My 04 coupe started using oil and smokes badly on startup. Engine has 165000 miles on it. Re-do heads, or replace engine with a remanufactured unit? Any feedback on quality and good prices on reman units would be appreciated.

 

How much oil are we talking? And it's pretty much always gonna be cheaper/easier to just buy a low mile used block out of a wrecking yard

 

You're probably not burning oil at the heads. I bet it's at the rings and you need a new hone and bottom end work.

How much oil are you burning through per 1000 miles?

You could try switching to a thicker oil for a bit too... see if that helps at all, but that will only be a temporary solution if at all.

 

OC (oil consumption) is caused by oil ring failure! (Thank you Nissan) Rebuilding the heads won't solve your issue. You could visit your local bone yard and find another complete motor, chances are very good you'll have the same issues. Check our Marketplace under vendor engines for company's that sell rebuilt motors!
Gary

 

Be aware that the oil ring problem was a major issue with the 2003 -2004 engines. Supposedly the 2005 engines received the better rings but if I where you I would look at used 2006 or later engines in case some of the bad engines were still in the 2005 pipeline.

 

My 05 5AT sedan drinks oil like I used to drink vodka and that's saying something.