Engine noise issue with my 2008 G37S

[pjl31445]

As I pulled up to my home yesterday I heard a knocking sound coming from the back of the engine. Repeated a few times last nite. Only heard the sound when I was in park and idling.Took today off and went to my dealer, found there is a service bulletin ITB08-028A for the problem. They reprogramed the ECM and performed a N/C oil change using Nissan Ester Oil.Service manager said it is the strangest service bulletin he has ever seen.So far no more sounds.What is Ester Oil ?

[marlin29311]

It's just Nissan's special motor oil. That's about it.

[G37 Man]

IT IS A VERY EXPENSIVE MOTOR OIL AT $16 A QT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.Did they say if you would have to continue using it? my dealer has had 2 G37sfor 08 in for the same problem.

[zozoka1212]

Yeah, Steve posted all about this few weeks ago. He even posted a picture of the oil.

Glad it is fixed for you.

zozo

[zozoka1212]

Here you go. All you have to do next time to visit more Nico. You get all the info here before it happens to you.

http://forums.g35club.org/zerothread?id=369083

Steve

zozo

[pjl31445]

Hi - thanks for responding. They did not say if I should continue. I will try a standard oil next time, if the noise reappears I will go back to Nissans oil.Have a nice day.

[telcoman]

As I pulled up to my home yesterday I heard a knocking sound coming from the back of the engine. Repeated a few times last nite. Only heard the sound when I was in park and idling.Took today off and went to my dealer, found there is a service bulletin ITB08-028A for the problem. They reprogramed the ECM and performed a N/C oil change using Nissan Ester Oil.Service manager said it is the strangest service bulletin he has ever seen.So far no more sounds.What is Ester Oil ?

Did it sound anything like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdW6R_sWwtk

Telcoman

[Jacko3]

I am glad they had it fixed. That ester oil is expensive. Anyway, I am thoroughly pleased with Royal Purple. I am not changing to any other oil anymore.

[Sentientbydesign]

Did it sound anything like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdW6R_sWwtk

Telcoman

Really not helpful, Telco.

As I pulled up to my home yesterday I heard a knocking sound coming from the back of the engine. Repeated a few times last nite. Only heard the sound when I was in park and idling.Took today off and went to my dealer, found there is a service bulletin ITB08-028A for the problem. They reprogramed the ECM and performed a N/C oil change using Nissan Ester Oil.Service manager said it is the strangest service bulletin he has ever seen.So far no more sounds.What is Ester Oil ?

I think you can get away with using another ester based synthetic that will save you some money. I'm pretty sure Motul makes an ester based synthetic that will work. They go for less thatn $16/qt.

[SteveTheTech]

I think you can get away with using another ester based synthetic that will save you some money. I'm pretty sure Motul makes an ester based synthetic that will work. They go for less thatn $16/qt.

No, the Motul is not API certified!!!

Here is a thread that a new member chimed in on at the end with something I have yet see.

The molecular adhesion of the Ester is beyond that of M1,RP, or any of the other things that the guys here use. The noise will return if it is not used. The best advise I can give you is to check online to see if you can find it cheaper than your dealer, but I strongly recommend using Nissan PN- 999mp-5w30ep. I know the Nissan dealers are slightly cheaper than Infiniti. I have talked to a few drivers that have seen a change in performance using conventional oil.

The ester bonds to the metal components like no other oil, when the engine is turned off there is a magnetic charge that bonds the atoms to the castings and rotating parts. The oil is more expensive and I sympathize for the owners who bought these cars without knowing this. The recommend retaining the factory service intervals but my question is using this superior oil should get you more miles from it correct? I am not thinking anything extreme but even if it can get you 5,000 miles per change that would justify the price slightly more.

[SteveTheTech]

So after some serious Googling I found the European Patent for Nissans Ester oil. I have spent a serious amount of time looking for something that breaks this down technically. I came across numerous threads on some of the other forums out there spewing crap from people who know nothing, please beware of the rampant misinformation out there!

