2001 Maxima burning oil

[zz6549]

I recently purchased a 2001 Maxima with 45k. After starting it in my garage at home, I noticed a strong smell of oil from the exhaust. I know older cars burn oil, but it is normal for a Maxima to do this with just 45k on it? It has the VQ30DE.

[loystock]

Check oil level with engine cold. If you're lucky, the oil could just have been overfilled or inadvertently got into the exhaust. Otherwise, you may have leaking engine oil seals (worn valve ring/seal) indicative of abuse by PO. If you're burning oil, exhaust will be bluish. If you have this problem only on start up, seals are partially worn but if i is continuous, seals are in bad shaoe. You need a trusted mechanic/shop to look into this as the repair can be expensive.

Did you get extended warranty when you bought the car?

[zz6549]

I just checked the oil. Engine was completely cold, and it was about half an inch above the H. I'm not sure by exactly how much it was overfilled, but there's certainly more oil than there should be in there. I hope that didn't cause damage to the engine.

I'll be changing it promptly. Do Maximas like synthetic oil?

Edit: There's a three month powertrain warranty, but I don't know if it would cover seals.
Modified by zz6549 at 5:12 PM 3/26/2010

[Markc]

Probably not. Warranties typically cover mechanical failure. Could it be that the valve cover(s) is(are) leaking and you smell oil burning on the exhaust manifold(s)?First things first though, get rid of the excess oil. Thats a seal killer.