Just got the latest report back from my 09 with 415,000 miles (at the time) Highly recommend everyone do this periodically. http://www.blackstone-labs.net Only $28 and they will send you the kit free.

 

What oil and filter you're using for the past few years? And what is your OCI?
Good report.

 

Since the first change at 5000. Mobil 1 5w30 ( the standard synthetic..not the high milage or extended change interval stuff) and mobil 1 filter m108 (now m108a) and every 5000 miles since except for 1 time i took it to a mobil one oil change place and theu put 0w20. Ive been doing my on changes ever since.

 

Mobile 1 synthetic oil and filter are quality products.

 

The highway driving is the true key to the longevity of this engine, oil is always burning off any water, fuel. and with full hydrodynamic flow, the metal parts are always separated by the layer of oil. Not to discount the OCD maintenance schedule !!

 

Tru Dat, but am more concerned with the timing chain as my last car imploded from poor maintenance practices (if the engineers say replace timing belt at 100,000; don't wait until 225,000! (Doh). One of the reasons I went with a maxima was the timing chain vs belt. But at least i learned my lesson about setting a maintenace plan and staying OCD with it. The first indication of failure should show up in the report and is more dependent on cycle times as well as usage (or so one of the MEs told me and I can see his logic) just glad it is working
The old school indications were a tail pipe free of oil and soot. Mine are still very, very clean. Additionally, the cvt oil still a transulcent green. I also wondered what it might show on my next drain and fill/filter change. Hmmmmmm

But too, the bolt thru the radiator a year or so back made me hope I shut it down in time to prevent head warpage and it appears i lucked out.

 

I still have an eighth of a drained quart of CVT fluid. Thinking about sending to Blackstone.

 

As long as it was a clean catch, sure. I am not due for another 10k so let us know what they say if you do yours before i get to mine!

 

Since you CVT "touch wood" has 400+ k miles:
What is your "usual" throttle, launching from, say a red light on a flat ground in a 45mph zone?

 

I know from your confession... you've got your certificate from the School of Hard Knocks!

Chain or belt, is not such a big deal for me - provided the rubber belt is not so hard to access for inspection and eventual replacement. I've done many timing belts over the years, the easiest was a 1986 Mazda 626, did that one 2x over our ownership. Hardest was my 2004 VW Passat with the 1.8 Turbo, what a PITA with the front end having to get pulled forward to gain access, 3x on that one - extra 1x due to failure of a Hepu water pump. Chains are nice, but if the oil changes are not done promptly or incorrect grade used, the eventual stretch will prompt a check engine light for the variable valve timing system - this was not an issue in the old days.