Hey everyone,

I've never had problems with my 2009 G37 (except the passenger window motor stopped working a year back and was replaced). I'm at 193,7XX today and a few days ago the engine began making a noise most apparent at idle. It sounds as if the car were a diesel. I change the oil every 5k miles. I have been using Total Quartz INEO MC3 (5w-30) and before used mobil 1 EP 5-30. I purchased the car in 2010 with 25k miles, so I have always made sure to take proper maintenance, and it is dealer serviced. It hasn't left southern California.

I took it in for a car wash today and the dealer said that the probelm would be solved using Nissan Ester Oil. I've read in the past about Nissan's ester oil, and decided against using it. Am I wrong? Or is this another problem that won't be solved by simply changing oils?

Thank you for reading and any help you can offer.

-J

 

Always make sure your oil is topped off if you run extended drain intervals. The VQ37 engine is known for being noisy upon a cold start...but with the mileage that you've put on the car, you probably would have noticed that before. I would say check your oil level first...if the oil is a quart or two low, there can be additional noise.

Mine is quite loud as well on a cold start but it quiets down after about 30 seconds. Does yours quiet down after that timeframe?

 

Thanks for the response. I really appreciate it. No the noise continues after warmup. It is less noticeable while moving, only apparent while stopped. 5K is considered an extended oil interval for this engine?

 

No problem JL, and welcome to the forum.

Have you checked your oil level? If it's low, it can make the engine noisier. It all depends...oil can definitely burn off in that amount of miles but it also depends on your driving style. With close to 193k+ miles on the car, it's possible the rings aren't sealing as well as when the car was new...that would cause some additional burn off as well.

However, I've been on this forum for years but I haven't seen any instances of a G having bad rings in the engine and I know a few others that have run their cars to similar miles as you.

Nissan Ester oil is supposed to make it quieter, but I've never run it. Personally, I've been running Amsoil signature series 100% synthetic 5W-30 and haven't had any issues. I'm also running 8-10k+ miles between oil changes. All I do is make sure that the oil level is topped up. I check monthly on level ground when the engine is cold. I'll usually add about 1.5 quarts over 10k miles, which is completely normal.

Good luck and you might also want to have your dealer check the car out. Post back if we can be of further assistance.