Nissan Ester Oil Patent

It is pretty technical but if you read it it does (at least in my book) somewhat justify the cost, molybdenum is not a cheap element and the R&D behind this break though needs to be recovered.

[Jacko3]

Steve:

Really technical and interesting info. I think RP has molybdenum in their Synerlec additive--maybe to a lower extent than Nissans oil. Thanks.

[Sentientbydesign]

No, the Motul is not API certified!!!

I'm looking at one of their datasheets and it says API certified. The 8100 series is also advertised as "100% ester based synthetic".

Riverside Infiniti actually sells Motul.

[SteveTheTech]

That's fine they can sell people whatever they want. I am just showing the facts of what the oil actually is. There may indeed be Motul out there that works most of what I looked at (very little due to faded interest) did not have proper qualification to be used in a $45,000 new car. I know that I would not trust it if I had one.

[Sentientbydesign]

My point here is that you're making unqualified comments (and underlining them for that matter).

The API certification means it meets basic lubricating requirements if I understand it correctly.

On the BITOG forum and another infiniti forum, there are claims that the oil is conventional with an ester additive. There are also claims from owners that the oil did not solve the problem.

[SteveTheTech]

WTF ever Nate, I am not going to play this piss ant slap fest, you do not need to worry about this.

Bust my nuts if you want I really do not care I am putting this info out there so people can make an educated decision based on actual fact and technical analysis of the product. The Motul comments came from a reliable source (actual person not the crazy old interwebs). I feel strongly about this product and I feel that our members should have correct information. I do not care about other oils or if people want to debate what is best I am just laying it out there.

I could give a sh*t less what other people are posting in other forums. I only participate in Nico. Whatever you feel about this is great you are entitled to your opinion and you are more than free to dissect anything I post here.

Oh Nate I can underline anything I feel like.

[notalk]

So after some serious Googling I found the European Patent for Nissans Ester oil. I have spent a serious amount of time looking for something that breaks this down technically. I came across numerous threads on some of the other forums out there spewing crap from people who know nothing, please beware of the rampant misinformation out there!

Nissan Ester Oil Patent

It is pretty technical but if you read it it does (at least in my book) somewhat justify the cost, molybdenum is not a cheap element and the R&D behind this break though needs to be recovered.

Thank you. I had looked for something when this oil first came out, but that was before the October 15, 2008 application.

I have asked people at BobIsTheOilGuy.com to try and explain what makes the Nissan Ester oil different from others.

By the way, most oils have molybdenum, maybe not to the same extent, but still present. I have my guesses as to what might result in a patentable difference, but I'll wait for the BITOG experts.

[notalk]

On the BITOG forum and another infiniti forum, there are claims that the oil is conventional with an ester additive. There are also claims from owners that the oil did not solve the problem.

Some of those oil posts were mine. The Nissan Ester bottle says it is oil, not synthetic, not semi-synthetic, just oil. A local dealer mechanic checked with Infiniti and was told it is conventional 5W-30 oil, with either an additional ester additive or multiple ester additives, and most likely made by Eneos for Nissan. He was also told Nissan has no plans to make just an additive available.

A poster on G35NYC said his dealer changed his oil with Nissan Ester oil, and the noise went away for 6 days. Then, returned.

To the original poster, the "issue" is that after the engine was warmed up, the original software did not always allow the VVEL to "return" to idle specs at idle rpm's. So, with the valve timing being "off", you would hear the knock. It does not seem plausible that oil alone could cure the problem.

I had my software updated before the TSB was updated for the Nissan Ester oil and before the Nissan Ester oil was released. The update cured my knock without the Nissan Ester oil.

[SteveTheTech]

I have asked people at BobIsTheOilGuy.com to try and explain what makes the Nissan Ester oil different from others.

LOL I was reading your posts searching for this.

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

So to get this clear for me and others....

If you have a G37 you need to use ester oil?

[SteveTheTech]

Not need it is highly recommended.

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

ok well at 16 bux a qt... I think I would have to do without! I will spend 8 for RP but that is it!

