Re: What went wrong with the 06 engine?
Posted by: milrpeepl
Date: July 14, 12:33PM
Well... I've been worried about my oil loss on my 06 for over a year now. I tried to convince myself that it wasn't that bad! I was hoping by 10K the rings would properly seat in and I was willing to live with a qt loss between 3K oil changes... BUT... everytime I checked my oil (which is often), I found myself adding between a pint and 1/2 qt. NOT GOOD! After reading all of these posts (and then some), I decided to print the TSB and go to the dealer. I went this past Saturday and they seemed to be very cool about it. They changed my oil for free and told me to come back in about 1,000 miles. The Service Mgr. told me that if it is below the acceptable 8mm measurement, they will order me a new V2 motor. He told me they have already done several exchanges and Nissan has given them zero hassle. This seems too good to be true! I wish I didn't have to get a new engine (kind of afraid what other damage could happen to my Z), but the car only has 11,700 on it now ... it's paid for... and I plan on keeping it a very long time. I appreciate all the posts and info on this site. I will also keep you posted on my results.
July 19th - Went to local Nissan Dealer and told them my concerns. They did a free oil change and started my oil consumption test.
July 19 - July 31 - Put approximately 1200 miles on new oil change. Motor consumed appoximately 1 1/2 qts (or 10mm on dip stick)
Aug 1 - Returned to dealer for official reading. They confirmed that oil use was excessive. Documented that oil level was down over 1 1/2 qts (10mm).
Aug 5 - Called me at work and told me that a new motor has been ordered. They will call me and schedule an appointment when the new motor arrives.
The service people were more than cooperative. They did not give me any hassle ... in fact, were apoligetic about the whole situation. I know this has been a pain in the butt for some in the past, but apparently Nissan has accepted responsibility and is standing by their product. I wish that I did not have to go through any of this, but at least I will get the new motor and hopefull all will be good. Good luck to anyone else going through this experience!
Go look at the 2nd page of posts, the one started by me called "Im on the OIL Consumers watch list" and go down several threads. Someone attached a pdf file that is the TSP from Nissan.
Update:
08-07-08 - Nissan Service Manager called. New engine should be here tomorrow or Monday. They are giving me a free rental car and it should take 2 days to change out motor. So far... Nissan has been very helpful and accomodating throughout this process. I will keep all posted.
That is GOOD, GOOD news. Service Manager called me on Saturday with status... old oil gussler is out of car... new V2 arrived... will install on Monday... car should be ready around Tuesday. So far, dealer has been great!
8/11/08 -
WOW... I actually got my car back last night! The Service Manage called me and told me that he knew I was anxious about my car so he had the heavy line mechanic work a little OT to get 'er done. I don't know if this was a little BS, but this dealer has been amazing and kept me informed the entire time they has my Z (Empire Nissan, Ontario, CA). When I got there to pick it up, they had completely detailed it for me... it looked like brand new (which is the way I try to keep it). The Service Manager personally inspected it and went over every detail with me. In my initial drive home (approximately 15 miles), the car ran great... everything seems to be perfect. I personally inspected the engine compartment and everything looked good. The oil level was right at the top so I will monitor it carefully. They instructed me to keep it under 4K for the 1st 1,000 miles just as I did with the old motor. Like I said, I am impressed with the service and response from Nissan on this whole ordeal. I hope that anyone else out there with the same oil consumption problem can get the same type of service I was able to get in So. California. I will keep all posted on the new motor. Good luck to everyone out there!!!
Why? What does everyone else (that hasn't had oil consumption issues) recommend for breakin period?? I've rebuilt quite a few small blocks for my hot rods and have alway's gone easy for at least the first 500 miles till cam, rings, etc settle in.
I know that the Japaneze motors are engineered quite a bit differently with new technology and such, but it seems that all of today's motors also require some break-in period. Just curious what other new Z owners are doing???
Set the rings, then drive it like you stole it. Should only take 200 miles of normal driving at the most, or you can accelerate the process using certain break-in methods. 1000 miles is way to long to give your car a proper spanking on the road.