps your problem.

Good luck.

 

when i said it wasnt leaking i meant no oil spots under the car

thanks for the advice i hope they do too

 

Man I'm glad I got a 3.0

 

That's like saying, "I hear that guys with big ******** get too many dates, so man I'm glad my unit is small."

 

Friggin Hilarious!

Or like a guy with a bow and arrow coming up against someone with a rocket launcher and saying "that rocket launcher looks pretty heavy to carry, I'm glad I have the bow and arrow"

 

Did you pull the front plugs or the rear. If the front plugs have oil, it doesn't mean the rears do as well. If they don't, then don't bother with the valve cover.

Cliff: I replaced my rear valve cover with the updated part #132647y00 back in April of this year. I was under it today and noticed oil around the right rear corner. So I lowered the car and took a peek on top of the rear cover itself and sure as ****, there is oil on the top. A defective valve cover!!! I called up the dealer that sold it to me and they are sending another cover and gasket under warranty.

 

No more like "man I'm glad I don't have to spend money on oil every week"

 

more like "I go through a box of prophylaxis every week"

 

man it is frickin ridiculous though.

My 2000 with 328K burns a quart every 2500 miles, I can tell because it starts pinging, add a quart then change at 5000.

This 2002 with 78K, I added a quart shortly after I got it at 76K. Got a SES yesterday took it straight to my guy.
P0021 code, checked oil, quart down already.
Added quart, cleared code. I figure I better plan on a quart every 1200 miles or so. We'll see, but no excuse for this. Any weights better than others? 10-30 is probably about right for my climate zone.

Is this still an issue with 3.5's today?