Oil Burning

[Robteesit]

Hi - I have a 2009 SL AWD - have 1650 miles on it now. Checked the oil the other day and it is about 1/2 quart low on the dip stick. Was full when I purchased it. Seems to run fine not overly concerned at this point, being a new vehicle and all maybe this is to be expected - but this is my first Japanese car. Anyway I have my first scheduled service mid Oct and just wondering, since I haven't seen this question addressed here, has anyone else noticed a little oil burning when vehicle is new.And a question to those who have a lot more miles than me, does this settle down or does it still seem to burn a little oil as time goes by?Thanks

[philipa_240sx]

A couple of things:

How are you checking your oil? The correct method is to check when the engine is still warm and has been sitting with the engine off for 10 minutes. This will allow the oil in the engine to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not follow this method, you may notice significantly lower oil level, especially if you check as soon as the engine is turned off.

Secondly, it is normal to consume a small amount of oil during the break in period. Oil consumption should settle down within the first few thousand miles and should be almost nil on a fully broken in engine. 1650 miles is still very early in the break in process. It will take at least 3000 to 4000 miles for the engine and transmission to be completely broken in.

I would continue to monitor engine oil level as I described above. Top up if it goes below the min mark and inform the dealer when you go in for the first service/oil change.

Finally, Do you drive short distances... < 10min? Oil consumption is at it's highest when the engine is cold. Lots of short trips can accelerate oil consumption.

[kerrton]

I have 20,000 km and had absolutely no oil burning when new, and none currently. This is measured by the oil level dipstick and observing the tail pipe at startup. Keep an eye on this, mention it to your service dept. next time you're in, perhaps there's a problem that will become more apparent, and/or will be dealt with under warranty. Nothing to worry about now, since you've got 5 years of warranty to take care of any problems!

[Robteesit]

Thanks Guys - I assumed it was a pretty normal thing to burn a little oil, especially on break in. Anyway I will watch it, and check it regularly. It was a starting to look a little dirty when I checked it today, but still only showing about 1/2 quart low. Yes, I do a lot of short distance driving, less than 7 miles to work one way every day - hard to get the engine warm on such short trips. I have seen some articles on synthetic oil, but wonder if it would be beneficial to consider changing to it since I do such short distance driving. Your thoughts?

[philipa_240sx]

Your short distance driving is definitely causing your oil consumption issues. 7 miles is not enough to allow the engine to properly warm up. In addition, a small amount of fuel and water vapor contaminates the oil at startup diluting it. Normally, driving 20 minutes or more heats the oil and evaporates the contaminants. But in your case, they are staying in the engine oil and long term this isn't a good thing.

I would suggest the following:

- Perform oil changes as per the manual... Every 3,750 miles or 3 months, whichever occurs first. Let's say you only drive 1000mi in 3 months, change the oil at the 3 month interval.

-Try to take the vehicle on an extended trip (>20 minutes) at least once weekly. An hour would even be better. This will help rid the oil of any contamination and let the Rogue stretch it legs a bit.

- Forget synthetics. They are are best used for long oil change intervals (>7500mi) or under extreme conditions (very cold winters, hot summers, etc). Your biggest enemy is oil contamination and even the best synthetic cannot help you here.

Enjoy your Rogue and get out there and drive!

[Pescakl1]

I would suggest the following:

- Perform oil changes as per the manual... Every 3,750 miles or 3 months, whichever occurs first. Let's say you only drive 1000mi in 3 months, change the oil at the 3 month interval.

-Try to take the vehicle on an extended trip (>20 minutes) at least once weekly. An hour would even be better. This will help rid the oil of any contamination and let the Rogue stretch it legs a bit.

- Forget synthetics. They are are best used for long oil change intervals (>7500mi) or under extreme conditions (very cold winters, hot summers, etc). Your biggest enemy is oil contamination and even the best synthetic cannot help you here.

Enjoy your Rogue and get out there and drive!

Except maybe the first point (go at least to the 3000 miles mark), 100% agree with the above. That is the way to go. Use the less expensive oil you can find on the market.

