blue smoke? (2003 Infiniti M45)

[caug1]

hello everyone,i notice lately when i start the car light blue smoke.please tell me why?

#1. i use mobile 1 full sint. 5w30, 10w30.#2. change oil every 3k. (add one quart for 3k)#3. i did the dicarb service too.thanks an advance.caug.

[nmgoodthing]

Sounds like the dreaded oil consumption problem to me. Better go get it checked out.

[caug1]

anybody eles have opinion on this matter?what would they try to fix?thanks,caug.

[audtatious]

I didn't think the M45 had a consumption problem. Blue smoke means small amounts of oil are seaping into the cylinder while the car is sitting, thus when you crank it you see that oil burning off. The causes can range from oil getting past the PCV valve into the IM and dripping in, a bad ring or even a valve seal problem. Have you noticed any oil consumption during oil changes (oil low)?

I'd have it looked at just to be safe.

[szh]

Nope, the 2003 and 2004 M45 do have an oil consumption problem on certain number of engines - also true for the first few years of the Q45's with the VK45 engines too. I do not know the exact percentage of engines that exhibit this, but it does exist. And, fwiw, all the VK45 (and some of the VK35's too) engines appear to "use" some oil, unlike the VH45, which never did.

But, as far as I know though, it does not develop suddenly. If the engine was not broken in properly, it is either there right from the beginning or not! So, regardless, yes, I would still get it looked at immediately. Don't let a failed part issue go for long. Could also be a valve seal issue ... maybe a injector cleaning session (BG44K) could help (this is a stab in the dark, of course)

Does the oil level look like it has dropped significantly recently?

Z

[audtatious]

Learn something new every day

[szh]

Learn something new every day

No sweat!

Also, I think that over-filling the engine (i.e., too much oil) may be a problem too, but I am not sure of this. Hence, my question about the current oil level ... has it changed recently? Did the OP add some oil and it started showing these symptoms?

My recommended procedure for oil level checks is simple: Do it on a stone-cold engine (like in the morning before starting up) on level ground. Then, make sure the oil level is kept in the upper half of the range - i.e., if it gets near or drops below the halfway mark, add about 1/4 qt or so.

So ... I tend to add about 1/4 to 1/3 quart at the halfway mark between oil changes basically - this last time, it was about 1/4 qt. When it next needs another 1/4 to 1/3 quart, it is time for me to get the oil and filter changed anyway!

BTW, I'd also avoid any oil additive (stay COMPLETELY away from the Lucas oil additive crap!) at all on these engines.

Z

[caug1]

oil is good. i drove 1500 miles needed half a quart. no oil additives.

i had carbon clean svc -bg/003parts:carbon treatment-bg/cleantotal$143.00i do punch it 35% of reg. driving.i will bring it in soon.thanks.

[szh]

Please also let us know what the dealer says ... thanks!

Z

[viperatc1]

caug i'm having the same prob. i went away for the weekend and when i got back and started the m it left a cloud of smoke like you would'nt believe. and i'm also consuming 1and a 1\2 - 2 quarts of oil in between oil changes. a guy i know has the same exact prob with his and infinity is changing his motor as we speak.they should do the same for us those bastards.they know these motors have problems with oil consumption but just hping they can turn away most customers. i'm starting my oil consumtion test today. i know its gonna fail the test so if they give me some b/s i might have to take matters into my own hands. please reply.. thanks

[viperatc1]

p:s i really love this car to death. comfort, drivetrain,unique body style, the car will be with me forever even if they dont replace the motor.which i think they don't have a choice at this point. i will keep everyone posted. wish me luck!

[TexasMadrone]

viperatc1I've tried to start an oil consumption test three times and have had to call it off due to trips interupting the dealers request to return at the 1,000 mile period. I plan to start another test again at next oil change.Example of my '03 M45: On a just returned 2,640 mile trip, I had to add 2 quarts =1,320 miles per quart. Though I don't like this condition, I think Infiniti's position is 1 Qt./1,000 is their ruling on engine replacement. If someone has more correct info, please advise. As other's have mentioned, serveral different mechanical conditions can cause us to consume oil. A little, and I mean very little "leftover" oil in the cylinder might not be all that bad since dry cyl. starting adds to wear. This is, of course, subject to debate and based on how much oil is involved. I too sometimes get the "blue smoke" from time to time and I'll just have to see how it shakes out from the oil test. Glad I have the warranty elite program just in case!

TexasMadrone

[sr79labrat]

Just curious....

Does your cars do this every time they are started?

Are the cars sitting for long periods of time before starts?

Hmmmmm Have not noticed this about mine, but if it blows I am throwing in a 502 RamJet from GM.

Lata, KTW

[TexasMadrone]

sr79labrat

No...smokes only randomly on mine. No pattern. Might go weeks with none, might be the next day; might be if sits a few days; might do it a couple days in a row. No hard start. No soot in exhaust pipe so it must not be building up.

TexasMadrone

[viperatc1]

i have similar simptoms with my m. i started the oil consumption test. my freinds 04 m45 burns 1 quart of oil in between oil changes and they still gave him a new engine. i burn close to 2 quarts an oil change. i am more consurned with the blue smoke than anything.

[sr79labrat]

The blue smoke is the oil so that explains the drop. I guess I would really keep tabs on that and see if you can get the dealer to replace the engine before it is to late. I guess it seems like a nag factor. My idea is just that the M45 has lots of moving parts so it is easy enough to burn the oil up. It is probably above average oil consumption to burn a qt....2 seems quite excessive! I would make sure to make notes on all mait as well as talk to the stealership about getting a new engine w/o the problem.

I hope this does not happen to me though all seems good so far! How hard are you guys driving? Just curious?

Thx, Kyle

[viperatc1]

most of the time it's just casual driving but, i do punch it once in a while.

[szh]

most of the time it's just casual driving but, i do punch it once in a while.

Me too!

Z

[caug1]

Went to the dealer and they told me not to worry. titanium parts in the enging and (ethenol )?addetives in the gas something has to do with italso told me to do decarb service every 15k and use techron fuel sys. cleaner.i had abs sensor broken atleast got fixed.

[szh]

Went to the dealer and they told me not to worry. titanium parts in the enging and (ethenol )?addetives in the gas something has to do with italso told me to do decarb service every 15k and use techron fuel sys. cleaner.

Uh ... the Chevron techron fuel additive (the one sold in most auto parts places) is too mild - even the "concentrated" one. Only use it if you can't find the real stuff (see below).

The real recommended fuel additive is BG-44K. You can find it on eBay pretty easily. Do it every 3000 miles or so ... no more often than that. Nissan/Infiniti dealer also has something similar (supposedly), but this is not a proven fact ... you are probably better off using BG-44K.

Also, try to find Chevron gas stations ... you get a little Techron with every fill-up. It also does not hurt to do some WOT's occasionally! Lots of fun!

Z