Oil Question...

[PyMets520]

Hi, This is the first time i have come across this forum, which seems like a great place.

I'm a proud owner of a 93' Q45 with 75k miles, I purchased this car early this summer and now it is about time for an oil change.

My question is (since i didnt get a manual, nor can i find one) how much oil does the car need? And what oil would you guys recommend? Should I go synthetic? I believe the car has penzoil at the moment since the oil filter is penzoil, but I cant be sure.

Thanks in advance.

[Rex]

Welcome to NICO, you'll find us to be a collection of great inforamtion and people .

As for the oil, there is TONS of very knowledgeable posts by a user (PamlerWMD) on the subject. You can find them by using the search, which is always a great place to start when you have a question.

As for you questions ...

6 quarts with filter changeI use Valvoline DuraBlend and have been very happy, but several use Mobil. I think Falk is using Amsoil??I think synthetic is a good choice, it's increased level of detergents is good for an older motor, IMHO.As for an oil filter, most have used OEM, but since Infiniti changed the OEM offering, alot are going to Mobil 1, when their "stock" of the old oil filters runs out.

Hope that helps, and I'm sure others will weigh in with their thoughts.

[yodawill2000]

Is there any truth to the rumor that switching from plain oil to synthetic is dangerous ?As in the detergent causing chunks of sludge to come loose and possibly clog something up ? I would hate to think that I have any sludge but I dont know how the previous owner stuck to schedule in My J.

[96Qowner]

Here's a good read on the subject:

zerothread?id=131359

Oh, and if you're going to change the oil yourself, get to the filter from the bottom if you can - the top is a real bear and you can mess up wiring n stuff.
Modified by 96Qowner at 12:54 PM 12/9/2005

[maxnix]

I would hate to think that I have any sludge but I dont know how the previous owner stuck to schedule in My J.

Get the Infiniti dealer performed service history. Wise buyers do this before they even look at the car so they know how to assess it.

If you are worried about sludge, get an Envirolution cranckcase flush before converting. This is good for removing the gunk at the bottom of hte oil pan. I always have to add an extra ½ qt. after an Envirolution flush when I fill.

I did on all 3 of my Q45, but they were all low mileage with documented service histories.
Modified by maxnix at 7:03 AM 12/10/2005

[chinaonnitrous]

Im also using Amsoil.

[nchopp]

Welcome, sounds like you've already got some of the answers you need.

Now, to the other two important questions for a NICO newbie:

1. Are the chain guides done?2. Where are the pictures?

[chinaonnitrous]

Welcome, sounds like you've already got some of the answers you need.

Now, to the other two important questions for a NICO newbie:

1. Are the chain guides done?2. Where are the pictures?

I was gonna post about the chain guide question

but with 75k miles.......I wish mine was that young

[Rex]

I was gonna post about the chain guide question

but with 75k miles.......I wish mine was that young

Motor's have been lost with fewer miles. The heat cycles are what help detriorate the plastic backing.

Good point. PLEASE check the chain guides, the original ones in all 90-92 and most (if not all) 93's were plastic backed and will at some point crack, break, and then RUIN the motor.

[Falkdesigns]

Im also using Amsoil.

+1 can't go wrong with what's consistently rated the best oil in independent tests. I've been running it for 7 years now and I swear by it.

[elwesso]

Main reason I like using synthetic in the winter is because I can 0w40 for the easiest winter starting possible... No danger in switching.. its sitll oil... its not like your switching from oil to ATF.....

[yodawill2000]

Joe tried to pull my service history but I have to know the previous owner ..DANGIT ..It was written on the windshield when I got it.Didnt write it down.Insurance auction kinda deal.

[szh]

I used Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 in my older Q and now use it in my current M45 (after the initial break-in with dino oil). Six quarts and a new filter every 3750 miles.

I can't compare it to the other synthetics (like the Amsoil that Falk recommended), but, it is an excellent synthetic on its own merit.

Our previous oil expert also recommended it highly.

Z

[Q45tech]

"I purchased this car early this summer and now it is about time for an oil change."

Changing oil and filter every 90 days or 3,750 miles is much more important than what brand or viscosity you use ----assumming 0-10 and W 30-40 range.............the cheapest SL rated oil will last that long if the engine is clean to start with ASSUMING you don't crank the engine more than 4 times per day COLD and let it run for 10 minutes minimum each time you crank.

The 90-95Q use significant cold start enrichment which causes ring wear on each cold crank, but still you can get one to be smoke free at 250,000 miles with care.

[maxnix]

Joe tried to pull my service history but I have to know the previous owner ..

You only need the VIN#, and proof that you are the current owner by registering with Infiniti Customer Service.

[PyMets520]

Thanks a lot of all the input.I'm probably going to go with the Synthetic 0w40 ( http://www.autobarn.net/oil44877.html ), the only thing i am worried about is whether or not i would have any problems switching from regular oil to synthetic? Is there anything i should do before i convert to synthetic?

Oh yea, would any1 know the oil filter number off hand?

As for the chain guides, how would i go about checking the guides?

I will try to get some pictures tomorrow to post.
Modified by PyMets520 at 1:00 AM 12/11/2005

[Jeff Williams]

Welcome to NICO.

There are probably hundreds of posts here, in Infiniti Online Mechanic, and Infiniti General about chain guides, guides, timing chain guides, etc. Read ALL of them. There are even some called, dead motor, blew the engine, trashed the motor, guide failure, etc.

We would hate for your next post to be: "Chain Guides died, wish I never bought the Q!"

I use:

Amsoil in Lola (94 Q45t)Castrol Syntec in Layla (94 Q45) and Gracie (62 GMC)Mobile 1 in Taz, (00 Corvette)And the dealership puts Quaker State in Ice T (00 I30t).

Taz gets the oil changed once a year, or every 5,000 miles.Layla gets the oil changed once or twice a month, or every 2,500 miles.Lola gets its oil changed once a year, or every 7,500 miles.Gracie has not seen an oil change in the last 3 years. Ice T gets pampered by Brewbaker Infiniti every 3,750 miles.

The oil filter part numbers are different, bsed on what brand you use. I never remember mine, so I just look it up when I buy my oil.

Don't worry about changing to synthetic, just do it if you want to.

[elwesso]

Yeah even the cheapest oils will be OK to 3000 miles