fluid loss and random misfire

[gasman42]

my 2009 murano looses fluid with no visible leaks, occasional engine light reads random misfire....sometimes studders on start-up. need to fill coolant res. about every few thousand miles...any ideas what is up before I take it to the dealer?

[gasman42]

Took it to the dealer, 2 hours later said I had a blown head gasket, fluid in cylinders, cracked and warped heads...needed new engine cost 11K. Had service records showing approximately every 20K miles always had cooling issue (3 fan replacements). With 70k miles would not cover under warranty. Elevated to Nissan with same results. Had a second opinion done at another Nissan dealer. Day later after running 3 tests told me nothing was wrong with my car. Moral of the story, second opinions can save you big $$$ and there are dealers out there that still want to rip you off. Took the documentation and filed with the state Attorney General.

[kerrton]

I know this is an old story but boy this one sounds interesting. I was searching for issues with the VQ35 engine, found next to none, seems to be a very reliable design. But this one came up and made me wonder - how can there be any dispute regarding a head gasket failure? Or am I missing something, did shop #2 replace the head gasket and send you on your way rather than replacing the entire engine?

If the head is cracked I don't see how this could be open to interpretation, you have no choice but to replace the head and possibly other damaged parts including the pistons, valves, and possibly even the block if the piston walls were scored. And, did you say shop #1 quoted you $11,000 for a replacement VQ engine??!! That had to be a mis-type!!!

[KJSmitty]

Totally believable,

My wife's 2009 Mo is in the shop now getting the head gaskets replaced. I have complained every time it was at the dealer since 5000 miles that it was leaking antifreeze - not dripping but it was leaking. Dealer just kept stating no leak and nothing wrong. Now at "59,800" miles on the clock they agree its had head gasket leaks all along?? Of course I had to walk them down the road to this conclusion. Had nothing to do with the large accumulation of greenish crust near the head/block seam........ Hmmmmm

Guess I should be happy they agreed to perform the repair under warranty. Hopefully the Mo will be fine when complete. Fingers crossed.

[kerrton]

I'm surprised that you ran for over 50,000 miles with a bad headgasket, did you ever notice a milky look to your engine oil on the dipstick? You must've had a very small leak, but either way even a small amount of coolant in the engine oil quickly reduces the oils ability to lubricate and clean. The VQ is obviously quite a durable engine, but the only way to know for sure is to remove the head, inspect the valves, pistons, cam etc. for signs of abnormal wear prior to installing a new headgastket and reinstalling the head. Let us know how she runs afterwards!

[KJSmitty]

Yes Kerrton,
Antifreeze in the crankcase was exactly my main concern that the dealership refused to entertain due to they refused to "state or consider" a head gasket issue for the last 3 yrs. I have seen pictures of an 09 VQ with the heads off/getting new head gaskets. Where the seeps typically occur - more at the top/intake area than bottom/exhaust area, finding a way into the oil return passages isn't as likely. The bottom area could find its way onto a return passage but after chatting with the Nissan Tech that was performing the replacement, he stated the ones he had accomplished it wasn't the case.
I've also performed every oil change on the Mo and not once during checking the oil or changing have I ever seen a sign of moisture etc. Though a small amount at a time may never result in discoloration etc.

I am very concerned of the outcome and almost considered not even continuing my quest with the dealer. I just didn't want to get stuck with the bill 20k miles after the warranty expired. Part of the reason I waited this long was to ensure my Mo wasn't the first for my dealership.... We'll see, was told it would be done tomorrow. I'm thinking more like next Friday....

Cheers

[kerrton]

If you checked and changed the oil regularly and never noticed any sign of coolant I wouldn't worry, and considering your knowledge of this on other Murano's I think you'll be fine. Also when they get the heads off they'll be able to visually check for any damage. Good luck!

[KJSmitty]

Picked up the Mo last night, post head gasket replacement. Runs good, sounds good yet power steering felt like it was about 50% not working. At first I was thinking that it was because I hadn't been to the gym for a bit or had just got use to the little rental car they gave me...

I specifically didn't mention it to the wife but she took the Mo out about an hour after I got it home. She didn't even get out of the driveway before calling me and asking why it was so hard to steer. Well she went back to the dealer this morning. Service guy called and stated it was a loose or disconnected electrical connection to the "electrical assist" side of the PS system. To be honest I did not know the Mo had electrical assist PS?

Well see if that fixed the problem. I need to get it home and power wash the engine bay etc to "better" remove any residual "fluids" from the overhaul. Regardless I'm sure it will take some time for any/all antifreeze smells to burn off. They did give me a 12 month 12000 mile warranty on the engine/repair work. Good thing due to the Mo being at 59,860!

Cheers

[KJSmitty]

UPDATE:
Wife's been driving the Mo for numerous days now. Power steering issue was a disconnected connector - pump pressure wasn't getting regulated etc.

Head gasket replacement: So far so good. No leaks, engine sounds good and has been running good/normal. I have yet to pressure wash the engine compartment yet it already smells fine - no more burning antifreeze smell. My fingers are crossed it holds. Was told I have an additional 12 months/12K mile warranty on the engine etc.

Ironically we were downtown Dallas this past weekend when another Mo pulled in and parked near us. As I walked past the other still running Mo it was very evident they too had an antifreeze leak/most likely head gasket issue.... I believe this is a much larger issue than many realize. Glad Nissan is taking care of the issue when questioned.

Cheers

[sstroudwku]

Took it to the dealer, 2 hours later said I had a blown head gasket, fluid in cylinders, cracked and warped heads...needed new engine cost 11K. Had service records showing approximately every 20K miles always had cooling issue (3 fan replacements). With 70k miles would not cover under warranty. Elevated to Nissan with same results. Had a second opinion done at another Nissan dealer. Day later after running 3 tests told me nothing was wrong with my car. Moral of the story, second opinions can save you big $$$ and there are dealers out there that still want to rip you off. Took the documentation and filed with the state Attorney General.

I would go with your original dealer's information. If you're losing coolant on a regular basis and there is no prominent leak, plus you have cold start issues and random misfires those all point to coolant in the combustion chamber, you can not compress water, all it can do is force whats in the chamber out of the exhaust. I would be willing to bet you had white smoke at start up as well. You can take it to the AG but it'll will come back to you in the end. The 2nd dealer was wrong and probably had a non qualified technician look at the problem. Good luck in your pursuit though.