new 3.5 ltr Nissan oil choice

[mikep]

My wife is the proud owner of a brand new Nissan Pathfinder. The vehicle has a 3.5 ltr engine...same as the one in the 3.5 Altima and 350Z (toned down a bit from the Z's motor) and was wondering what motor oil may be best to use during break in? I was planning on sticking with the 5w-30 Chev Supreme (or Havoline in the event I can't continue to get the Chevron version) but thought there may be a better choice to use with that specific motor and especially during the break in period. Also, is it advantageous to drain the factory fill very early, say 1000 miles (or sooner) then fill and drain again at the 3,000 mark? Comments/suggestions? Mikep

 

[John in the ATL]

Stick with the Chevron Supreme and/or Havoline 5w-30. I am not sure if it matters about an oil change at 1,000 miles; it would not hurt. You could go 1,000, 4,000, 7,000 and 10,000 miles. After 10,000 miles on the VQ is the best time to convert to synthetic with that engine. Check out the maxima dot org for more specific VQ 30 & 35 DE info and UOAs.

 

[unDummy]

Change now. I like Castrol GTX 5w30. Definitely use a synth after breakin(when oil consumption stops). If no oil consumption, switch to synth whenever convenient if that is your choice. Nissans don't have large oil capacities. We're overdue for a serious winter. A synth would be the best choice for cold start protection. A synth would also do better when considering the massive oil sump capacity/HP/vehicle weight

 

[nick778]

I have owned many Nissan vehicles with the VQ engine and currently own a 2k3 Maxima. During the warranty period I run M1 10w-30 in the summer and 5w-30 in the winter. On previous vehicles I've run Amsoil 5w-30 also after the warrranty period. I would recommend the synthetics over regular dino oil given the marginal cost difference. This engine is relatively bulletproof and has tight clearances and reacts well to synthetics. I changed my factory fill after 1500 miles to M1 to get all the break-in junk out of the system (and judging by the stuff on my magnetic drain plug then and now, it was a good idea). Some recommend 5k-10k miles before switching. I don't subscribe to that view. After 1500 miles or so, IMO it is more beneficial to switch that wait. For what it is worth, you will indeed 'feel' the engine rev easier after switching...at least I did. Synthetics also provide better flow in the winter and better high temp protection in the summer and prevention of sludge and carbon build-up on things like the EGR system (which is prone to clogging up on the VQ). BTW, don't use the standard OEM oil filter for the VQ. It is a cheapened model of the previous larger version that is much better and is an an OEM replacement that will fit to spec. The better one is the larger unit that Nissan specs for i.e., the '99 Maxima and Pathfinder.

 

[F1Crazy]

You've got yourself a nice car! I've seen nice results on the exact same car with M1 5W-30 with 7.5K miles intervals. I would switch to synthetic at first recommended oil change and run it with 5K intervals for the first 10-15K miles and then have it tested to see how long can you go.

 

[totttalled]

I have the 03 Maxima with the VQ35DE. I left the factory oil in until about 3500 miles, during which it used none. I switched to M1 10-30 and it used about 3/4 quart during the next 500 miles. Then oil consumption stopped entirely. I now use Mobil 1 or Amsoil 5-30 exclusivly, but plan to change to 10-30 for the summer, and 5-30 in the winter and stick with M1. I also use the Mobil 1 M-105 oil filter, as is recommened by the folks at Maxima.org. It is oversized, but does fit the VQ35DE as it sits in the 02-03 Max. The Pathfinder prob has more room. The OE filter looks like it belongs on a lawn mower. The smallest filter on the shelf! The M-105 changes the capacity from 4.25 to about 4.35 quarts. My max now has 35000 miles, driven hard daily, summer temps 100-112 degrees, driven up and down a 3000 foot mountain five days a week. Drives better now than when new. Doesn't use a drop of oil since that first change.

 

[TSoA]

Nissan to recall 2.55 million cars over engine trouble Reuters / October 30, 2003 TOKYO -- Nissan Motor Co. said on Thursday it would recall 2.55 million cars worldwide at an estimated cost of 15 $138-148 million due to an engine defect. The recall applies to 1.02 million cars in Japan spanning 25 models, making it the second-biggest ever by an auto maker in Japan, a Transport Ministry official said. The biggest was also by Nissan, involving about 1.05 million cars in May 1996. Of the 1.53 million units to be recalled overseas, 700,000 are in North America and 460,000 in Europe. The defect was found inside a sensor in the engine that could lead to a short-circuit and stop the engine from working. There have been no reports of accidents caused by the problem. The recall affects many popular cars manufactured between 1998 and May 2003, including the Sunny, March, Cube, Primera, Presage, X-Trail, Skyline and Fairlady Z, as well as two cars built for Subaru-maker Fuji Heavy Industries and Mazda Motor Corp. on an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) basis. A Nissan spokeswoman said the cost of the recall had been factored into profit forecasts for the business year to next March. Some of the cost will be shared by parts makers, she said. Some analysts had expressed concern about possible quality issues at Nissan, which has been expanding its product line-up and output volumes at break-neck speed over the past few years. Mobil 1, I guess. [ October 30, 2003, 09:39 PM: Message edited by: TSoA ]

 

[mikep]

