2002 3.5 question
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Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 227
2002 3.5 question
Just like opinion on 2002 3.5 motor do they all burn oil a lot ? I’m looking at one to buy but not sure to pull the trigger .. I have a 99 Maxima and the 3.0 is good no burning but leaks which is easier to fix .. thanks
I wouldnt say that they dont burn oil, but i think that stigma is generally over exaggerated. You *might* lose like a qt of oil over the span of 3000+ miles, in which case isnt the end of the world because youd still be in the safe operating range as far as the oil level goes. From what ive read, and from my experience, youll lose less oil than that if any.
also depends on age the motor, whether or not if precats were removed/replaced, etc. long story short is i wouldnt let it weigh your decision.
also depends on age the motor, whether or not if precats were removed/replaced, etc. long story short is i wouldnt let it weigh your decision.
The oil burning problem on the 3.5 is been going on since they introduce that engine. If you get the car in good condition and average miles, go for it. Just keep a bottle in the trunk just in case. I have a Subaru now and it burns oil, but that OK on Subaru's engines.... Good luck
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 125
From: NYC
nissan99,
If you read around you are going to see some different reasons for the loss of oil. At one point I started losing oil. I was losing about a quart every 300 miles. My issue was related to a valve cover that I had to replace. Ever since then I have been good. Get records and if possible get a mechanic to get a look at it if you are unsure. If you are buying from the owner ask him about his experience with oil loss. If it's a dealer they should let you get a mechanic to look at the vehicle for you. Anyone who cringes at the thought of a PPI is giving you the answer you need to run with your money.
Good luck.
If you read around you are going to see some different reasons for the loss of oil. At one point I started losing oil. I was losing about a quart every 300 miles. My issue was related to a valve cover that I had to replace. Ever since then I have been good. Get records and if possible get a mechanic to get a look at it if you are unsure. If you are buying from the owner ask him about his experience with oil loss. If it's a dealer they should let you get a mechanic to look at the vehicle for you. Anyone who cringes at the thought of a PPI is giving you the answer you need to run with your money.
Good luck.
If you have a 99 maxima.......
Simple route, replace the engine with another 3.0 engine. They rarely have issues and usually outlast the car.
More complex route: If you really want a 3.5L, don't buy a 2002 VQ35 (which is gen1), but a gen2 VQ35 (most people refer to this as an "VQ35HR"). It's a 3.5 engine from a 2009+ maxima (or 2007+ altima), and they don't burn oil. It's a better motor. You can swap your 3.0 timing from your current motor onto the "new" gen2 3.5DE. You can find these easier than 30de's and they cost anywhere from 500 to 1000 depending on mileage.
Simple route, replace the engine with another 3.0 engine. They rarely have issues and usually outlast the car.
More complex route: If you really want a 3.5L, don't buy a 2002 VQ35 (which is gen1), but a gen2 VQ35 (most people refer to this as an "VQ35HR"). It's a 3.5 engine from a 2009+ maxima (or 2007+ altima), and they don't burn oil. It's a better motor. You can swap your 3.0 timing from your current motor onto the "new" gen2 3.5DE. You can find these easier than 30de's and they cost anywhere from 500 to 1000 depending on mileage.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,300
From: Columbia SC
If you have a 99 maxima.......
Simple route, replace the engine with another 3.0 engine. They rarely have issues and usually outlast the car.
More complex route: If you really want a 3.5L, don't buy a 2002 VQ35 (which is gen1), but a gen2 VQ35 (most people refer to this as an "VQ35HR"). It's a 3.5 engine from a 2009+ maxima (or 2007+ altima), and they don't burn oil. It's a better motor. You can swap your 3.0 timing from your current motor onto the "new" gen2 3.5DE. You can find these easier than 30de's and they cost anywhere from 500 to 1000 depending on mileage.
Simple route, replace the engine with another 3.0 engine. They rarely have issues and usually outlast the car.
More complex route: If you really want a 3.5L, don't buy a 2002 VQ35 (which is gen1), but a gen2 VQ35 (most people refer to this as an "VQ35HR"). It's a 3.5 engine from a 2009+ maxima (or 2007+ altima), and they don't burn oil. It's a better motor. You can swap your 3.0 timing from your current motor onto the "new" gen2 3.5DE. You can find these easier than 30de's and they cost anywhere from 500 to 1000 depending on mileage.
Some burn and some may not or not as much oil. In my opinion it's a good motor, just requires a little more paying attention to, as there are numerous places where oil can leak, like the valve cover spark plug and tube seals,
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