DJ

[Jacko3]

Steve:

Do you think this ester oil is the very same oil they use in the Nissan GTR? Does the GTR have its own special oil or can the car use oils like Mobil 1, Amsoil, RP, etc?

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

I would think the best oil is going to be in the GTR so that would be also good for the G too!

[zozoka1212]

Did it sound anything like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdW6R_sWwtk

Telcoman

zozo

[zozoka1212]

Really interesting the whole thread. I only can see 2 things why this happenes. 1 maybe the oil doesn't get everywhere and every time you need. 2 some of the internal parts are out of spec or stupid design and they need a thicker oil.

It is like a worn engine with the Lucas product.

Glad I did not wait till the G37 sedan came out. I smell trouble later with these engines.

zozo

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

Don't be such a debbie downer Zozo! I want a G37 sedan!

DJ

[zozoka1212]

LOL

Just want to make myself feel better.

No but seriously it would bug the crap out of me not to know what the problem is. Just scary.

zozo

[marlin29311]

Lets just hope they get it fixed by the time I'm in the market for a new car :-p

[fbpem1]

Well here goes a huge rant.....

For the nissan GTR it is a 0W-40 mobil 1 only, if any other oil is used in that car BYE BYE warranty. So the oil in the 3.7l is definatly differant than the oil in the GTR. This is not a case of whats good for the goose is good for the gander.

The GTR was designed with that oil in mind kind of like the 3.7hr was designed with ester oil in mind.

I spoke with a fluid engineer about this matter and this is a direct quote from him "motul is motorcycle oil, its NOT THE SAME" Nissan Ester Oil is definatly differant it is patented (as you can see) and it will not be sold in another box/bottle until the patent is up obviously the onlyway your getting it is through nissan/infiniti with the part # 999MP-5W30EP

This is a huge hot topic throughout the nissan/infiniti community both with techs/asm's/customers all have the same questions all have the same qualms with why this is being implicated.

Why can't you use whats recommended for your vehicle and just call it done? shop around find the cheapest price or become friends with the tech/asm/service manager and take a employee discount if your that disgrunted about this.

One thing i do find funny is how everyone speaks about this like thier an expert one person i saw imperticular would have to be everyones good friend sentiantbydesign or however you spell it. You claim someone is not qualified to say something about the matter of this, yet you yourself are king of it? thats how i read it at least. Heres one question i have for you what makes you an electrical engineer? do you know what your grounding kit does? really it makes the engine bay more crowded gaudy and skews signals on 5 volt systems of the car. Don't believe me take out a fluke 87 or equivelant and do a voltage drop test from the negative battery cable to the dash tube on a stock car and then test one of your grounding kits. I can already tell you your going to have a skewed number....why you ask? too much resistance through the line. your just adding wieght and unneccsary wireing tto the car that has zero benifet at all. I'm not claiming to be a electrical engineer but i do know what i'm talking about.

Back to the subject of ester oil...i for one am a avid fan of using OE parts and OE recommened lubricants in my car, over the 40+ that i have owned all of them ran great no problems thats both new and used, high line, low line dosn't matter. Use what the factory recommeneds and you will not have a problem with warrenty or driveability issues. Regardless of cost why does it matter you buy a high line car wouldn't you expect to pay more for service i know i do i know my mother does. It goes hand in hand. Want a 20 dollar oil change buy a damn kia.

Tampa G35 Sedan 6mt: this is not a issue that needs "fixed" it is not an issue at all actually i have seen these heads torn apart and if you would skaur the internet to find a picture of this head you will pretty much see why it needs the friction properties of the nano particles in this oil since the engine technically only has 2 cams

In conclusion stop bitching about it theres nothing you can do about it theres no point, you bought the car maintain it and enjoy it.

I do appoligize if i sounded a bit angry in my post aside from what was posted to mr. ground kit. Its just very annoying to hear this day in day out at work and people expecting a new state of the art motor that is a v6 and puts down amazing power n/a and is effiecent as hell. you HAVE to pay to play. Who here remebers the old saying...fast, cheap, reliable...CHOOSE 2 thats all you get.

/rant

EDIT- Spell check is not working here.