Lots to digest here. I think I'm going to start the truck off by draining the factory fill at 1,000 miles, then drain again at 3,000 miles then again at 5,000 miles. I think this should keep the oil and filter from becoming overly contaminated with break in metals and Si levels in the very beginning. Nick778 and Totttalled...thx for the info on the filter. I actually read that this afternoon on the Maxima site. I'm going to stop by one of my local parts stores and see if they have the larger version in the Wix or Hastings lineup. If not, I'll ask the dealer for the old OE version. Seems a mix of suggestions for the synth and dinos (Chev/Castrol GTX). Synth is a hard one to swallow for me. I mean I'm using Chevron in my truck and the UOA were very good. If I go putting pricey stuff in the wife's ride then the next thing ya know she'll think I have money for new Dining Room furniture or something like that . Don't think I want to go with stuff that's too pricey for those first 5,000 miles since I'm gonna do at least two changes during that time. I'll probably just stick with the Chevron (or Havoline) then decide on what to go with at the 5,000 or 10,000 mark. Also, while I use the "normal" schedule on my truck (5K miles) I always used the 3K intervals on wifey's vehicles since she does so many short trips where the engine never gets up to full operating temp. She is constantly doing 2-3 minute trips. Given that style of driving is it adviseable to leave any type of oil in for more than 3-5 k miles? Especially short trips during winter months? Mikep

 

[trey]

I also own a 03 maxima SE and love it, i use either amsoil or mobil 1 in it, 5w-30 in winter and 10w-30 in the summer along with a mobil 1 filter (the 105 large filter) that 105 is huge! I'm too lazy ot look back but i seen someone on this same post that uses the same setup as me. i'm happy with it. My intervals since i do many short trips and only 8-10k a year is change it out every 6 months.

 

[mikep]

quote:

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Originally posted by John in the ATL: Stick with the Chevron Supreme and/or Havoline 5w-30. I am not sure if it matters about an oil change at 1,000 miles; it would not hurt. You could go 1,000, 4,000, 7,000 and 10,000 miles. After 10,000 miles on the VQ is the best time to convert to synthetic with that engine. Check out the maxima dot org for more specific VQ 30 & 35 DE info and UOAs.

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Thanks for the comments and your suggestions. BTW....VQ? I searched here for Pathfinder but somehow didn't even think to check on Maxima . Will check out the site you mentioned. Mikep

 

[Al]

Its a mater of preference. I personally like to get the factory fill out of there at low milage. Chevron is a fine choice. I put Mobil 1 in my 2L Sentra at 30 miles. That's probably retarded but the engine uses almost no oil and every indication at 36K miles is that it broke in very well.

 

[jsharp]

Mikep, you have this all wrong. Practice this - "Honey, I've spent so much money on your new truck and making sure it stays in great condition, I just don't have any cash left over for anything else..." Then put a good synthetic in it. If I'm not mistaken, that engine has variable cam timing with the actuation via oil pressure. Not the place to use any oil that might not keep things really clean...

 

[John in the ATL]

quote:

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Originally posted by mikep: Thanks for the comments and your suggestions. BTW....VQ? Mikep [/QB]

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Sorry about the slang. The Nissan 3.5L V6 is technically referred to as the VQ35DE model. D signifying double overhead cam. I own a 2000 Maxima GLE with the 3.0L previous version of the legendary Nissan V6.

 

[mikep]

quote:

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Originally posted by jsharp: Mikep, you have this all wrong. Practice this - "Honey, I've spent so much money on your new truck and making sure it stays in great condition, I just don't have any cash left over for anything else..."

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I need to practice the routine. She has a way of seeing right through me (don't they all?) LOL. I didn't know about the oil actuated VCT. In fact, I really don't know anything about this thing other than it is the same as the Altima and Z motors, is 3.5 ltrs and 4wd. I'm not up on most Japanese autos having owned nothing but Fords most of my life. Looks like I need to strongly consider a synthetic. Guess I shouldn't have let my Amsoil preferred status expire. Thanks again gang . Mikep

 

[Whimsey]

Mikep, I don't know what you mean. My wife believes me about everything. Then again she believes the Pope is Jewish . Perhaps you might want to try the Schaeffer 5W-30 blend as an alternative. Terry things more highly of Schaeffer's blend than of the Mobil 1 for 5,000 mile OCI. And son of a gun I just happen to have some on hand for you to use if the inducement is right . Also with any luck we then can get to a $250 order together and save big $$$$. My last order from Tim was $150 + $42 shipping. Whimsey

 

[mikep]

quote:

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Originally posted by Whimsey: Mikep, I don't know what you mean. My wife believes me about everything. Then again she believes the Pope is Jewish . Perhaps you might want to try the Schaeffer 5W-30 blend as an alternative. Terry things more highly of Schaeffer's blend than of the Mobil 1 for 5,000 mile OCI. And son of a gun I just happen to have some on hand for you to use if the inducement is right . Also with any luck we then can get to a $250 order together and save big $$$$. My last order from Tim was $150 + $42 shipping. Whimsey

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I think if we tried real hard we could probably run up a tab for $250.00 in one night alone! LOL Your idea has some real potential. I think we need to get together at one of the local watering holes and discuss it in greater detail . Mikep