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synthetic oil

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 9:01 am
by Sully55
Question?

I would like to switch over to synthetic oil on my 05 pathfinder. I have a scheduled appt. with Nissan service for an oil change next week. Is this something Nissan service would do, or do I have to do it on my own. Finally, in your opinion is it worth switching over to synthetic?

Thanks

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 10:04 am
by RacerZX
Sure, the Nissan dealer carries synthetic oil, they can do it.

As for should you, IMHO the answer is yes absolutely. The reduced friction inside your motor will be good for both longevity of the parts and reduced fuel consumption. Back when I changed my Murano over to synthetic oils (including gear oils) I saw a 1MPG increase in fuel economy, though of course YMMV. I'll be doing the same to my Path when I hit 10K miles.

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 12:39 pm
by amr40509
I drove a VR6 Jetta in college and took my car in for changes when I lived in the dorm. I used to bring my own Mobil 1 and filter. The dealer charged me about $7 for a change bringing my own oil. I did always stick around though and be sure they used my oil instead of filling me up from the bulk tank and keeping mine for the tech to take home for his car.

At the time the only game in town for filters was the dealer (eventually other makers started producing them, but not for a couple of years), so the dealer was charging just under $67 for a change w/ synthetic (I think regular was about $45). I was brining 7.5qts of Mobil 1 ($34) and filters from a web site ($11) and paying $7 for the change, so I was saving about $15 a change. I'm sure Nissan charges less though because the filters are more standard and it holds less oil.


I just changed my '06 Pathfinder over to Mobil 1 and it is smoother/quieter and seems to have improved gas mileage. I like it.

Re: synthetic oil

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 3:35 pm
by fernando
i'm using mobel 1 too in my and i did't feel anything differen my first oil chance was when my has 1,300 milles on it but the dealer say that becouse i don't drive much i sure change it every 6 months no 3,000 or 4,500 milles now i'm scare that maybe they did't used synthetic i did bring my oil but there is no way to konw for sure if the use my or the mecanic take home ( scary)

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 3:47 pm
by RacerZX
If you request synthetic from the dealer and that is reflected on your invoice I would personally be pretty confident they did the job right. It's the 2-bit corner oil change shops which I would want to see them tossing the empty containers in the trash to feed confident about.

As for is it worth it or not, that kinda question can cause much debate :wink: .
Personally, I think yes, it's worth it, because either I'll be keeping the vehicle for a long time so an extra few bucks per oil change is worth the invenstment for long term health of the motor, or I'll use that documented proof of regular synthetic oil changes to sell the vehicle for a premium (as I just recently did with my old Murano).

Re: synthetic oil

Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2006 4:23 am
by amr40509
fernando wrote:i'm using mobel 1 too in my and i did't feel anything differen my first oil chance was when my has 1,300 milles on it but the dealer say that becouse i don't drive much i sure change it every 6 months no 3,000 or 4,500 milles now i'm scare that maybe they did't used synthetic i did bring my oil but there is no way to konw for sure if the use my or the mecanic take home ( scary)
You are probably safe. You won't experience a HUGE difference. The change in mine was slight, but I spend enough time in the car to notice it. I picked up my car on 5/11/06 and have about 4500 miles on it.

Posted: Sat Aug 26, 2006 10:01 pm
by AZRoushStang
Just like with my Mustang, I use Mobil 1 ever since the first oil change. I even go as far as using K&N oil filters....just make sure you go by your local nissan dealer and pick up a bag of drain plug gaskets...

Synthetic oil

Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 11:55 am
by Triffid
I did my first oil/filter change at 1K with dino oil and then changed to Mobil 1 at 3750 miles... I change the oil and filter every 3750 miles...... Triffid

Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 2:15 am
by Gray
Localy the dealerships are authorized to provide Mobil-1 synthetic oil if requested, but I don't know if that is extended service oil or just the regular M-1. You might want to do a study about the rest of the synthetics available such as PAO based, ester based and which type, synthetic blends, etc.

When you lock into one you might want to do a UOA, used oil analysis to check engine wear.

.

Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 5:23 am
by LittleStevie
I've always been a believer in synthetic, but with this Pathy I think it's extra important. With the issue of timing chains wearing out prematurely on '05-'07 models, synthetic will only help extend the life. Of course, it may extend the life just beyond the powertrain warranty, but you never know.

I just use Mobil 1 5W-30, as it's cheap in the 5 qt. jugs and easy to find. It really only adds about $10 more per oil change over a conventional oil, and I go 6000 mile intervals. $10 every 6 months is cheap peace of mind.

Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 11:19 am
by blink32
LittleStevie wrote:With the issue of timing chains wearing out prematurely on '05-'07 models....
Care to elaborate? This is the first I've heard of that. A link or any info is appreciated.

Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 4:08 pm
by LittleStevie
Check out NTB07-042: "ALL NISSAN MODELS WITH VQ ENGINE; BUZZING / WHINING NOISE FROM TIMING CHAIN AREA"

The recommended action is to replace both secondary timing chains and secondary timing chain tensioners. I heard one rumor about some kind of teflon coating that is wearing prematurely, but I have nothing to validate that.

I would imagine this is a good $1,500 job...big deal if you ask me. Hopefully it comes in before my powertrain warranty expires in 18k miles, or not at all.

Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 5:29 pm
by blink32
Ah, Ok. I had seen that TSB but I hadn't bothered with it because of low mileage and no noise like they are describing. Thanks for pointing this TSB out.

Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 9:12 am
by Gray
Here's one of the 'Porsche tests' which allows oils to be included in the latest 2007 Porsche approved engine oil list. Somewhere I've read that the current factory fill for Porsches is Mobil 1 0W40 PAO based synthetic oil, if that means anything to keeping a VQ40 running right.

"Porsche 996FL Engine test. This test will last 203 hours. The engine, and the oil, will go through: - 4 times the simulation of 35 hours of summer driving, - 4 times the simulation of 13.5 hours of winter driving, - 40 cold starts, - 5 times the simulation of 1-hour sessions on the “Nürburgring” racetrack, - 3.5 hours of “running-in” program Measurements on the engine and on the oil will be done at regular intervals, and the following parameter will be taken into account to grant the approval or not: - torque curve (internal friction), - oxidation of the oil, - Piston cleanliness and ring sticking, - Valve train wear protection. Cam & tappet wear must be less than 10 µm. - Engine cleanliness and sludge: after 203 hours, no deposits must be visible. - Bearing wear protection: visual rating according to Porsche in-house method."

Dec 2007 'Engine Oils Approved by Porsche' list;

http://freepdfhosting.com/uploads/9ec1656f78.pdf

As this truck doesn't do towing duty, seldom sees above 3000 rpm, is driven at a low ambient temperatures and the oil gets changed on the early schedule I've been looking at Mobil 1 5W20 PAO based synthetic for the next oil change. The cheapest dino 5W30 oils which would follow Nissan 'motor oil grade recommendation' probably shear down to a 20 grade within 1 to 2000 miles anyway.

.

Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 4:51 pm
by LittleStevie
5W-20 might be ok, but you definitely lose lubrication margin with the thinner oil, and there is a possibility of sacrificing engine life for a little fuel efficiency. I would have to submit to the knowledge and experience of the Nissan engineers on this one. Without the complete engine design data, you have no way of knowing loads, pressures, clearances, and film thicknesses in that engine.