I just bought a 2011 G37 journey w/85,790 miles. It’s my first G. 8 DAYS later.... at stop sign check engine. Service engine and master warning came on as I left intersection. Lurching out of the intersection, rpms going high and no acceleration. Then the VDC light came on. Towed it back to dealer. Code P0011 b1. They reset the cam shaft sensor and work order said poss wrong oil ( of course they didn’t find out if the wrong oil was in it). They also said wrong gas, which they put in, as I was still on the same tank I bought it with. Anyways, I found out later that in May it was recommended to replace front toming cover, it has inner timing gasket failure and an oil leak, in Jan records show sludge in oil and accumulated throughout engine, recommend engine replacement. All these things the customer declined. Except they replaced the spark plugs and intake valve selenoid. I don’t know that much about cars, but won’t they just get ruined if there is still sludge running through this car? What are my options w/ sludge in engine as well as all this other damage. I didn’t buy a warranty. Paid 15,000......cash. Any advice or opinions welcome

 

Sludge isn't pumped, it's stuck to surfaces. It won't further damage the engine. It is a sign the previous owner(s) didn't change the oil often enough and/or allowed the engine to overheat.

Timing chain cover gasket is a bitch to change but it must be done or the engine WILL lose oil pressure. Dealer will want $2k+.

 

Sounds like someone unloaded their problem on you. It's unlikely that it needs a new engine. Get the timing cover replaced and make sure that they clean everything in the oil pan. You might also need to replace one or both camshaft sensors. After that, just be diligent on oil changes and it will probably keep running for a long time. If you look in my post history you can probably find the thread detailing the mess I went through.

 

Thank you both for your response. I wrote the General Manager an email and he was nice enough to let me exchange it, repair it or give me a refund. I dropped off the car today and took the refund. Yeah! So now the search for another one begins.
Thanks again.

 

Dang, sorry to hear about the abysmal experience.

 

that's excellent! I'm glad they were able to help you out. For the next one drop $100 on a pre-purchase inspection with an independent shop. As you have learned, it can save a lot of hassle.

 

Great news !
Glad to hear they gave you some options
Bad news you might have to change your username

g/l