Did my oil change today.

I use 5w-30 Mobil 1 Synthetic.

After I finished I was pouring the old oil into the containers that held the new oil and I only had about 3 and a quarter quarts of oil.

I definitely do not have a leak down there so I must be burning
it.

I usually do my oil changes in between five to six thousand mile intervals but this time I changed the oil at around 6500 miles.

Can you guys list factors that can lead to having so much oil burnt up?

Thanks

 

What's that a quart over 6500 miles? That's fine and within spec according to Nissan. If you drive hard or at high speeds alot, you will consume more oil. I wouldn't worry about 1 qt., just check the level every few weeks and top it off if necessary.

 

I would check the PCV Valve. If its okay and you are sure you have no leaks - valve covers (where it seals on the head and top seals for plugs) or oil pressure switch. Then I would guess you have to live with using 1 quart of oil every 6500 miles. I think there are many people who would like that problem.

 

Huh? Why would people like that problem? My friend's 323 uses no oil between 7500 mile synth changes. My Volvo's oil stayed crystal clear for 3,000 miles without losing a drop. I think this oil consumption is a known issue. There are several factors which cause it to be swept under the carpet.

1. Many people change cars more frequently than I change my underwear, so they don't care.

2. Many people assume there is no reason to check the oil between changes so they don't even know about it.

3. Yes, the sender unit. I've never seen any proof about leaking rear or main seals, though. If that were the case it's simply a joke. And the dealer explanation of "blow-by" being normal is another way of saying I don't know/care.

People who would like that problem? The same people who enjoyed losing gear oil by the faulty reverse switch o-ring.

 

I think he means, a lot of people burn more then that so yours is not so bad

 

Slow down, Frank F. Burning a bit of oil is perfectly normal, some engines don't burn any and others do. No two engines are exactly the same so some variation is not unusual. I wouldn't worry even about a quart every 3k if the consumption was not increasing. acMAx, I don't think your method of measuring oil is accurate, it's better to keep track of the oil level on the dipstick over time. Did you check the oil level before the change and how much fresh oil did you add?

 

What I was trying to express was that using 1 quart every 6500 miles would make some people very happy as compared to what they are currently getting. Start looking for cars that are burning oil and you'll see a lot Mitsubishis and Chrysler and Dodge vans. About it being a known problem, my daughters 2000 Altima GLE uses a quart about every 6500 - 7000 miles. Maybe there is a correlation between Renault bail out and current quality! Now my 97 I30 doesn't burn a quart in 12,000 miles. I am using AMSOIL 0W-30 in 5 cars. Hondas aren't burning any oil and neither is the 97 SE. The AMSOIL 0W-30 is a 35,000 mile oil, I change oil filters every 6 months and oil every 12 months. Oil analysis have indicated low wear, except in case of 2000 Altima and I blamed that on neglect but now I'm not so sure!!!

 

i thought that about a quart stayed in the oil filter.

 

i've done my own oil changes ever since I got my max.

The first few times I changed the oil (after I switched over to synthetic)I would lose about 1/2 a quart between changes (five to six thousand mile intervals).

This was the first time I've changed my oil after such a long period of time (about 6500 miles) and I lost almost a quart.

I always thoght that if you're losing that much oil between changes then something is not exactly right with your car.

My friends' got an old Mistubishi Galant and he burns almost two
quarts between changes

Green 2kse:
I always add 4 quarts of new oil when I do an oil change.
Where did you read that it was normal to burn oil? I didn't
think newer (or relatively new) cars should have this problem and
I always thought that it was a bad thing.

Karguy:
pardon my ignorance but what's the PCV valve?

 

i dont think its a full quart in there but whatever came out of the filter went straight into my oil pan.

I included that.

 

PCV=Positive crankcase ventilation valve. If it's not moving, it could cause blowby thus maybe using oil.

 

where is it located? and should it be moving?

thanks

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by acMAX
[B]i've done my own oil changes ever since I got my max.



Green 2kse:
I always add 4 quarts of new oil when I do an oil change.
Where did you read that it was normal to burn oil? I didn't
think newer (or relatively new) cars should have this problem and
I always thought that it was a bad thing.

