Common Oil Leak Problem?

[Guju Rider]

I recently noticed after my last oil change that after some highway driving (about an hours worth) I smell something with a burning rubber smell. So while I was at Firestone getting my alignment done, the guy had told me that the oil is a bit low, but the car is still drivable. He said with the number of miles (154,xxx), it could be a leak coming from the block. So I took it to the people that I haven going to get my oil change since I stopped going to Infiniti. I had the belts checked and they were all good, but then when they took off the shroud (usually taken off during the oil change process), they saw a lot of oil. They cleaned it up and let the car run for a bit, but no signs of where it was coming from. They topped it off before giving me the car back but still, I know oil burning doesn't smell like rubber. I did look up some stuff and people say that it could be valve covers, worn gasket, improper filter install, improper drain plug install, or oil dripping onto the exhaust. They said drive it for a week and if the problem consists, then they'll suggest an O-ring replacement service. Which I truly hope its not anything worse than just doing the O-ring replacement. I want to keep this car as long as possible I love this car.


So what seems to be the common problem among G35 owners and what can I do at home to avoid "inspection" fees before having to pay someone to find the problem?


Thanks for the input and sorry for the long post.

[joe603]

Not sure...the ring issue is more common in the VQ35HR (05-07/8). You have a leak which could be from anywhere...I would clean the engine (easier if using a lift) and check it after a day. You can also use special dye used to locate leaks.

In the meantime, check your oil before you leave in the morning to monitor.

[RED_DET]

I'm not surprised that VQ w/150K miles is burning oil... mine burns oil with 25k miles and the engine that was replaced burned oil and it had 52k miles on it.... the oil showing on the undershield is probably leakage from when the oil changes were done. The valve cover gaskets are a definite area for leakage.