Oil use too high?

jeff7777 · 12-21-2004, 04:01 PM

My 2004 Titan seems to have used about a half quart of oil in about 1500 miles. This seems to be excessive to me? The truck has 4500mi on it and 1500mi since changing to Mobile 1 0w-40. The driving is mostly stop and go; (short trips 10mi or less) with light loads (sub 1000 lbs). I am not seeing any blue smoke at start-up as others have indicated... Any ideas?; and does this seem like a problem for the dealer or is it normal... Note: everything else seems fine! Thanks.

IMADOGMAN · 12-21-2004, 04:06 PM

Jeff, Are you certain that it is using it? I filled mine with the recommended amount of oil, and it only came up between the Low and High marks on the dipstick. When I changed it, it was at the full mark, but after I ran it for a few minutes, and then let it sit for a while, it was only at the midpoint. Make a note of where it is now, and check it again in a 1000 miles or so.

PS Mine never moves from this midpoint. I don't think it has used any oil in 8000+ miles.

jeff7777 · 12-21-2004, 04:34 PM

I did fill it up using exactly the amount listed in the manual, but the oil filter is a Pure 1 which is slightly larger than stock, so that may be the issue... I will fill it up to the mark and keep an eye on it... Thanks.

honeykeeper · 12-21-2004, 05:08 PM

Mine used about 1/2 qt. before first change.I believe at break-in time it is quite NORMAL to use more than after break-in time......I'm sure you are fine....just don't let them put 5 qts. of oil in at change time.....now enjoy!!

titanwild · 12-21-2004, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IMADOGMAN

filled with the recommended amount of oil, and it only came up between the Low and High marks on the dipstick. When I changed it, it was at the full mark, but after I ran it for a few minutes, and then let it sit for a while, it was only at the midpoint.
Mine never moves from this midpoint. I don't think it has used any oil in 8000+ miles.

Exactly my experience. 6.5 qts with Nissan filter is midway between high low on dipstick, hasn't changed in nearly 5000 miles since the M1 0W-40 change.
Welcome to the forum and good luck!

honeykeeper · 12-21-2004, 06:05 PM

Well.the dipstick is the reference anyway....some things never change.lol!

raskm · 12-21-2004, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Mincarelli

Well.the dipstick is the reference anyway....some things never change.lol!

HEHE......I hope so...

Manual said 6 1/2 qts and I had to put in 7 to get to full mark...this is common from others also. when you changed oil how many qts did you put in?

smoothTitan · 12-21-2004, 08:44 PM

6 1/2 quarts here. right in the middle of the two lines where the manual says it should be. if im not mistaking, if you fill all the way to the top line then you got to much, but prob not to much to worry about.

Brons2 · 12-21-2004, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Truck41

you will never know the exact oil usage, because all the oil never drains back. if you can measure the amount of oil that's left in the top end, then you have something concrete. that is why there is a anti-drainback valve, so the engine will get oil sooner.

The anti-drainback "valve" (really it's just a piece of silicon rubber) is in the oil filter, not the top end of the engine. And the filter is the first thing in the oil circuit, so as the bearings get lubed first and get clean oil.

honeykeeper · 12-22-2004, 04:55 AM

I always fill to the top line....in hopes it will be better lubrication for steep inclines I travel on in the mountains daily. No problems ever with the higher mark used on my last truck either.

rarjar · 12-22-2004, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Mincarelli

I always fill to the top line....in hopes it will be better lubrication for steep inclines I travel on in the mountains daily. No problems ever with the higher mark used on my last truck either.

Agree Tom- filling to the top line (about 7 quarts) is my practice. The additional 1/2 quart, according to my mechanic brother-in-law, will not create an overfill problem.