The VQ engine requires 4 quarts and Either 8 or 20 ounces of oil when you change it (depends on year of engine). Check you owners manual fo your engines specifications. So you are already 8 to 20 ounces low when you change oil. There is a check valve in the oil filter that makes it extremely difficult to drain all the oil out of it. So if we allow 2 ounces to remain in filter and you started out low with the change you are burning only 22 ounces (32 - 8 - 2 ounces) or only 10 ounces (32 -20 - 2 ounces). I think the best way to measure consumption is to ensure that the full mark is reached when you change oil. First weigh oil filter before you install it (write weight down somewhere, I use Word on my PC. I maintain a separate log for each car). Keep track of oil you use during 6500 miles in car log. When you change oil again weigh the oil filter with whatever oil remains in it. Oil comsumed will be oil added during 6500 miles plus difference in weight between used oil filter and new oil filter. Using your calculations and allowing for low oil refill and a few ounces still in filter we have already reduced your oil consumption almost 1/3 of a quart. Try using the procedure described above and let us know what you find out.

 

One quart of oil in 6500 miles is nothing to worry about. You didn't mention if you changed the filter or not. If you didn't, there's oil sitting in there. Also, when you changed your oil, did you lower the car down nearly to the point were the rotor is touching the ground so that ALL the oil is drained from the pan. No oil change will remove all the residual oil. I'd venture to say your car might be burning 1/2 QT every 6000-7000 miles. Big deal.

FYI, some motors DO burn oil. If just depends on how they're built. I know the BMW "M" motors are built pretty loosely and that they do consume oil. When your car starts consuming one quart of oil every 2000-3000 miles is when you might want to look into to things like compression, oil test, etc.

To check your PCV valve for correct operation, remove it, and check to see that it's one-way valve is good. Whip off the valve and blow into it. Air should blow thru only one way and should be air tight when blowing thru the other side.


Dave

 

I just found out yesterday that my rear main seal needs to be replaced for my oil leak (91 SE ~154000 miles). It a leak that is barely noticeable though. Only when I put the car down for a long period of time (2+ weeks) then I would see a couple of drips.

Also, if there is worry about losing ~1quart for the 7000 miles, try driving one of those Mazda rotary cars (RX-7) then you will see what burns oil

 

I noticed that the bolt is facing the rear the first time I did an oil change so now whenever I do one I have the car tilted so that the car's front end is a lot higher than the rear in hopes of draining as much of the old oil as possible.


also...I change my oil filter everytime I change my oil. I always
thought that was standard procedure. Is it not necessary to change the oil filter at every oil change?

thanks for all the info guys. I guess I was concerned over nothing.
Now all I need to do is find the PCV valve.

DaveB:
i sent you a pm the other day regarding some parts I need to order.
I'm gonna need to add a set of windshield wipers to that order.
Can I send you a persoanl check with a list of all the things I
need?

thanks again all....

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by acMAX

thanks for all the info guys. I guess I was concerned over nothing.
Now all I need to do is find the PCV valve.

The PCV Valve is located on the left front (drivers side)of the rear valve cover (closet valve cover to firewall). It has a rubber hose attached to it that goes up to a metal tube and bracket. If you take the screw(s) out of the bracket it makes it very easy to remove the PCV Valve. I have had problems getting a PCV Valve from parts stores that fit right so I bought 1 from the Infiniti dealer for $10. Its a shame the parts stores PCV Valves didn't fit right because they were only $3.00!

 

I think you are confusing him for DAVEB (TownNorth Nissan)

 

The industry standard for acceptable oil usage is 1qt every 1000 miles. Usually any higher rate than that, and its grounds for warranty claim. But most dealers will not help you out if you burn less oil than that.

The engine should not burn ANY oil...but not all engines are equal I guess.

 

there's more than one daveb?
didn't know that....

so how do i know which is which?

 

My 2001 SE will use about 1/2 Qt in 300 miles using Mobil 1 5W-30. It does not use any using Castrol Dino or Valvoline Dino.

 

Is that 300 or 3000 miles? I would be very concerned if it is 300 miles.