VQ Engine - Check your Driver side Cam cover for oil weep or leaks.

Discussion of Infiniti's amazing (and underrated) sport-luxury crossovers, the EX35 and EX37. For 2014, the EX series will be renamed QX50, in line with Ininfiit's new naming conventions.
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AWGD8
Posts: 1071
Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2008 5:34 pm
Car: 2008 EX35 AWD JOURNEY

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Guys, my 2008 EX35 (@84k miles ) extended warranty ends this month (July 25) and I had to bring my car las week for full checkup with the Infiniti dealership service dept.

My primary issue was an oil weep (very small area ) coming from the driver side cam cover seal. It is not dripping with oil, but it is a bit wet. It is in the middle and back of the cam cover driver side. Since the warranty is almost done, my service advisor did a great job checking the whole car, and found also a small leak in the front radiator seam.

Both were fixed (replaced) and I was a happy camper!

I also have a 2015 Q40 (G37x) with 7k miles and did notice 2 dirty area closer to the cam cover seal (driver side) that looks like a remnant of oil that was blackened by dirt. I grabbed a long stick with paper towel at the end and I tried to wipe it down. It is a bit wet and appears to be an engine oil residue. Right now it is very minor since the spot is closer to the camshaft bolt cover and the oil was not weeping towards the engine metal flange. (Where the camshaft cover meets the engine block)

I stopped using Pennzoil Ultra Platinum synthetic in my VQ cars. The Q40 still has a Penzoil Platinum engine oil in there and I am switching to Mobile 1 full synthetic. It might not be an oil issue, but I noticed Pennzoil Synthetic oil is the only oil I use for both car and it is not good to see an oil residue near the driver side cam cover seal when the car is still at 7,200 miles.
This is the same oil I used when my EX35 timing chain cover leaked (replaced under warranty and cost $2,000)

Currently, the EX35 uses Mobile 1 Highmileage Full synthetic oil. So far so good. Not a damp of oil around the cam shaft cover seal.

Just a reminder to all VQ owners out there, if still under warranty, pay attention to the camshaft cover seal for oil dampness, weep or leaks. Even a small residue of oil must be fixed befor warranty runs out. Also don't forget to check Passenger side Timing chain cover for oil weep or leaks (front area of camshaft cover passenger side where it meets with the timing chain cover seal)

You don't need to remove the engine cover to check for leaks.
I am 100% sure, one of you guys have this issue.... :crazy:


User avatar
lexcrob
Posts: 527
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 7:38 pm
Car: I get a different ride faster than I could update this.
Location: Clarksville, TN

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Good looking out!

Seeps are always going to happen no matter what. Brand new engines built by anyone have seeps. Good job staying up on them and nipping them in the butt. Some of the time they eventually stop.


Your oil brand likely has no relevance to the leak. Just use what the manufacture recommends for weight and conventional or synthetic. Beyond that its like going to kroger or wallmart for groceries. Unless you get blackstone tests done and work with them to find a particular lubricant.

I have heard many times over synthetic blend oil reaps no benefits over conventional. That is the only solid remark on oil choice I've ever heard.


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