Mobil1 oil change interval and consumption

[thomasm35]

What oil change interval are you guys using with Mobil1 synthetic.

I just switched to synthetic on my 2007 M35 - it has 90k miles and I'm using
10W-30. Unfortunately the engine still burns almost a quart of oil every 3500 miles.

A recommendation was made by Jay Lenos budy, "The Motorman" who has a
Weekly radio show in the Los Angeles area, to switch to 20W-50.
What do you guys think?

[Towncivilian]

Change your PCV valve (which might be causing your oil consumption). Use M1 High Mileage 5W-30 instead of M1 10W-30; high mileage oils contain stouter additive packages and seal conditioners to help slow or stop smaller leaks and reduce oil consumption.

Motorman my a**. 20W-50 is obsolete. It won't run cooler, since the engine's operating temperature is controlled by the cooling system. 20W-50 is excessively thick at startup and your fuel economy will diminish due to that fact; it'll take longer for the oil to heat up to operating temperature, and a 50 grade oil at operating temperature is still too thick for your M35 which specs 5W-30.

[Ilya]

I run M1 10w-30 every 5k with new filter.

[DeanM45]

M45 but I run 5W30 and change every 5K miles with filter. Uses about a cup between changes. Catch can gets about a 1/3 cup between changes. I've only changed the oil once though (had it almost 2 months).

[myother45isalesbaer]

I used to run 20w50, but that was back in the 70's when I had big US made V8's. I wouldn't use it today. I am in the minority here, but my M does fine on 5w30 dino oil that I change ever 3,000. For some strange reason it burns less of that they various syn oils I have tried. It usually eats about half a quart between changes. I can live with that.

[CPJ LB]

my car = 06 M35s
oil = 5/30 Mobil 1
oil filter = Mobil 1 (part# M1-108)
change interval = 5K

**also have tried other syn oils: Royal Purple, Castrol, Valvoline....prefer Mobil 1

you don't want to run too thick of an oil since you'll be starving some engine parts during start up...

[zerg711]

I use Mobil 1 with Mobil 1 filter on my FX35 and G37 with 5k oil change.
I use Castrol Synthec on my M35 with Mobil 1 filter. I change the oil twice a year since I only put 1.5k to 2k miles on it.

If you do a search on "best oil for VQ35DE" you will see a post on the 350z forum with a lot of oil analysis. Based on oil analysis reports, Castrol in general performed better than Mobil 1. I still like mobile 1 tho, but I have switch to Castrol for my M only.

[thomasm35]

Change your PCV valve (which might be causing your oil consumption). Use M1 High Mileage 5W-30 instead of M1 10W-30; high mileage oils contain stouter additive packages and seal conditioners to help slow or stop smaller leaks and reduce oil consumption.

Motorman my a**. 20W-50 is obsolete. It won't run cooler, since the engine's operating temperature is controlled by the cooling system. 20W-50 is excessively thick at startup and your fuel economy will diminish due to that fact; it'll take longer for the oil to heat up to operating temperature, and a 50 grade oil at operating temperature is still too thick for your M35 which specs 5W-30.

I agree with you that using 20W-50 seems like a desperate move, that is why I posted. I have been using 5w-30 Dino oil since I bought the car some 60K miles ago. I used Quaker state and Castrol and the oil consumption was the same for each brand. My oil change interval was 3000 miles for the last 60K and at each change I was using 24-30 oz. So when I switched to M1 I used 10W-30 thinking that would reduce the oil consumption, but no luck.

I see where you are coming from on the PCV - I will replace it and see if that helps, but since this has been going on for 60k I have my doubts.

[jonlex99]

I'm using Mobile 1 EP and changing it at 7k miles. Bottle says good up to 15k. I added a oil cach can and replaced the PCV valve as well will see what changes it made on my next oil change...

[thomasm35]

I'm using Mobile 1 EP and changing it at 7k miles. Bottle says good up to 15k. I added a oil cach can and replaced the PCV valve as well will see what changes it made on my next oil change...

