Sorry if this question has been asked before - I searched and really couldn't find an answer.
To start out, I bought an '03 Y34 a couple of months ago with 4X,XXX on the clock. The car was dealer-serviced throughout it's entire life so I was relatively optimistic as to the likelihood of the oil consumption issue. I checked the oil today for the second time since I bought the car and the level was down to the little hole above the "L" on the dipstick.
In terms of quarts, how much oil does that mean the car has been through in 2500 miles?
Also, should I be worried about the prior engine damage with that type of consumption? According to the service records the oil had been changed religiously in the 3k-3750 mile range.
Finally, I'm wondering how often you guys top the oil just to be on the safe side?
Thanks for the help!
Oil top-off frequency?
Re: Oil top-off frequency? (nicad2000)
Unfortunately it is something you will need to get used to. I have learned to check my oil level almost weekly. I put about 500 miles a week on my 03. I use Mobile 5000 5w-30. It is $9 for 5 qts and Walfart. Can't beat the price. With the price of gas, a few extra dollars a month in oil consumption is meaningless.
You also should never start the engine for short periods of time like to move the car in a driveway unless you are going to re-start within a few hours and get the engine up to temp. Some of the lifters will lose pressure or collapse for a few minutes. Others have also had this problem occur. If I start the car, I always let it run until the engine comes up to temp.
You also should never start the engine for short periods of time like to move the car in a driveway unless you are going to re-start within a few hours and get the engine up to temp. Some of the lifters will lose pressure or collapse for a few minutes. Others have also had this problem occur. If I start the car, I always let it run until the engine comes up to temp.
Re: Oil top-off frequency? (nicad2000)
The oil level is very sensitive to surface grade. Car must be level. Small 2- 3% grade can over or underestimate by 50% the level between the holes in the dipstick.
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szh
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When measured consistently (level ground, cold engine - sitting overnight, etc.), the difference between the H and L marks is about 1 quart, as I recall from earlier discussions.
Using 1 qt or less in 3750 miles (my OCI) is pretty normal for this engine - higher for some folks and lower for others. If you use 1 qt per 1000 miles or less, then Infiniti will swap out the engine (still needs arguing though).
I add about 1/4 to 1/3 qt at the half-way mark between oil changes - at about 1700 miles or so - just to keep it above the midpoint between L and H.
Z
Using 1 qt or less in 3750 miles (my OCI) is pretty normal for this engine - higher for some folks and lower for others. If you use 1 qt per 1000 miles or less, then Infiniti will swap out the engine (still needs arguing though).
I add about 1/4 to 1/3 qt at the half-way mark between oil changes - at about 1700 miles or so - just to keep it above the midpoint between L and H.
Z