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Nissan Pathfinder Oil Consumption

24 messages,  Last post on Dec 28, 2011 at 9:02 PM

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What is this discussion about? Nissan Pathfinder, SUV

Messages Page 2 of 3

#9 of 24 Re: Nissan Pathfinder Oil Consumption [turbino] by lousynissan

Nov 07, 2009 (6:11 pm)

Replying to: turbino (Nov 01, 2009 11:07 pm)
My 2004 Path, 50000 miles, well maintained. Found out it burns oil when I heard a knock and discovered I was about 2 qts low and no warning light, no leak, no smoke. Nissan says... normal. Yeah, right. Anyway, the knock went away, but about 6 months later developed again...with a full crankcase of oil and right after an oil change (10w30 Mobil1). Then that too went away after I parked it for 30 minutes before I was gioing to tow it in to the dealer. Well, since then, the warranty is up and I am NERVOUS. Probably going to trade it in...and not on another Nissan.

#10 of 24 Re: Nissan Pathfinder Oil Consumption [lousynissan] by turbino

Nov 08, 2009 (10:26 am)

Replying to: lousynissan (Nov 07, 2009 6:11 pm)
For as long as there is no visible leak or smoke on our vehicles Nissan can always say oil consumption is normal. Unless excessive oil consumption on Nissan vehicles is accounted for I will never ever buy another Nissan.

#11 of 24 Re: Nissan Pathfinder Oil Consumption [turbino] by nightmonkey1

Nov 08, 2009 (3:59 pm)

Replying to: turbino (Nov 08, 2009 10:26 am)
In addition to burning oil. I had some exhaust system problems. I took it to my trusted local shop. They checked my catalytic converters, they said that were clogged up. I had to have both CC's replaced for more than $1000.
I presume the "mystery" oil that is being consumed is also fouling and clogging the CCs. I have no idea how long the fix will last.
I will be trading in this piece of garbage as soon as my job situation is more stable.
I was a loyal Nissan guy until now, my first was a 1972 240Z, my last will be this P.O.S. 2002 Pathfinder

#12 of 24 Re: Nissan Pathfinder Oil Consumption [nightmonkey1] by turbino

Nov 09, 2009 (8:45 am)

Replying to: nightmonkey1 (Nov 08, 2009 3:59 pm)
It's likely the "mystery" oil being consumed is clogging the catalytic converters. Having said that it's just a matter of time then before you spend $1000 again to replace the converters. And, how about other expense(s) that may also be incurred due to excessive oil consumption?

#13 of 24 Re: Nissan Pathfinder Oil Consumption [turbino] by nissannomore

Jan 19, 2010 (11:46 am)

Replying to: turbino (Nov 09, 2009 8:45 am)
Add me to the list of dissatisfied 2002 Pathfinder owners mysteriously losing oil. For the longest time I could not tell where the oil was going. I have to add about a quart every two weeks. Now I have discovered oil dripping from underneath the front of the vehicle and I am not sure where it is leaking from. Any suggestions

#14 of 24 3.5 liter oil consumption problem - temp fix ? by poncho2010

Jan 20, 2010 (9:11 am)

Everything I have read about the Pathfinder (Nissan) 3.5 liter excessive oil consumption problem, seems to suggest this is a right side valve cover filtering system for the PCV valve.
 
I will to try installing a 'water-trap' unit, designed for air compressors, into the PCV hose. I will just empty the container, which seems cheaper and easier than replacing the valve cover.
 
I also wonder, if the valve cover was 'dipped' in a degreasing tank at an engine rebuilders, if it could be pressure cleaned and reused ?
 
My tailpipe is black with soot, and initially I thought this was an excessively rich fuel problem, but my mileage is between 18 and 20mpg consistently. The engine has lots of power and torque. I worry this oil consumption will clog the catalytic converter.

#15 of 24 I fixed mine !!!!! by lousynissan

Jan 20, 2010 (3:12 pm)

Replying to: poncho2010 (Jan 20, 2010 9:11 am)
I traded it in on a 2010 Ford Mustang GT !!!!!!!!!!!
Did I mention my diff was leaking? dealer said its "over full". Sure a diff that's never been touched "over full".Well of course it started leaking again after a 150 service. Just too much. I work too hard to keep paying on a pain in the ass. Bye bye Path.

#16 of 24 Re: 3.5 liter oil consumption problem - temp fix ? [poncho2010] by turbino

Jan 20, 2010 (4:57 pm)

Replying to: poncho2010 (Jan 20, 2010 9:11 am)
After my mechanic replaced the pcv valve on my 2003 Nissan Pathfinder (with one for 2000 Nissan Pathfinder), I was surprised to know that only about half a quart of oil was consumed after almost 3000 miles since the last oil and filter change, and I consider this to be normal.

#17 of 24 Re: 3.5 liter oil consumption problem - temp fix ? [turbino] by dpeter3425

Mar 22, 2010 (6:54 pm)

Replying to: turbino (Jan 20, 2010 4:57 pm)
My daughter has an 03 pathfinder le We have had it for 4 years bought used, THe engine light stays on and it burns oil and she always has oil with her and puts it in never had the oil light come on. The truck runs great sometimes and then others the rpm's go up but it wont change gears. Had transmission check it is ok IT is all the oil consumption Do you really think the pcv valve will help I told mechanics this and they say new engine Do you think the timming belt and water pump should be changed? I have not spent any money on this truck but OIL OIL OIL IT has 125,000 miles on it now
    Thanks Dawn

#18 of 24 Re: 3.5 liter oil consumption problem - temp fix ? [dpeter3425] by nightmonkey1

Mar 22, 2010 (7:50 pm)

Replying to: dpeter3425 (Mar 22, 2010 6:54 pm)
dawn,
 
i had a brand new passenger side valve cover (which also includes a new PVC valve by default) installed at the dealer a few months ago for $1000. My 2002 pathfinder had 65000 miles at that point. this $1000 did not help my oil consumption in any significant way. i still mystery burn about 1 quart per 1000 miles. i keep oil on hand and just refill, i check it every other gas fill. just live with it or trade it in, dont waste money trying to fix it. the truck runs fine, so at least things are tolerable as long as the oil deal doesnt get to the point where i have to refill every other day, right now i refill 0.5 to 1 quart about 1 time per month.
 
this problem may be due to bad piston rings, block or valves, probably a design or manufacturing tolerance issue, i am 98% sure it is one of those issues, and any of those cost at least several thousand $$$$ to fix
 
again, live with it or trade it in.
 
for what its worth i am a mechanical engineer (without time to work on my cars), i understand engines, there is a unspoken or not understood design or tolerance issue with that engine that can only be fixed with a lot of money

Messages Page 2 of 3

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