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Hi Jay,I've enjoyed reading up on your answers and I think you're the guy I need to speak to. In 2005 I bought a used (11k miles) Infiniti I35. Pretty much from the day I got it it's had a knocking at 1800 RPM's - 2200 RPM's. Dealer said it was gas, tried premium, additives, etc. and nothing. I then did some research and found this was very common for that engine. Skip forward to now - I have 120k miles on car - Oil changes every 3k with synthetic, but about 2k miles into it, I am low on oi
Country: United StatesMake: InifinitiModel: I35Year: 2004
Hello and thank you for using JustAnswer.com
This is a 04 I35 correct?
they didn't make it in 05... Just making sure...
2004 Correct sorry. Let me continue my issue (got cut off). Anyway I'm burning oil (no noticeable smoke unless I'm redlining...) quickly and a few times I've only noticed this when making a sharp right turn I hear a pretty loud clanking (my guess is this is a lack of oil...). so really 2 issues, the knocking which seems worse, and the burning of the oil.
Well, lets address this one at a time..
The oil consumption issue..
How have you been able to determine this, but it smoking?
Low oil - checking oil after a few thousand miles beyond oil change normally when I start it and it's a bit cold the oil pressure light may flicker when I start the car for a sec - or when I'm making that sharp right
Ok, yeah, that sounds like it could be low..
so i'llcheck the oil and it is normally not reading on the dipstick. Also have had local mechanic tell me that I've had 'codes' for low oil
There are three things I have seen that can cause oil consumption
First,
PCV, and even the valve cover.
If the crank case can't breath properly, it will burn oil
2nd
I have see where some catt converters break up and some of the debris gets sucked into the engine. Once this happens it can contaminate the engine and eat away the oil rings. Which starts the oil consumption problem, and will eventually do more damage
The first one was really the two out of the 3...
Valve cover with PCV is where I would start..
2nd sounds quite severe...
ok - i can definitely have them look at that for me
If you still have a oil consumption problem, then your most likely looking at a engine I am afraid
is there an easy test for the PCV?
so in that respect - do I just keep it full and drive it until it dies? What do you think I'm looking at for a new engine?
I know Nissan has a test do measure crank case pressure. Infiniti never got this kit cause it was part of a recall on the 06 Altima
If you take the car to a Nissan Dealer, they can perform this test for you.
ok - is PCV 'user replaceable' - i see the part is only a few bucks..
yeah, but the other part to that is the valve cover..
Cause I there are passages to the PCV valve through the valve cover
that if clogged will act like a restricted PCV valve
But yeah, do the PCV valve first!
so are you saying the valve cover could be leaking? would there be a visual test for that?
It's not expensive at all
ok - pcv replacement - step 1.
Yes
Then if your still getting a oil consumption problem, valve cover is step 2
if you still have oil consumption problem, then Engine is step 3
ok- got it - thx
unless you just want to keep driving the car
and just add oil till it goes
hehe
As far as this knock..
ok - or a good time to trade it in
yeah.. that too
This knocking noise.. You get it under light acceleration?
correct
like a chatter from the engine
This is normally Octane ping.. How ever
yeah - chatter
You have some mileage on the car.. Have you ever changed your spark plugs yet?
no - and quite honestly i keep forgetting to...sigh
lol
Well
but i've had this since the care was purchased - so for the last 110k miles
This is what I would do
and no one to this point has had any ideas
Plugs are good till 105k miles
So your due
How ever
besides to tell me - it's common on that engine.
Na, it becomes more common as you get mileage on them and plugs get worn.
My 02 Altima V6 chattered like hell when I got it!
128k miles on the car.. Put plugs in it, not a peep
Use regular gas also..
interesting - any recommendations on types of plugs?
NGK!!!
Don't use anything else..
ok
But, this is what I was going to say
After you do the PCV valve
if you have to go as far as doing the valve covers
That is when you want to change the plugs
Cause you have to take the plenum off anyway to do them..
ahhh - ok
so - i'm somewhat handy (replace brake pad's, and even a caliper bracket once after i x-threaded the pad) lol - is the PCV something I can do on my own?
Yeah, you just need to know where it is..lol
ok - i assume down low if it's in the crankcase?
I am trying to remember. If I remember correctly, it's in the Bank 1 valve cover, which is the side of the engine closest to the fire wall
oh - even better
If you look between the plenum and the throttle chamber I think it's right there!
ok... - so does the plenum have to come off for that?
It's a plastic PCV
no
It's just fairly tight to get the hose off.
well - sounds like I have some projects to do
It's been a while since I have worked on one of these older I35's
I am putting you to work... hehe
yeah - if the car wasn't so cheap to drive at this point I'd replace it - but even with all these problems - it's still a pretty nice ride
Yeah, it is...
one more ? - where's the best to get those plugs?
Auto Part store..
Don't get any other plugs!
got it
These engines were designed to use these plugs.
ok - i won't use anything else
I say that cause I know..That is all..
In any case, I think we have a game plan
Do you have any more questions on this?
no - you've been very helpful
Thanks, Glad I can help.
and Thank you for using JustAnswer.com
Thanks Jay!
Experience: 20 yrs experience with Nissan & Infiniti Trained & Certified.Currently still working for Dealer