[kerrton]

But don't accept a new vehicle that regularly and consistently burns oil. I drive about 4 miles to work each day with a stop at daycare in between, then 4 miles back home again, and many trips under 2 miles to the grocery store etc.., no big city long commutes for me, and I live in Alberta where we get cold winters so lots of cold weather starts and no chance to fully warm up before reaching the destination. My Rogue has NEVER used a drop of oil and I check it regularly, particularly when I'm getting close to my next oil change. Also, it's never been visually dirty, but I only drive around 1500 miles between changes.

So I don't mean to suggest you have a problem, I'd say monitor and see how it breaks in, but if it continues to use oil report it to your service department and don't settle for a new vehicle that burns oil, that's unacceptable.

[Chas1]

FWIW, Mine burnt about 1/2 qt by1584 miles. Changed it with synth, (Penzoil Platinum) and it burnt about 1/3rd qt by 2100 miles. The break-in oil is suposed to be a lighter weight synth than the 5w30. Synth will slip by rings faster than dino.

[Chas1]

Hmm.. this heat up, let stand for 10 minutes and check the oil method yields higher levels on the dipstick than let it sit for overnight and check it cold I think. I used the long filters for a Maxima when I added 4 7/8 qt it was about 1/3 qt low on the cold check. Also, the slope of my garage floor really seems to make a big difference. Its only slightly graded, Id guess 1" over the length of the car yet it seems to affect the reading.

[bernabe]

I got my second oil changed and found out that my oil level is just above the E level of dip stick after travelling 600k, definitely thers's a problem on it and my dealership always deny that there's a engine problem...I need your opinions fellow roguers pleeeaaaseee

[philipa_240sx]

Quote »I need your opinions fellow roguers pleeeaaaseee[/quote]Firstly, you must ensure you are doing your oil level checks correctly. Nissan recommends you wait 10 min. after turning the engine off before checking the oil level. This is to allow the oil to drain back to the pan. This is stated on page 8-8 of your owners manual. If you check immediately after turning the engine off, you will read half a quart lower or more than it actually is. I have personally experienced this several times.

If you suspect the engine is burning oil, insist the dealer perform an oil consumption test. It's very simple and will determine whether you have an issue or not. If the dealer refuses, then go to another dealer.

Lastly,

If you have done any research on the internet you will find oil consumption issues with '02-03, and certain '06 Altima's and Sentra's with the QR25DE motor. The issues that plagued those engines have long since been resolved. The Rogue uses a newer 2nd generation of this motor and it's undergone a lot of changes. If a newer QR25DE motor burns oil, it's a rare occurrence and certainly not the norm.

[kerrton]

I got my second oil changed and found out that my oil level is just above the E level of dip stick after travelling 600k, definitely thers's a problem on it and my dealership always deny that there's a engine problem...I need your opinions fellow roguers pleeeaaaseee

You obviously have a problem, no question about it. My advice is to document every detail, so when you report it to the dealer you will have a response to all their attempts to dismiss you claims. For example, record that after your last oil change, 600 km later oil level is on E, added a quart. Drive it another 1000 or whatever and again document the results. then take it back, let them know there is a problem that you've been documenting for several thousand kilometers IN DETAIL and that they need to address it. The most common mistake is that owners don't have very good details to report so the dealer assumes the problem is just being imagined. Walk in there with good documentation and they'll take care of you, they have ways of checking for excessive oil consumption (ex. compression test etc..).

Mine has NEVER used so much as a single drop of oil, it stays on full permanently, and I drive many short distance trips, hard on the car, and I'm not very careful about how I check the oil, nonetheless it's always topped right up and crystal clear. So don't accept anything less than this. Good luck.

[bernabe]

Thanks for your advise. I just came back from my dealership, I've talked to the owner and refered me to the Service manager. They will do an oil test this time, I have to bring to them my rogue every 1000K. They top up my oil and put 800ml plus I put 1 liter of oil last Sunday wn I found out it is on empty. I travelled 800 KM from my last oil changed, on that figure my rogue is consuming oil 1.8 liter per 800km which is legit problem for me. It is good to know that you guyz have no issue on your engine at least this is not wide problem or a recall issue???

[bernabe]

Thanks for your advise. I have 2009 SL AWD. It's iridium graphite too