Well, after months of speculation, testing, typical dealership bs back and forth calling here and there, I get the final word that Nissan will replace my oil-consuming 2004.5 VQ35DE.

My only question is, when they replace the long block, would they replace the spark plugs too? I know most of the other stuff doesn't get replaced, but just curious. Doesn't make sense to put in the old ones.

Ladyzed.

 

North American Nissan is usually pretty good about stuff like that once its warrantied. For instance when they approved my Transmission to be replaced on my 2003, they demanded the dealership give me a new clutch as well since they are right there. When doing a job like this on your car, I'm sure there's a big check list they have to go through. That's awesome though that you got this done, how many miles did you have on it?

 

just turned over to 38k miles on her! I may even throw in a new clutch as well - Since it's all out and easy to do

 

how did u learn it was eating up oil?

 

I faithfully check my levels on every car I drive.

This particular car was going through a quart in 1200 miles!

 

What the god is my dealership talking about now? They said now that it's approved it has to go in for an hour and a half for testing... which is fine... But it's what the service writer said, that baffles me.

It has to go in and be tested to determine if they are replacing the short block or the long block by means of testing the catalytic converter? Did I hear wrong? It was noisy on my end at work, so maybe I did. What testing is involved? leak down? compression?

Why put a brand new bottom end on a slightly worn top end?

Doesn't make sense.

Any input?

ladyzed

 

Hope that your long nightmare is over. Good luck.

 

If the block is eating oil ie: piston rings worn. They can save money by using your old heads instead of new ones.

 

+1 on doing the clutch at the same time

 

I guess that makes sense. It goes in Saturday to do an hour long test to determine if I get a short or long block.

I will keep you posted!

 

Update, for any who cares


They did a catalytic converter analysis, pulled all plugs to see if any were fouled (#3 was), and sent the data and pictures and oil consumption charts to Nissan.

What I'm confused about is the service manager claimed they are trying to get me a full engine but he says a short block. LOL. I said isn't that the opposite? "No, it's different with Nissan".

Oh, ok then. You try to fight with Nissan for a short block, you'll get one instead of a long block.

So, my warranty does expire April 08, am I safe? What happens if the engine doesn't get here until after? I better still be covered!!!

ladyzed

 

Hopefully they will fix the problem. I had a new shortblock put in my '06 at about 10,000 miles and it still eats just as much oil as before they tore it apart and dinged my door. Mine ate/eats about the same as yours, a quart every 1,000-1,200 miles or so.

 

That's crappy. Too bad you didn't get a V2. I am taking pics of my car at every angle before it gets it and walking around the car with the SM to show my car is flawless. I always do when the car stays for a long period.

 

Well, new engine goes in on Wednesday. Full long block. Hopefully my oil problem is fixed. One question, now my warranty is up April 8th, do I still get a year warranty on the new block?