I have an 02 maxima with 195k miles. Bought used with 100k miles on it about 10 years ago. Has always been pretty thirsty with oil. Was using around a quart every 1000 miles when I first got it. I haven't been keeping track lately ,but it's probably more like a quart every 500 miles now. These engines are known to have this issue. Worn or sticky rings is most likely cause I see. PCV valve changes don't seem to help too much.
Any advice? I use 5w30 high mileage Pennzoil. I think that used to be a full conventional oil. It now is advertised as a synthetic blend(as most are these days.) Thought about switching to a 10w40 synthetic blend or maybe 5w40(or 0w40) full synthetic. However I've heard it can be problematic to go full synthetic at this point. Any advice?( Other then buy a Camry next time LOL)
Stick to the recommended oil viscosity and try to use conventional. There is a chance of more oil burning if you switch to fill synthetic. About the sticking piston oil rings, Scotty has a video on a VW that he used a product to release the stuck rings. You may try that.
Seems hard to find true conventional. Most everything that used to be labeled conventional is now labeled a synthetic blend. Might be they were always a blend not sure...
Get the blend if you can not find the conventional.
Those cars were notorious for it if they’re not properly maintained.. not saying you haven’t but 100k if it’s life before you had it is a long time. Stick to 5w30 if it’s burning don’t buy any fancy or expensive oil and just make sure it stays full and it should still run forever the engines could burn oil but are generally bulletproof against all out dying..
