OK. First--I did a search under the backyard mechanic and here and only found "how to change oil" posts.

Here's my question: I Had an oil change done. I questioned the mechanic as the Nissan owners manual states 3.5 to 3.75 quarts of oil. They put in almost 5! They checked the dip stick several times and this was a few hours later. Oil levels were fine. I showed them the owner's manual and they were adamant that in their experience, there was no way a 6 cylinder could only take that little oil. They said that the manual was probably generic and referring to the 4 cylinder base model. They even called up the service area of the local Nissan dealership and asked--Nissan dealership told them 4.8 quarts!

So, given all of this, plus the fact that the dipstick levels were fine--am I in danger of blowing the seals and doing something bad to the Xterra? How is it that ebven the dealership stated that it used 4.8 qts instead of the 3.5 recommended. Any thoughts? I do not want to risk damaging this vehicle. The same place that did my oil change is the place I purchased it from (who did an initial change prior to purchase) So I must have about 4,300 miles on this with that much oil being used.

Any help or insight appreciated.

Lee

personally, i would always say use the recommended levels.

i had a nissan dealership put 5 qts in mine and drove back to have them drain some back out.

heh. you said blown seal.

Do you think any damage has been done? I mean, when you check the dipstick it was in the "full" range--not over it and I have no leaks.

I will definately specify only to use the 3.5 - 3.75 range going forward

I did a double take on the amount of oil as well. I am used to the 5 quarts myself. This is the first engine that I had that required so little oil but it's great because I use synthetic in mine so that helps on the cost. Drain some of it out and then take it either somewhere else or you can always do it yourself. Most Advanced Auto will take your used motor oil for free.

Guys:

Thanks for the help. I appreciate the comments--but my main concern is whether or not this has done any potential damage?

Lee

Well, you could have, but who knows. If you're not seeing leaks, you probably don't have any seal issues. The other issue that too much oil can cause is when the crank splashes in the oil in the pan, which makes the engine shake and can whip the oil into a froth/foam that won't circulate properly and starve parts of the engine for oil.

Drain the oil, put 3.5 quarts back in, and assume all is well. Not much else you can do. Tell the shop they damn well better put 3.5 in next time, if you even go back.

Brent

Brent:

Thanks. I appreciate your answer. The head mechanic there is a really nice guy. He even gave me a coupon for a free oil change when I came back to question the oil amount. He took it up on the lift and showed me the oil filter and walked me through what they did. He also confirmed with Nissan how much to use. It surprises me that the dealership told him 4.8 when everyone here is in complete agreement (as is the manual) with the 3.5 range ( Ithink it says 3.75 when hot?).

I'd be curious to hear from a Nissan Mechanic--as I know there is at least one who posts here.

Thanks again,

Lee

I'm not a Nissan mechanic, but I can assure you that 3.5 is correct. I have always changed my own oil in my X and use 3.5 quarts, which is correct according to my manual and dipstick. I'm sure Cyclemut (Nissan Mechanic) will reply when he sees this.

Your dealership is a bunch of dumbbells...Yeh, like they really called someone at NISSAN to check how much oil!

They made you feel all so warm by showing you your oil filter?

Come on man

3.5 quarts every tmie I did it myself and never let anyone else do it.

well, I will say this:

It wasnt a Nissan dealership, but rather "car Sense" where I bought it. He put it up on a lift, took the plate off showed me the filter, we checked it out for any other problems, he reimbursed me for a quart of oil, gave me the free oil change, and took the time---in front of me--to call the BNissan Service area to confirm the amount of oil that they use. He was the head of the service department(mechanics--not the "suit") and certainly didn't have to do all that.

I appreciate the time he took and as noted here by a few people, 5 quarts tends to be the norm for 6 cylinder engines. I can't fault the guy for putting in the amount, checking the levels and giving it the green light because the dipstick even indicated it was ok a few hours later.

It was my concern after seeing the invoice details on the quarts of oil used later on that caused me to come back and question. I had seen 3.5 mentioned here and in the manual--so went back to question it.

The generic manual thing somewhat makes sense to me--after all, if it was a 4 cylinder, you'd expect it to take less oil. And do you really think Nissan is going to put out two manuals covering 4 cylinder vs 6? HAving said that, maybe they would have addeda line "if your x is a 6 cylinder--add this much".

My ultimate concern is 1) I have no idea who did the oil changes in it's first year (5k tallied) of ownershiop; I have 4,300 clocked with a possible 4.5 or so quarts of oil used; and am praying that no major damage took place as a result--apparantly not as I see no leaks--but there could be the issue that Brent referred to.

I hope Cyclemut sees this and can give me some guidance.

Also, why would a Nissan service bay/area say 4.8 qts to begin with? Wouldn't Nissan techs be on board with the oil amount?

Lee

Why would you need Cyclemut to advise? You haven't listened to anyone else thus far except some repair shop that advised you about your "generic manual".

I voted you 5 trucks for being such a value here at XOC!

"It was my concern after seeing the invoice details on the quarts of oil used later on that caused me to come back and question."

-----------------------

Likely that they charged you for 5 quarts and only put in the 3.5 that the vehicle takes... then covered there butts when you went back to question it. Take it somewhere else or do it yourself and tell this shop to . The manual has been correct every time I've changed the oil in my 6-cylinder.

