02 Q45 oil leak dipstick reading the same empty and full

[Dmacc420]

Ok s here's the deal. Quickover view of the car02 Q45 I believe a sport not really sure never looked up the VIN. Brother had the car before me and he's one of the never maintain then discard types. Needed everything. This far two rear cats have been removed
4 new coils
sparks
Valve covers
Intake boot
Motor mounts
transmission mount
Hub assemblies
Sway bar links (one was lietrally broken off )

I change my own oil usually 10-30 penz high mi. I noticed a small drip of oil on the driveway and I mean small. Last two times I changed the oil at 3k I only drained out a qt maybe two. Oil light coming on when I brake due to sloshing at right around 3k.

Here's the kicker the dipstick never showed a low reading.
I check my oil frequently
There inlies the question wtf
I know there is a small leak somewhere
I know these engines eat oil and I'm at 175 k of rough miles so probably eats more
But 4 qts in 3k mi?
And doesn't read as low ?
Do these dipsticks suck?

[Q451990]

That doesn't sound right... so it reads the same right after a full oil change, and then when it's 4 quarts low?

[EdBwoy]

Not an issue I've heard of around here. Is the dipstick handle yellow? I'm trying to figure out if it's the correct Nissan one - length especially, so post pictures if you can.

I'd also drain the oil completely then check the dipstick to see what it says of an empty sump.


Pic from my 03 M45 of what the OEM one could look like and be oriented as:

[Dmacc420]

Yes it is the correct stick. And yes I drained the oil and got probably a qt and a half check the oil just before and after replacing old oil with 5.6qt dipstick reads full. I will take pics

[Dmacc420]

I'll check it on the morning and post a pic

[HollywoodJackson]

That oil consumption rate sounds like mine.

[HollywoodJackson]

That oil consumption rate sounds like mine. Edited... No, that rate doesn't sound like mine.

All the best,
~HollywoodJackson~