my 94 SE has 153,000 miles, and the bearings (main or rod, I dont know) are loud, so I like to use thicker oil in the summer. I read that 10W-40 is prone to breakdown because of problems with the polymers used to achieve the wide viscosity range, so it can actually be harmful to use. 15W-40 has a smaller range, and it's used in diesel engines, which run hotter than gas engines, so I reasoned that it would be a better choice for my high mileage VE. Any opinions or hard facts on this? I know the VTC solenoids are vulnerable to cold start wear, but it's summer in Philadelphia, the temperature won't be below 70 degrees for two more oil changes.

 

1. shoulda asked this in the lubrication forum
2. it will increase the damage to your bearings, beacuse the 15 part will take longer to get too all your bearing surfaces , not too mention your VTCs. also the car was designed to primarily run on 5W30 which is an easier to flow oil which can circulate faster and into smaller spaces than a 10w can.
diesels use 15w40 not because of it's thermal properties, but becuase of it's resistance to burning.
if your car burns oil then run 15w40 (still not recommended on a modern motor) but be prepared to have a funky smelling exhaust.

 

1. the question pertains to 3rd generation maximas as well as lubrication
2. the spaces aren't small anymore because the bearings are audibly worn

 

I hate to hijack a thread but it wonr let me start a new one [because it's my first day here maybe?]. I chose this thread because it's newer and relates to my question.

I need torque specs for my 1991 Maxima. Specifically the torque specs for the rod caps and main caps. Does anyone have a manual to forward a copy of the page that states these specs?

My bearings were noisy only 3k miles after the dealer installed a new crank and bearings after they broke the end of the crank off trying to remove the bottom pully. They installed 0.25 over rod bearings on a new crank and also had the #5 rod bearing in backwards causing oil starvation ~ DUH! IDIOTS! Of course they wont stand behind it even though it's clearly their mistake. Everything else looks good and is within spec so new standard bearings should quieten it down.

Please let me know if you have access to these torque specs. I ordered a service manual but it's a week away and I'd like to get this done.

THANKS!

 

An Ebay Nissan service manual for $50 might be the right choice.

 

I also never heard of noisy bearings. The only time my main bearings/rod bearings on the crank made any type of noise, it promptly seized and threw the rod endcap out of the bottom of the oil pan. I would hazard to say the noise you hear is the VTCs clacking away

 

I got the factory service manual, actually a $20 deal though

Problem is it was shipped media mail 4 days after I paid and it's between 5 and 12 days out there before I get it.

Mine IS rod bearing noise but I caught it as soon as it started the slightest noise.

If the OP's bearings are worn due to age, oil pump problems then noise can be detected. I'd recommend a good engine oil flush, twice and take a look at the bearings.

So, no one has those torque specs? I wish I had the seller copy or photograph that page before sending it but......

 

From '93 FSM manual:
VG30E conn rod bearing nut: 1) 14-16Nm(10-12 ft/lb) 2) Turn nuts 60-65 degrees clockwise or tighten to 38-44Nm(28-33ft/lb)
VG30E main bearing cap bolt: 90-100Nm(67-74 ft/lb.)

Hope that helps you out. Have fun.

 

THANKS!

To clarify: What does part 2) "Turn nuts 60-65 degrees clockwise or tighten to 38-44Nm (28-33ft/lb)" mean?

Just to do it in a 2 part process? as in:

torque all to: 14-16Nm (10-12 ft/lb)

then come back again and torque to: 38-44Nm (28-33ft/lb)

??

 

bump

Anybody??

 

it's the torque to spec 2 step!

 

That's what I thought but wanted to confirm. I'll be doing the 2 step tomorrow

 

Sorry. Should have clarified a little better. I've been away from the radiation screen all day.

Good luck with that. Do you mind if I ask what parts you bought, from where, and how much? Just a curious individual.