Ester Oil and Other Things

[Jacko3]

Went to get my brakes done at the Nissan dealership yesterday. So, i decided to get into a discussion with the Service Manager about Ester Oil---this guy is knowledgable and wise. He confirms with an e-mail form Nissan that, ESTER OIL IS ONLY RECOMMENDED AND NOT REQUIRED. Any 5w-30 oil will work just fine with the G-37 and Nissan Maxima. Whatever was making noises in some G-37 could easily be solved with the ECU reflashing alone.

Well, I also got my front brakes done as they were shot. These were factory brakes I put on in April of 2008 and by November, they are gone----barely got 16,000 miles out of them---I have been a bad boy of late on my secret track----unusually went 4 laps on my secret track on Thanksgiving day. Anywho, I was able to get a second turn on the front factory rotors, which was nice.

Yes, it is possible to get up to two turns on factory rotors if you work with the same technician throughout the life of your car, and you are in communication with him as to the limits of what you are doing to the car. We literally discuss my car like a project each time I visit him so that we can go over what needs to be done immedaitely and what needs to be done in the future. And by the way, it cost me $50 to get the front brake job done---this includes turning the rotor as well.

While turning my rotor, he did somethig to my rotor which I had never seen any technician do before. He used a sort of a small sanding device on a rotating spindle to press against the rotors, while it was turning on the lathe machine. Of course, he did this after the rotor had first been turned. He said, the second process was to change the direction the old pads had created on the rotor by making the rotor non-directional. Very interesting process, and the first time I had ever seen this done before---I am not sure doing the brakes at home is a great idea anymore. So, my rotors actually get a two-stage process before it gets slammed with new pads. Oh, he also adjusted my clutch a little bit so that it can bite better. he is in touch with my car in equal measure as I am as well. And while he was at it, I went ahead and did another Royal Purple oil change again---nothing like fresh oil, brothers, nothing like fresh oil.

And when my mechanic was done with the brakes, he took it out to get the brakes bedded properly. now my brakes grab like those of a brand new G-37.

I feel like the luckiest G-35 Coupe driver because I have a great relationship with my technician who also gives me great rates. So, i will be buying him some small christmas gift in a few weeks. My advice to many is make sure you establish a long lasting relationship with a technician you trust and stick with them for the life of the car if you can. It pays dividend in the end.

Modified by Jacko3 at 6:28 PM 11/29/2008
Modified by Jacko3 at 6:35 PM 11/29/2008

[awdjdmtalon]

Jacko....Very well said. I wish I had 1000 customers like you. Man my day would be great. I make money and you are HAPPY.

[smockers83]

unusually went 4 laps on my secret track on Thanksgiving day.

In-laws?

[SVTCOBRA]

Great deal on the brake job Jacko!! I don't think I'll be able to get front pads for less than $50.My mech. buddy mentioned having my front rotors turned a different way to get rid of my squeel. Think it was a second cut....When I purchsed my coupe, the dealer had installed new Nissan pads, but not sure he turned the rotors at all.They stop great! I've taken them off and put anti-squeel goo on them, but they still squeel a bit. I just turn the radio up in traffic!

[Jacko3]

Thanks! when I got to do the dealership, my mechanic drove my car a little and before I even got to tell him that my clutch needed some adjustment, he was the one telling me the same thing before i could open my mouth. That's how connected he is to my car.

[Jacko3]

Thanks!

[zozoka1212]

You should try the eneos oil.

http://www.eneos.us/products.php?pk=7

zozo

[Jacko3]

Zozo;

I am totally satisfied with Royal Purple. I went out this night to flog the car and at 4,500 RPM and above, my G's power output was a littel scary and unbeleivable. I couldn't ask for more from any oil.

Royal Purple is Power On Demand.
Modified by Jacko3 at 10:27 PM 11/29/2008

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

Very nice...

So to clear things up... Ester is recommended... Then why do the techs say it is what causes the problem?

DJ

[Jacko3]

One of the reason the techs may suggest using the ester oil is that all G-37s and Nissan Maximas come from the factory with the ester oil. And when they are sold, they don't make the type of noise some very few customers of g-37s have experienced. And so, the natural, wise, and sound choice is to go back to what the manufacturer had in the car the very first day the customer bought the car. So, if i was a tech, i probably would have recommended the ester oil as well to make sure i cover all my bases as far as warranty issues are concerned. And as a customer, using the ester oil could make it easier to get warranty job done without questions. But again, how many people who own G-37s have ever had a serious engine issue to justify using ester oils? Just my 2 cents.

[G37 Man]

How did the RP look after the oil change,I believe you change every 3K?

[Jacko3]

It looked black and dark when coming from the oil drain----RP is already dark purple to begin with when going into the car. But on the dipstick, it ooked like any other used oil in your car, but a little more transparent than most oils at higher mileage.

[SteveTheTech]

So Jacko did you run through a set of pads or just warp your rotors?

I agree with Jerry I wish I had more customers who were actually interested in their car like that. As my post whoring here will show, I enjoy talking about cars and especially Infinitis with everyone.

