I just found this interesting thread, which claims that 02 Pathfinders are prone to burn oil due to a right valve cover defect.
http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/11 ... onsumption
Since my car mysteriously burns oil, and since my right catalytic converter is throwing a P0420, this issue affects me.
Has anyone heard of this?
2002 Pathfinder oil consumption: valve cover defect?
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AZhitman
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Re: 2002 Pathfinder oil consumption: valve cover defect?
We've been keeping n eye on this issue for several years now. I'm not convinced it's a real issue, because:
1) Lots of engines have similar oil consumption issues
2) Data is clouded by high-mileage trucks with bad rings
3) Bad PCV can cause the same symptom
4) The issue was originally determined to be a Maxima problem (same engine, but different configuration for FWD).
5) The VQ35DE was in a LOT of RWD vehicles... they should all have the same issue, but don't.
I'd follow the path that's been blazed by several other VQ35 owners - install an oil catch can - AFTER you replace your PVC. Monitor consumption after replacing the PVC and see if that clears it up. If not, the oil catch can is a smart addition, and will also prevent lowering the octane of your fuel and should improve mileage somewhat.
You can search this site for "oil catch can" threads & articles, and here's a video (specific to the G35/350Z, but helpful): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zApaVJnmi_U
1) Lots of engines have similar oil consumption issues
2) Data is clouded by high-mileage trucks with bad rings
3) Bad PCV can cause the same symptom
4) The issue was originally determined to be a Maxima problem (same engine, but different configuration for FWD).
5) The VQ35DE was in a LOT of RWD vehicles... they should all have the same issue, but don't.
I'd follow the path that's been blazed by several other VQ35 owners - install an oil catch can - AFTER you replace your PVC. Monitor consumption after replacing the PVC and see if that clears it up. If not, the oil catch can is a smart addition, and will also prevent lowering the octane of your fuel and should improve mileage somewhat.
You can search this site for "oil catch can" threads & articles, and here's a video (specific to the G35/350Z, but helpful): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zApaVJnmi_U
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atraudes
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Re: 2002 Pathfinder oil consumption: valve cover defect?
Brilliant! I didn't even know about catch cans! I'll definitely be rigging one up this summer when I replace my valve cover gaskets. Mine doesn't burn oil (significantly, anyway), but I did notice a lovely film of oil in my intake plenum and have been wanting to take care of that.
Thanks guys!
Thanks guys!
Re: 2002 Pathfinder oil consumption: valve cover defect?
I've got an '02 oil burner as well and have also been curious about the valve cover claims. So far I don't think I've seen anyone who has said that it definitely solved the issue. I guess the oil catch can is the next step for me, just need a bit of time to install one.
I did notice some improvement when I switched from 5-30 synthetic to a 10-30 high mileage oil. However I still always make sure I have a jug of oil in the back.
Good luck and let us know what you find.
I did notice some improvement when I switched from 5-30 synthetic to a 10-30 high mileage oil. However I still always make sure I have a jug of oil in the back.
Good luck and let us know what you find.
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AZhitman
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Re: 2002 Pathfinder oil consumption: valve cover defect?
Glad to have you guys aboard! 
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rgk
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Re: 2002 Pathfinder oil consumption: valve cover defect?
I replaced my PCV valve, switched to 10w-40, and wow! What a difference.
The car used to burn a quart around every 500 miles, now it burns roughly a quart every 2000.
I had power valve screw damage, and my compression is uneven at 130-150, so I know that is the reason why it burns a quart every 2000. However, I experienced a significant improvement after replacing the PCV.
The car used to smell like burning oil after long trips on hot days - no longer. I also replaced my spark plugs and gained a significant mileage improvement. The car used to dump raw, unburned fuel. I could smell it. No longer.
The car used to burn a quart around every 500 miles, now it burns roughly a quart every 2000.
I had power valve screw damage, and my compression is uneven at 130-150, so I know that is the reason why it burns a quart every 2000. However, I experienced a significant improvement after replacing the PCV.
The car used to smell like burning oil after long trips on hot days - no longer. I also replaced my spark plugs and gained a significant mileage improvement. The car used to dump raw, unburned fuel. I could smell it. No longer.