This is a peculiar issue.

I change my oil every 3500 miles, with either mobil 1 full synthetic or valvoline full synthetic.

The past couple days at roughly speeds between 30-50mph and at 1800-2200 rpm, my car's engine would make a chatter sound, sounding almost like an engine knock. Then today intermittently, my oil pressure light would turn on for a split second, then turn right back off while driving.

I brought it to Infiniti this morning and had my friend who is a service writer there get in the car with me, and I had him listen for the noise which he heard, and then drove it back to the lot.. we check my oil this morning after hearing that noise again, and WHOA.. I have nearly NO oil in my block, what the heck??!

My drain plug is tight, and my filter ring etc is tight, I park my car on the driveway every night and in the mornings I have no drip spots or anything of the sort, I am completely stumped.

How does my car with 5 qts of oil with an oil change just 1 month ago and 1000 miles later, have nearly no oil left in my block??


I've had some crazy thoughts of people like stealing oil out from under my car, but.. seriously??

I've never had this issue prior since my 5-6 months of ownership so I'm stumped as to the "why now.." question.

My friend said that "maybe when you gun it every once in a while, you're burning more oil than you already are" . Reason he says that is because when I punch it my car tends to puff out some smoke and sometimes it has a tint of blue in it, but when I drive normal there is no smoke coming out (that I can see or tell) but my friend adds saying, "just because you cannot see or tell it coming out, doesn't mean that it's not burning oil".

Even still, how could (if i were) burn oil.. a whole nearly 5 qts in just 1 month?? I don't drive that super aggressive and yes I do punch it a bit but usually just to go onto the highway and thats pretty much it?? My driving habits haven't changed since a month or two ago and before then I never had this issue.

your thoughts?? thanks very much everyone.

I know there is a tsb for the oil consumption issue, but im stumped, how could I have not had this problem before, AND my car is a non-revup the oil consumption issue with the tsb I thought was only for the revup motors alone???

 

There are few non rev up engine with oil consumption

 

even an 06 non revup??? hmm.. is there such a thing as an 'oil consumption' test by infiniti?
if so I can request one ..

 

Yes, go to the INFINITI service shop and tell them to do oil consumption test.
But isn't 06 have a rev up engine even automatic? (NOT SURE)

 

Could it be that they forgot to fill the engine with oil after they drain it during your oil change?

 

i had the exact same problem as you. I have just completed 2 oil consumption tests and my car failed both times. Burns about 3 qts ever 1k miles. I suggest you take the car in to the dealership, start the oil consumption test. Remove all of your mods before going. Are you still under the powertrain warranty?

 

After reading your thread the first question that came to mind was, "who did your last oil change?" If you didn't do it yourself that would be my first concern that they didn't put all 5 quarts in. Any time you hear sounds like you described check your oil immediately! You know, pull the dip stick.... trouble finding the hole?
Gary

 

Yea your screwed if you dont have warranty. I check my oil almost every day in the morning only takes 5 mins tops.

 

I always do my own oil changes, and yes I do put in oil.
My only engine mods are test pipes, exhaust, and plenum spacer and z-tube..
i don't know why either of these would cause this issue>..?
I'm going to infiniti today at 3:30 to do an oil consumption test..

I don't know why I'd have to remove those mods?? I seriously doubt they have anything to do with the issue..

and yes I have 'basic warranty' existing until 2010 according to the service writer.. whatever that means..

 

you will doubt your mods have anything to do with it but the dealer could use your mods as an excuse. Also if they warranty your engine for a new block be sure to take your mods out.

since your buddy is the service writer then I suppose he'll take care of you.

 

Yeah :-\
I work next door to the dealership and I know everyone there pretty well so..

On the way there now, I'll update when I get back! *crosses fingers*

 

None of your mods should cause excessive oil consumption, the test pipes would be my only concern since you may be running lean. Do you recall the thread where Infiniti blamed the consumption on members HKS exhaust.... Nissan rep refused to get him a new engine!
Gary

 

Update guys:

good:
1. they gave me consumption test. I go back in 1k miles to check up. my service writer said "if the oil level is low, *whispers* which it most likely will be, then I'll just order you a new motor"
2. I had some steering wheel play and I could never figure out what it was, turns out this nut/bolt on my steering wheel column was loose! and the mechanic tightened it up, and it is perfect now! feels like a whole new car
3. I talked to both my warranty advisor friend, mechanic friend there, and the service writer and they all said I should more than likely just get a new motor, but must wait the 1k drive first and then come back for diagnosis.

Bad: none so far. This trip to wisconsin this sunday should be fun.

Thanks for the help everyone for giving me the tip to go in and request such a service, I honestly never even heard of it before.
Thanks to everyone else!.. I hope this turns out good, will update upon my 1k mile sevice.

 

they started to act like fools the other day since I do my own oil changes, they requested to have my oil and filter receipts since i've owned the car - luckily all of them were made with my debit card so i was able to retrace my steps and get duplicates printed out. Without them, I most likely will not get a new engine, even though I AM covered under warranty.

i'm await until monday or tuesday to get an update from the dealership.