The application of a non directional finish is recommended when resurfacing rotors is how it is supposed to be done. Personally I have a slightly overkill way of doing I always turn the rotors at the slowest speed (even on the fast cut), while cutting at no more than 0.004" for the first cut and 0.003" for a fine cut. After shutting the machine off and inspection the complete surface with my fingers, I run some emery cloth over it in counterclockwise circles. Why counter clockwise because it makes the same pattern that the new Brembo rotors have and it makes a very professional look if it is done properly. I also always do it by hand to get a feel on the rotors so as not scratch it too deeply. When cleaning a rotor after resurfacing, I use some diluted spray nine to soak the rotor(you would be surprised how much more stuff comes off with this instead of brake clean) and wipe it off with a hand full of paper towels.

Ester Oil, is and should remain recommended by the company. I strongly recommend it as having driven both and if you guys are like me you would want to use the best products available. I don't want to get into another debate about this. Use it don't use it, it's your car. If the manager says that you can use whatever you want I would ask to get it in writing and keep that in my glove box, just in case it's needed someday. That's my 0.02

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

Get it in writing! That is a good point Steve!

DJ

[SteveTheTech]

I would be really interested to see if they would be willing to sign something that says that. The company won't come out with anything that makes a point either way.

[Jacko3]

Steve:

I ran through a set of pads, and so he went through the whole nine yards. I am impressed with your techniques. As you can see, such techniques you mention is the reason why sticking with experienced Techs like you and awdjdmtalon, is an excellent idea. I doubt Techs in independent shops want to take time to do that sort of fine work, and this is not to knock independent shops or their techs. Excellently said.

By the way Steve, I love the Homer evolution episode you posted. I find that evolution piece to be one of the most intellectually stimulating aspects of the "Simpsons". Most people don't realize that the "Simpsons" actually requires a very good dose of knowledge before their witty parody can be appreciated. I love the "Simpsons"---best show on tv ever. I have to get back to buying up the DVD of previous episodes---I haven't done so in about a year.

Forget family Guy or American Dad---they are terrible, and I intend to keep knocking those two shows whenever I get the chance. I can't beleive a show that does nothing to elevate one's thinking is even allowed near my holy Simpsons.

[SteveTheTech]

That's impressive that you managed to run through a set of the new design pads in 6,000 miles, I am really wondering what you do to your car? It sounds like fun.

About my signature, I was hoping people see that for more than it was. That is how I feel and since this is such a polarized group it's my own personal statement. The Simpsons has been my favorite show for a very long time, ever since I have been watching them new on Sunday nights as a kid I knew there was always more to it and watching them now I get the deeper political statements of these show. Evolution is my favorite topic too and that is a great reference in 740 frames.

As for Family Guy and American Dad, I like both of them on a different level as I either currently live or grew up in the places where they take place(unlike the Simpsons which is similar to every small town, although it has mountains,and is on the ocean and also only a short distance from corn fields and has snow in the winter, lol). Although I find Family Guy to be the superior show, as I find that type of sketch/non politically correct humor funny. That's just my personal taste though, sometimes laughing at tasteless humor makes the reality of the situations portrayed seem slightly less dramatic. I like political satire in many forms from tasteless to overly educated NPR discussions(despite my lack of degree, I am socially aware of my surroundings).

[Jacko3]

Steve:

Nice! You mean 16,000 miles. All I do is go driving---and I mean really driving. Actually, my goal is keep driving hard and hope that the car holds up before I pay it off in 2010---that would have been my 3rd year of ownership. If the car falls apart after paying it off, I really don't mind as I feel I have gotten my money's worth from it. This car needs to be driven hard. I would hate to baby a G-35 Coupe of 350z and yet have issues with it. I have no plans to baby the car anytime soon eventhough its a 2007 G-35 Coupe. if the engine falls apart, which I seriously doubt, I have no problem buying another engine and possibly including a power adder. The car is simply a toy and nothing more, and I like it that way. There is nothing practical about the G-35 coupe and 350Z in my opinion. So, i drive the car like a toy.

[Sentientbydesign]

This is purely speculative, but I am inclined to believe that the ester oil was designed and put into the car by Nissan in order to improve their EPA fuel economy numbers.

Again, speculation, but that would make logical sense (despite the ridiculously high cost).

[Jacko3]

Nate:

I agree that improved fuel economy maybe one of many reasons why they used the Ester Oil. But as far as I am concerned, I actually read the e-mail from Nissan themself on this matter with my own two eyes. Of course, no one is going to let me have a hard copy of the e-mail. If I had a G-37, I probably would consider using the ester oil only for the purposes of making sure my warranty is good.

[notalk]

This is purely speculative, but I am inclined to believe that the ester oil was designed and put into the car by Nissan in order to improve their EPA fuel economy numbers.

Again, speculation, but that would make logical sense (despite the ridiculously high cost).

The European Patent Application claims the ester oil improves fuel economy by means of carbon additives which reduce friction over the diamond-like coatings used by Nissan on the inside of the valve heads. That's it. A fuel economy oil.