Hi. I've had a Gen IV 3.0 for years, and I am looking at getting a 2003 (preferably) to replace it - because I have heard that this is the last model that was imported from Japan, and after that they were made in the USA. I do not want a US made vehicle; my wife has a US-made 2005 Altima and it is a complete P.O.S. (parts break, heater leaked, the list is endless). My 96 Max is 9 years older and it still runs great. Far better car.

My question is: I've heard about the oil burning problem caused by the piston rings. It is quite difficult to find Maximas here, so if I find one that's burning oil, how difficult would it be to re-ring it? Is it possible to drop the sump, unbolt the big ends, and extract the pistons from below, fit new rings and then replace? I don't mind budgeting for that if the rest of the car is good.

 

Perhaps do some more research. There has been solid threads the oil leak issue is more due to bad valve seals and guides. Absolutely these engines can be rebuilt, but only you know about whether this is something you can do or will have to pay out. If you have to pay a shop, don't skimp out, you'll regret it.

But, I'd suggest just checking the car out first. How much does it smoke when cold? Won't tell you how much oil gets used, but you might get an idea of whether the car will be an oil burner. If so, don't let that deter you. Most, like myself, just add a quart of oil once a month or two. Oil issues in these cars tend to be very managable.

Specifically regarding the piston question, pistons have to be removed from the top. They cannot be removed from the bottom.

 

You pull the engine to get the pistons out. Doing it any other way would be a waste of effort and time.

Fwd, and dohc.

 

When I upgraded from 4th to 5.5th I ended up with timing chain noise and serious oil burning issues...swapped in a low mileage engine and no more oil burning whatsoever.

 

My rings went bad on my 02', I just swaped an 07' engine and no more oil burning issues.