I ran M1 0w-40 for a couple recent oil changes, based on the fact it is barely a 40 weight and considered a high quality oil. Many have recommended it across the VQ37 world.

However, when it started to get cold, I noticed what sounded like timing chain rattle on startup. I am talking about starting the car in the teens and 20s. I switched back to a 5w-30 (Castrol Edge in this case) a couple weeks ago and that noise seems to have gone away. The thought was that a 0w would pump faster than a 5w and thus be better in the cold, but perhaps there is a side effect to that thinner oil.

So, after my experimenting with it, I am going to stick with 5w-30 going forward.

 

Did some work today and replaced engine oil and oil filter, front and rear diff fluid, transfer case fluid, power steering fluid, serpentine belt and spark plugs. Used Motul 75W-90, Motul ATF VI and Motul 5W-30. For the belt a 7PK2020XS Gates belt and DENSO FXE24HR11 spark plugs.

Noticed quite some oil inside the last spark plug on driver side. No idea how long this has been in there since i bought the car a few months ago but i never noticed any engine oil issues or starting issues/missfires.

Guess i will have to change the Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Tube Seals? I didn't have these parts as i didnt expect this surprise. Closed everything up as i worked on it in a shop. Will this hurt anything if left for a while till seals arrive? Also, will it damage the new spark plug i installed in the affected spark plug hole, or should i just replace it after the seals are done, since its just 1 spark plug or can i clean it off?

 

Gave the car a much needed bath on Saturday. Now I need to find sometime this week for emissions testing and it's time to put it away for the winter.

 

Talking about tire inflators this week I bought this little beast https://jacosuperiorproducts.com/col...flator-kit-12v made in the USA with bulletproof warranty highly recommend to anyone.

 

I tackled both of my front sunroof drains because I had water on my drivers floor. I watched a few videos and to me, this one was the best, most direct permanent fix. I followed his directions to a T and it worked flawlessly.


If anyone needs to do this, this video was not long and very direct.

 

Oil change, wipers, redline fuel sys cleaner in the tank. Fumoto valve slow but zero fuss as usual; all three of my usual oil filter wrenches (one sized for the flats on the filter, one with a 3-jaw that clamps harder the harder you turn it, and metal strap wrench) wouldn't take the filter off so had to go the long-screwdriver and hammer route. Thought there might be seal residue on the flange but no - no idea why so tight. I tighten hand-tight then a 1/2 turn with the strap wrench... never had that issue before.

OTOH, it's been more than a year since I've changed the oil.

Back tucked up to the house and on the battery tender. I think at this point the finish is beyond what I can do, so I'm trying to find a mobile detailer that doesn't also appear to be a meth dealer.

Side note - I took decent pics of the Z1 silicone radiator hoses and their spotting. That will be on my build thread before the holiday week is out... but an interesting observation is that the spotting is only on the part of the hose between the hose barbs - IE, the part of the hose pushed over the radiator hose connector isn't spotted. The spots won't come off either, with water or soap and water. Was afraid to try anything more aggressive.

 

For years I used those K&M filters with the 1" nut molded into the end. Easiest filters in the world to take off. No wait, my wife's Subby has the oil filter upright at the top of the engine. Nothing easier than that.

 

K&N has been my favorite oil filter for a long time. By the way, afe Takeda also has a similar design of oil filters https://afepower.com/afe-power-44-lf...-filter-4-pack. The 2007 Toyota 4 Runner also has an oil filter on the top of the engine bay.

 

I said goodbye today to my long-time friend, my unbreakable G37x, and traded finally to 2016 Infiniti Q70L AWD sedan with a technology package and performance tire and wheel package++ 20-inch five-spoke wheels with 245/40-20 tires and sport calipers. The engine is the same as the G 3.7 L stallion. Pictures coming soon. The color is black obsidian exterior with black interior. One owner, full maintenance history record, and no accidents.

 

Congrats! The M/Q is a great value on the used car market, even more so before COVID.

 

Thanks man! I really enjoying this car. Appreciate your comment!

 

The Q70 is a sweet car!

 

Way more luxurious than a G37. Enjoy!

 

Thanks! Appreciate it!

 

Hope it treats you great! I almost went looking at a 2015 Q70 with the 5.6 in it 3 weeks ago, even stopped in the dealers parking lot when they were closed to take a look at it. Couldn't make the jump though.