QX4/Pathfinder Oil Consumption

[nico911411]

My 2002 QX4 with 130,000 miles consumes about a quart of oil every 3000 miles. Highway/City driving mostly. Been running Synthetic Mobil/Valvoline & 5000 mile oil change intervals.
Is it about normal or bad?
Thanks

[Towncivilian]

This is technically deemed "acceptable" by most manufacturers.

To rule out some potential causes, I would check your power valve screws and apply threadlocker to prevent them from falling out and replace the PCV valve while you've got everything apart.

[nico911411]

Is there any QX4 2002 affected with Power Valve Screws in this forum? It'll take too much work I think

[Towncivilian]

Yes, there have been several 2001-2004 Pathfinder or QX4 owners that have had screws fall out and cause engine damage, oil consumption, and catalytic converter damage; one 2002 QX4 quite recently, in fact. If you are not up to the task, take it to the dealer and ask them to replace the passenger side valve cover (which is another potential cause of oil consumption) and apply threadlocker to the power valve screws. The PCV valve will be replaced as part of the valve cover replacement. This will probably cost around $400.

If none of the above helps with the oil consumption or one or more power valve screws are missing, then your issues likely lie deeper - scored cylinder walls, coked up or damaged piston rings, etc.