First off, I'm well aware of the usual timing chain clatter associated with the VQ35s, and I'm used to it occurring as I'm driving down the road. However, over the last week, something else has cropped up that I think is related, but sounds a lot worse.

1. On cold start, the engine naturally revs up, then settles down into idle. At this point, a loud, very fast clattering continues for as much as 6-7 seconds, then stops. This extended clattering will repeat itself every time I start the car until it is totally warmed up

2. Until the engine is warmed up and has been running for a good 20 minutes or more, the clattering will appear while idling. It gets really loud for a few seconds, then stops - then comes back, etc.

3. While driving, the noise will go on/off as I drive around. It also continues after taking my foot off of the gas, for as much as 5-10 seconds.

As I said, I'm used to the usual timing chain noise, but this is louder, faster and is occurring under many more circumstances than what I am used to.

Any ideas here? Am I looking at a repair to the chain itself, or part of its assembly?

 

Oil level is at....?

 

Not sure off the top of my head, but I haven't had an oil consumption issue previously.

The car is at my mechanic's right now since he wanted to take a look at it anyway. I'll ask him to check the level while he's tinkering with it.

 

I ask because lower oil level is synonymous with louder chain rattle.

 

Gotcha. I'll update as soon as my mechanic calls me back. Thanks for the tip though.

 

Honestly, that's the way some VQ35 owners discover that they indeed have an oil consumption issue - the timing chain noise lets them know. Before that, they are unaware. The correct oil level is very important in this engine.

 

OK, just heard back from my mechanic, and you guys were spot on - oil level is the culprit.

They found there was barely two quarts of oil left when they drained it (got it changed anyway). So, after about 3500 miles since the last change, the car ate through over half the oil.

To me, this sounds absurd, and totally excessive. I've got a 20 year old Chevy that doesn't burn a drop of oil on the original engine.

Outside of extra scrutiny of the oil level, is this even fixable?

 

Use a heavier weight of oil like 10W-30 you'll be fine, these engines burn oil

 

Minimal if any improvement. That may slow down the consumption somewhat, but I would not say you will be fine. You will continue to have an oil consumption issue, which will require a more frequent check of the level for the rest of the car's life.

 

Is 10W-30 bad for the car? The manual recommends 5W-30. Also, am I correct to assume that synthetic oil is out of the picture from here on out?

 

Which is already known, hence the heavier oil to slow down burn off. Nothing else he can do is there

 

So, when we say there is "nothing else to do", we really mean, nothing to do short of rebuilding the engine, right?

 

That is correct.

 

Just curious how many miles are on the engine? And how do you drive it?

 

98,800 on the engine. No mods to the engine at all, save for a K/N filter, which is cleaned regularly.

I'm a fairly spirited driver, but I try not to have much of a lead foot unless I need it. I usually keep my speed within 5-7 of posted limits, and avoid burnouts if at all possible (tires are too damn expensive) Also, I use the gears properly, downshifting on steep grades where appropriate.

I used regular dino oil for the first 30K or so, then switched to synthetic...always 5W-30, per the manual.

 

I don't understand what is going on with this situation?

First this thread about timing chain noise due to oil consumption.

Then the thread I just replied to about swapping engines disappears. Moderators?

So I did a little search and find this from 14 months ago......http://forums.maxima.org/infiniti-i3...ight-help.html

So you have been aware of this for over a year and you still let the engine run low on oil?

 

I've been having the same issue - loud chain sound, so (after reading this thread yesterday) I dropped another quart of oil in the car and now it runs great! Smooth and quiet now, so I can vouch for the "eating oil" theory.

 

1. I deleted the thread about engine swaps. Just me venting off my soapbox, then thought better of clogging the forum with my banter. no mods involved

2. Regarding the earlier thread, I figured the oil light meant a pressure problem, not a oil level problem. At the time, I was still going to Valvolines to get oil changes, and my (then) new mechanic's diagnosis of low oil level made me suspect that Valvoline had F'd up. I monitored oil levels for 2 oil change cycles, and noticed no excess consumption. So, I dismissed the idea.

3. The excessive timing chain noise tipped me off that something was amiss, and now I know that the oil eating bug is indeed here.

 

I have engine parts from 2002 with 28K

http://s100.photobucket.com/albums/m...parts001-1.jpg