It's a shame we have to put catch cans on $50K vehicles - seems like an engine design issue. It seems not every M35 owner has this problem. What is different about their vehicle that they are not having this problem?

[szh]

For me, it is Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 and filter change every 3750 miles.

Yes, I add about 1/4 to 1/2 qt at the mid point of that interval.

This past oil period, I got a scare though. I had used Mobil 1 Synthetic 5W-30 (was on sale at Costco) and for some reason, I had to add more than 1 qt in the middle of that interval. Eek!

So, this time, I went back to 0W-40 and the oil use seems to be back to "normal" ... whew ... not clear whether the problem increased oil use with the altered, or maybe the person changing the oil didn't put enough in, or what.

I do miss my 1991 and 1995 Q45's that didn't "burn" a drop of oil (as far as I could tell!) between changes. Those also received changes at 3750 mile intervals.

Z

[jonlex99]

I'm using Mobile 1 EP and changing it at 7k miles. Bottle says good up to 15k. I added a oil cach can and replaced the PCV valve as well will see what changes it made on my next oil change...

It's a shame we have to put catch cans on $50K vehicles - seems like an engine design issue. It seems not every M35 owner has this problem. What is different about their vehicle that they are not having this problem?

It's not that bad. I never had to add oil between change intervals. The oil catch can is just for piece of mind...

[antzrus]

I use M1 10w-30 from Costco. Once every 12k I change it. It eats about 1.5 quarts during that time. What's the big deal? By gawd I remember my old '56 Chev Belair all the way up to my last machine before the M a '91 Buick Regal sucking down all kinds of oil. My M runs like a champ-smooth as silk w/68k on her now.

Why the same 3k oil changes now almost 60 years later after the Belair and synthetic oil? It's 2012 now...

[thomasm35]

I use M1 10w-30 from Costco. Once every 12k I change it. It eats about 1.5 quarts during that time. What's the big deal? By gawd I remember my old '56 Chev Belair all the way up to my last machine before the M a '91 Buick Regal sucking down all kinds of oil. My M runs like a champ-smooth as silk w/68k on her now.

Why the same 3k oil changes now almost 60 years later after the Belair and synthetic oil? It's 2012 now...

I usually change Dino oil every 3 to 3.5K and syn 5 to 7K. I guess I,m just a retro guy. My brother has a new MB and the manufactor recommends an interval of 15K. So your 12K may be right on the money.

I have been a Toyota guy for the last 20 years and had a couple of cars with 250K miles that did not burn any oil. I have a 2007 Lexus 460 that my wife drives,which has 78k and does not burn any oil. I consider oil consumption problematic.

I had 1960 Ford Comet that blew the engine at 60K - FYI I changed the oil every 1.5k in that piece of junk. So you can see I have come a long way to th current 7k interval. We all start at different levels and progress at our own pace - maybe with a little more therapy I will reach my true potential ha ha....

,h

[M35SFIREMEDIC]

I talked to a guy last night that said with the synthic he goes for 7000 miles between oil changes. I change at about 4000. The sticker the dealer gives says change at 3700 miles. Has anyone gone as long as my buddy at 7k?

[jonlex99]

I talked to a guy last night that said with the synthic he goes for 7000 miles between oil changes. I change at about 4000. The sticker the dealer gives says change at 3700 miles. Has anyone gone as long as my buddy at 7k?

On mobil1 EP synthetic I go 7500 miles. I think what you may are geting at the dealer is conventional oil..

[M35SFIREMEDIC]

Check, thanks. I'll check and make sure I'm using mobil 1 syn.

[szh]

I think what you may are geting at the dealer is conventional oil..

Correct. They generally use 5W-30 dino oil (my local dealer uses Quaker State) unless told to use synthetic ... for which they usually charge extra, of course.

I simply take my own oil (Mobil 1 Synthetic 0w-40) in and get them to do just the work (well, the filter and crush washer too).

In between the dealer checkups at the 7500 mile intervals, I get the oil changed at a local gas station at the 3750 mile interval.

