Ask questions via twitter! Message any question to @answers on twitter. We'll publish the question and send you a reply each time there's a new answer.
Next Question

Answered Question

robotech_... robotech_...
 
M$1 January 08, 2009 07:04 PM

Why is my Dad's 2002 Nissan Altima burning oil like crazy?

My Dad was going to post this question to a Nissan expert-advice site, but it wanted to charge him money for an answer. So I figured I'd give it a shot here first.

My Dad writes:

"I just bought a 2002 Nissan Altima with about 80,000 miles. It runs great and gets about 28mpg, BUT it is using oil at an enormous rate, like a quart every 200-300 miles. There are no leaks; the garage floor has not a drop on it. The oil used is Mobil 5000 5w30. What is causing this huge oil consumption?"
Interesting Question?  Yes (0)   No (0)   
RSS
 
 

Best Answer  Chosen by Asker

canuckmark canuckmark
 
 January 08, 2009 08:22 PM
It sounds like a common problem for your year of car, also the 2003's seem to affected both being equipped with a "QR25DE and built between January and May 2006 may experience unusually high oil consumption" now I know this is not your year, but this seems to be when Nissan woke up and realized things, here is a link to a forum, http://forums.automotive.com/70/1106267/nissan/2002-nissan-altima-oil-dropping-at-108000miles-i-w/index.html with loads of people with same complaint, and same years and model of yours, maybe they can help or have put some actions in place you may be able to use, and if you know all this already, sorry for wasting your time.
Asker's Rating:
• This was exactly the information my parents needed to help their knowledge of the issue (though reading about all the people who had to have their engines replaced because of it didn't do anything for their peace of mind!).

The right information at the right time really *does* make all the differen


Helpful Answer?  (2)   (0)    Tip canuckmark for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
tko tko
 
January 08, 2009 08:33 PM
Ah, that's a good find. I expect any mechanic familiar with this model of car will know how to fix/lessen the problem. (If a fix was ever found.)

Might be worth asking around a few mechanics that specialize in Nissans. I expect you'll find one who will go "ah yes, know that problem ..not much you can do" ..or "..if we put this gasket on there that should stop you losing so much oil.."

Worth a try anyway.

Report
 
 

Other Answers (1)

Sort By
darth cont... darth cont...
 
January 08, 2009 07:08 PM
It sounds like there is a leak, just not one that would leave a slick under the car.

Just a guess (I'm not a mechanic) but maybe some internal gasket (for example surrounding a piston) might've failed, causing oil to enter the combustion chamber?

You could ask your dad to report back whether any sooty film is around the back of the car near the exhaust, and whether it spews blackish smoke with the engine running.

Whatever the case I'd take it to a qualified mechanic to get a diagnosis and estimate for repairs.

Helpful Answer?  (1)   (0)    Tip darth continent for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 

Answer this Question

How tips and payments work

This question has already been resolved. You may add an answer to it but you will not be eligible to win best answer or any associated tips.

Related Questions

View All Cars Trucks Questions

Ask a Question


140 characters left
Top of Page
Buy Mahalo Dollars with Credit Card or PayPal

Top Members

This Week All Time
  • buddawiggi
    buddawiggi
    2nd Degree Black Belt
    26334 Points
    M$768.49 Earned
  • kty2777
    kty2777
    Purple Belt
    4981 Points
    M$188.41 Earned
  • opher
    opher
    Purple Belt
    3508 Points
    M$146.67 Earned
   See All
 

Most Popular Tags

mahalo(1539)
twitter(938)
iphone(459)
music(450)
google(344)
food(303)
internet(298)
online(284)
beer(275)
money(259)
facebook(248)
apple(247)
movies(241)
aotd(235)
answers(216)
health(209)
video(200)
dog(200)
free(198)
windows(195)
   See All
 

Categories

Welcome New Members


 
 
Mahalo Dollars are the currency of Mahalo Answers.

Each Mahalo Dollar costs $1.

Once you earn more than 40 Mahalo Dollars, you can request to be paid via PayPal. Each Mahalo Dollar is currently worth $0.75 when paid out via PayPal. Learn More

 
 

Please log in to use this function.

Answers Home | Ask a Question | Earn Points | How Tips Work | Widget