I have read a lot on the oil consumption of the M45 but also found the "How to stop oil consumption" post here. Question is, does the catch can really stop the oil consumption? Was it not the rings as I have seen in other posts? I am looking to buy but don't know if I want to worry about adding oil often.
Thanks for letting me join the forum and for any replies.
Ben
New to forum, looking for M45 but have a question
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Houston Ben
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- Joined: Tue May 10, 2016 8:50 am
- Car: 2006 M45
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Ilya
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Re: New to forum, looking for M45 but have a question
Welcome to the forum!
I don't see how a catch can would stop it because the oil isn't getting recirculated back, if I remember correctly. We have a bunch of M45 owners here so I'm sure someone will chime in.
I don't see how a catch can would stop it because the oil isn't getting recirculated back, if I remember correctly. We have a bunch of M45 owners here so I'm sure someone will chime in.
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Houston Ben
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Tue May 10, 2016 8:50 am
- Car: 2006 M45
Re: New to forum, looking for M45 but have a question
Thanks for the welcome and response Ilya!
Re: New to forum, looking for M45 but have a question
Hello and welcome. The m45 is truly a good car for what it offers in features and power at the price point.
As mentioned above, the catch can does not stop oil consumption. The oil consumption seems inherent in the engine design. Some VQ35DE and VK45DE engines.
There's a chance that you'll need to add oil. There's a very good chance that you'll need to check it often. We check our oil weekly and just top up when necessary.
The consumption in my last M45 that I sold was not excessive but if ignored, you'll be damaging bearings and leading to a different chain of events.
So, what year of M45 are you looking at?
As mentioned above, the catch can does not stop oil consumption. The oil consumption seems inherent in the engine design. Some VQ35DE and VK45DE engines.
There's a chance that you'll need to add oil. There's a very good chance that you'll need to check it often. We check our oil weekly and just top up when necessary.
The consumption in my last M45 that I sold was not excessive but if ignored, you'll be damaging bearings and leading to a different chain of events.
So, what year of M45 are you looking at?
Re: New to forum, looking for M45 but have a question
Welcome Ben!
Depending on the year you are interested in, the engines in these cars were developed during a time when manufacturers were toying with low friction piston rings in attempts to improve efficiency and emissions. Although the lower friction rings can greatly improve the engines performance and reliability, they tend to leak in their later lives, causing more issues than originally intended. A non recirculating catch can will stop and collect most of the blow by oil from re-entering the combustion chamber, but the can will have to be emptied every one or two thousand miles to remain effective. You can get recirculating catch cans that will constantly drain the collected oil back into the oil system, ideally through the block or front of the oil pan. It's really not that big of an issue if you keep up with maintenance and keep an eye on your oil level. However, oil consumption is not good for the lifespan of the engine as it will create a lot more carbon deposits and "sludge" on pistons, valves, intake manifold, and throttle body over time. Not to mention oil starvation issues affecting bearing life when the oil level gets low. If you plan on driving the car past 200k miles, expect to replace the engine or have it thoroughly rebuilt with new seals, rings, and bearings at some point. Other than that, the M45 is an awesome car for the price. Good luck and welcome to NICO!
Depending on the year you are interested in, the engines in these cars were developed during a time when manufacturers were toying with low friction piston rings in attempts to improve efficiency and emissions. Although the lower friction rings can greatly improve the engines performance and reliability, they tend to leak in their later lives, causing more issues than originally intended. A non recirculating catch can will stop and collect most of the blow by oil from re-entering the combustion chamber, but the can will have to be emptied every one or two thousand miles to remain effective. You can get recirculating catch cans that will constantly drain the collected oil back into the oil system, ideally through the block or front of the oil pan. It's really not that big of an issue if you keep up with maintenance and keep an eye on your oil level. However, oil consumption is not good for the lifespan of the engine as it will create a lot more carbon deposits and "sludge" on pistons, valves, intake manifold, and throttle body over time. Not to mention oil starvation issues affecting bearing life when the oil level gets low. If you plan on driving the car past 200k miles, expect to replace the engine or have it thoroughly rebuilt with new seals, rings, and bearings at some point. Other than that, the M45 is an awesome car for the price. Good luck and welcome to NICO!