Z

[CPJ LB]

since I use Mobil 1 I've also picked up an oil cap from Ebay...it serves as a reminder of the type of oil I use, plus it looks good

here's the link....price went up from the time I picked one up...they have different colors...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NISSAN-INFINITI ... 676wt_1059

[Towncivilian]

For me, it is Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 and filter change every 3750 miles.

Why? This is a complete waste of money. Synthetic may be "better", but is this really quantifiable at such a short oil change interval? For a naturally aspirated engine, I would not hesitate to say that any API SN rated conventional engine oil can stand up to Nissan / Infiniti's 3750 mile "severe service" interval given there are no significant mechanical issues (coolant leaks, air intake leaks, severe fuel dilution, etc).

What oil filter do you use, out of curiosity?

I'm running M1 0W-40 & an M1-110 filter in my Pathfinder and won't even think about changing it before 6k miles. I've only put 4425 miles on it since November 29th.

[About Tree Fiddy]

Mobil 1 5W-30 @ 7500 miles. I can go the full 7500 miles without adding any additional oil.

7500 miles is the recommended standard service interval with conventional oils so I have no issues going that with synthetic oil.

[szh]

For me, it is Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 and filter change every 3750 miles.

Why? This is a complete waste of money. Synthetic may be "better", but is this really quantifiable at such a short oil change interval?

Consider it "overkill" on my part.

Basically, I do it at 3750 since it is a convenient time at the "mid-way" mark between other regular services done at 7.5k intervals. And, yes, I want to at least do 5k or less OCI ... I have not done an oil analysis to validate anything though.

Since I want to use Synthetic rather regular oil, it just means that I end up with the above OCI.

Again, I am not saying that this is required for everybody ... just happens to be what I do.

For a naturally aspirated engine, I would not hesitate to say that any API SN rated conventional engine oil can stand up to Nissan / Infiniti's 3750 mile "severe service" interval given there are no significant mechanical issues (coolant leaks, air intake leaks, severe fuel dilution, etc).

What oil filter do you use, out of curiosity?

Stock Nissan OEM. Have not found a good enough reason to consider changing to something else, I suppose.

I baby my M45 ... too much perhaps. Do a search for an "overkill" post from me for how often I do other fluid changes and early (i.e., when car is new) stuff.

Z

[Towncivilian]

OEM filters are great for your OCI. I really think you will never see any benefit from using synthetic oil for such short OCIs and in your climate. You need to figure out your operating conditions, pick a maintenance plan, then pick the lubricant, not the other way around. But it's your car, so it's up to you. I won't pester you to switch back to conventional oil.

[thomasm35]

Just changed the oil after 5K miles and oil consumption was at about a quart. I also changed the PCV half way in the interval.
Still wonder why some M35s don't consume oil and other do - is this a quality control issue?

[antzrus]

Just changed the oil after 5K miles and oil consumption was at about a quart. I also changed the PCV half way in the interval.
Still wonder why some M35s don't consume oil and other do - is this a quality control issue?

Yes, it probably has to do with the quality of your right foot...

[thomasm35]

Should I try the left?

[antzrus]

Should I try the left?

Try it and let us know...

[cruzad3r]

is there any update on this m35x oil drinking issue. it seems that most report their m35/45 is drinking oil. is there anyway to stop this madness?

i really don't want to switch car cuz of this mess. any suggestion what i should try.it seems pass 3k miles, you will see a difference in your oil level. i have beeing using 5-30 mobil 1 on all my cars and usually change oil every 5k miles.

[rxmclaren7]

i talked to my mechanic (ASE Certified) and he has always used the Lucus Oil additive and replaced a quart of oil with a bottle of that and he says that usually stops the oil consumption issue. i really dont have the issue that every one else is having but i thought i would throw this out there and see if it helps...

[Towncivilian]

Lucas Oil Stabilizer is 140wt gear oil with no additives. It will dilute your oil's additive package and needlessly thicken the oil to mask problems. If you want a heavier oil, use a heavier oil, don't throw in a $7 bottle of gorilla snot in your crankcase.