Update. I have been using the Shell T6 Rotella for 2 months with no oil related problems. My oil level is constant. So, I believe that I did not lose any oil or atleast enough to make a difference. When I change my oil then I will measure to see how much of the 6.5 quarts drain out. All and all, I have no complaints about using Shell T6 Rotella in my FX45. Note: I did notice that the T6 oil still has an amber color when I checked it recently, the Castrol Syntech would be black about this time when I check it. Just an observation.
I am using Shell Rotella 5w-40 T6 oil
- Thread starter carguy75
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Slamming45
Member
- Car
- 1965 mustang
Guess its time to get on board with the Rotella.
So.... my last post was the end of march with about 2k on the oil. I was out of state training for the month of April and my wife drove the FX. She has now adopted it as we have a new son and I am driving the CTS-V (no freakin complaints there, I doubt she will get it back). It is just over 3k now and the oil is sitting just above the L on the stick. So... If I am a quart low now between changes and she drove it most of the time.... it really must be due in part to my driving habits. keep in mind I have not switched to Mobil1 yet and only ran Rislone to try to break up any buildup in the valve covers. I am switching to synthetics this oil change and will continue to monitor it with her driving. Will update again.
UnstoppableKARL
Member
Looking forward to it. I also discovered this paragraph while reading the Adobe Owners manual for the FX45, and it said this "It is normal to add some oil between oil maintenance intervals or during the break-in period, depending on the severity
of operating conditions."
I'm guessing if the interval in the manual says 3750 miles between oil changes, I'm assuming it should be checked around the halfway mark and add oil when needed around say, 1875? I've been using Valvoline Full Synthetic (5w 30), have 2600 miles on this change, and the level is smack dab in the middle between H and L. Not sure if I should add anything because the manual says it's ok at the level, but I will grab some spare quarts anyway.
Topped off with 7quarts of mobile 1... the level is well high on the stick. No abnormal engine noise so I let it be. Im still getting a puff of smoke after it sits from time to time and Im about to take it to the dealer, use my warranty, and let them have it until I get told its normal or its something else. I dont know if its just the engine tolerances, if the valve seals are leaking or what. The damn engine only has 55k. Plus after the puff of smoke I get was looks like water vapor out the pipes at idle. My other car has none. Doubt its a head gasket since the oil has no signs of coolant but thats no promise either.
This weekend Im breaking it down... pulling the valve covers... checking for sludge or other signs of blockage, im cleaning out the valve covers completely, changing the plugs, the pcv valves and the hoses. After that Im done with it, if I dont see any signs of sludge in the top end Im jsut going to drive it and let it be.
This weekend Im breaking it down... pulling the valve covers... checking for sludge or other signs of blockage, im cleaning out the valve covers completely, changing the plugs, the pcv valves and the hoses. After that Im done with it, if I dont see any signs of sludge in the top end Im jsut going to drive it and let it be.
Driver side valve cover off... absolutely no sludge or grime of any kind. Looks clean as a whistle, pcv ports and all. So I proceeded to change the plugs on that side and found that they all looked like they had been dipped in white cake. I mean.. they were ashed over real bad. The ashing is from fuel additives or from oil burn off. No a heavy oil leak since that would make them black, but the kind of burning you would see with worn valve seals. Since I have been getting the small puff at start up and excessive burn off during high rpm driving it would make sense that I have bad valve seals. With only 55k on the motor im irritated to say the least. Off to Infiniti monday to have the door locks fixed and I'm leaving the FX with them to see if they can get the warranty company to cover valve seals. Go Nissan!
Here are pics
So after talking to the Infiniti tech he agreed its probably valve seals except theres really no way to check. The warranty company wont cover anything oil consumption related so it puts me in a bind trying to get it covered. He also said Nissan does not rebuild the heads, their repair is to simply swap out the whole thing. Those plugs look like shit, but who knows if there was something else going on. I switched to synthetic, changed the plugs, and the pcv valves. Im going to keep driving it and see if the start up smoke goes away. I dont know if im making something out of nothing but I am getting real tired of this engine. None of you 45 owners have any ideas? I starting another thread for this issue.
So after talking to the Infiniti tech he agreed its probably valve seals except theres really no way to check. The warranty company wont cover anything oil consumption related so it puts me in a bind trying to get it covered. He also said Nissan does not rebuild the heads, their repair is to simply swap out the whole thing. Those plugs look like shit, but who knows if there was something else going on. I switched to synthetic, changed the plugs, and the pcv valves. Im going to keep driving it and see if the start up smoke goes away. I dont know if im making something out of nothing but I am getting real tired of this engine. None of you 45 owners have any ideas? I starting another thread for this issue.
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Here are pics
So after talking to the Infiniti tech he agreed its probably valve seals except theres really no way to check. The warranty company wont cover anything oil consumption related so it puts me in a bind trying to get it covered. He also said Nissan does not rebuild the heads, their repair is to simply swap out the whole thing. Those plugs look like shit, but who knows if there was something else going on. I switched to synthetic, changed the plugs, and the pcv valves. Im going to keep driving it and see if the start up smoke goes away. I dont know if im making something out of nothing but I am getting real tired of this engine. None of you 45 owners have any ideas? I starting another thread for this issue.
Question. Did you notice any oil inside of your valve cover when you removed them?
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You guys are making me think the oil burn is normal. Maybe im making something out of nothing.
Haha YOU guys all knew.. I didnt know
Well, I had a feeling, but I also felt mine was excessive. After a couple of highway trips at 90+ I burned through a good amount. Im probably on par for the course.+1 I have also noticed that the T6 oil seems to minimize the oil consumption in my FX, even under hard driving conditions. My oil level has remained the same, more or less. I have noticed that the oil dip stick level have changed a very small amount. Before the change to T6, I would need to add about a quart of oil at about 3K miles. Now I am good, I probably could go until about 5K miles before having to add a quart with the T6. I believe it more about my FX45 needing the 5W-40 weight oil due to a few crappy engine design flaws as opposed to a particular brand of oil, but I do like the T6 oil so far. For its price and positive results.
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The Shell T6 only cost me $20.00 for a 4 quart bottle on sale at Orielly's Auto parts. How expensive is that? However, I do live in Ga. Maybe it cost more in other states.
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