Bones, Well, it's obvious your only goal here is to bait me or cast aspersions my way.

Read my previous replies regarding the 3.5 qts and the reason I questioned all of this to begin with.

Why I am curious as to what Cyclemut has to say is PRIMARILY to get another opinion from a certified Nissan Tech regarding the issue.

Maybe using more then 3.5 quarts in this particular vehicle isnt that much of an issue, maybe it is.

I'd like to get some input from a person who sees several hundred Nissan vehicles per year as well weighing the great advice others have given me here (and what the manual says).

Bones, any chance you play Rugby and might be coming to Pennsylvania anytime soon? I'm sure we could work out our differences on the field

GoBux --good point.I had thought of that. 5 qts being standard, technician just plugging in the numbners, etc. If this place wasn't so highly rated on both sales and service, etc etc. I'd be inclined to agree--unless it was an error. Not ready to can them just yet--still have a 6 month warranty on anything--including brakes--from them on top of the Nissan warranty.

Thanks,

Lee

Rugby? WTF???
After you get done re-writing NISSAN's Manual maybe you would like to come to Texas and meet me on a motorcross track?

Grow up Big Bad dude.

You came here and asked, we advised and then you continued arguing about this wonderful shop and your generic manual. Even Brent was very calm in his answer...Where is XOC?

You got your 5 trucks from me and I can't take them away.

Brent hit the nail right on the head. Oil doesn't take well to the old egg-beater effect.

On the other hand, ever notice how the oil pan is shaped on the 6 cyl? That upside down camel's hump could probably accomodate a bit more than 3.5 qts without letting the oil near the bottom of the crank?

Bones Re: "Rugby WTF" OK, so it's obvious that sarcasm tied in with flipping you off with an emoticon are lost on you? I was, giving you back a little of your "f you" Icon with "some extra" added commentary.

Just to let you know, I don't go around with my chest puffed out threatening to beat people up. I'm no BMOC (nor do I have to be).I'd take my commentary for what it's worth--basically telling you off to the nth degree--after all--what are the actual chances that you do play Rugby and would be in PA anyway? If I meant it as a true threat my friend--it would have been straight to the point and offlist--between you and I, and nothing that has been said or done so far would merit that.

I do belong to this community as you do, and did indeed bring my question here. My tone has been very polite and my questions have been fair ones.

I just don't have much use for negative people who's response more or less implies I am a bone head for not doing my own oil, or that I am not listening to other posts regarding it.

Dan Galusha, Brent, GBux and Saturday Morning all made useful, helpful and polite posts. Only you deemed it necessary to pee on me and tell me it's raining.

Saturday Morning, your comment is along the lines of the kind of info I am hoping to get from Cyclemut's possible future commentary or posting.

I thought I'd point that out for my new found friend in Texas

I think this was my first comment?
Not particuarly dameening really...Then you start all your Billy Badd Ass Rugby man stuff. And now that peeing crap!

Mapquest... to check.... roads if any... to get into Pennsylvania....Rugby Field....???
Ah heck I need an oil change too and my new bud knows where I can get it done!

Huh? Would you put 5 quarts in the Mazda MX3 with a 1.8 liter V6? Yes, a 1.8 liter V6, the smallest capactity V6 in mass production. How about the Nissan 4.8 liter 6-cylinder in the current Patrol?

There is no "general" rule for oil capacity, and anyone that thinks so would make a fine Jiffy Lube employee...

The Nissan VG33E in the Xterra and Frontier ABSOLUTELY specifies and requires 3.5 quarts of oil with filter change, 3 1/8 w/o filter change, and 4 quarts for a dry engine that has been completely torn down with no oil hiding in nooks and crannies. It's clearly outlined in the factory service manual.

Tell your shop to get its collective head out of its ass, and quit ignoring the preponderance of evidence that the above is anything but true. Cyclemut can come in here and "reassure" you, but he'd be wasting his keystrokes...

Brent

Wow! So much hostility here today. Back to the topic.

3.5 is correct with a new filter. S/C engine and not only does it match what both the owners manual and the service manual states but it also matches what the dipstick shows.

You had your oil changed by a hack. He might be a nice hack but he's a hack none the less and you really need to either go somewhere else or better yet learn to do it yourself.

Good luck.

I second that... although... I wouldn't take it back. If a dealership can't do an oil change then what else CAN'T they do...

I just did my second oil change on my X... 1/2 hr! However, this time my arms weren't sore. (I figured out how to correctly remove the wannabe skid plate)

"Billy bad ass" I like that! I may use it this Saturday in a game

Anyway--enough negativity is taking place here, and yes, unfortunately I added to it (about 4.8 qts worth :rolleyes: ) by going after Bones. On a normal day, I would have just shrugged and ignored the post--today for some reason, it just stuck in my craw. As far as I am concerned, there is no need for either one of us to continue with it--let's just both assume that as far as the other guy goes--we just don't get along and leave it at that.

I want to be clear here, I am not mechanically inclined, nor do I know cars inside and out. Hence my sweeping genralization about 6 cylinder engines and oil. My experience has been with larger vehicles and I have always had my work done by a shop that has come recommended. I'm sure I have been taken over the years, but there isn't much else I can do about it as I simply do not have the time to do this myself. $20 is a fair tradeoff to pay as opposed to trying to do an oil change on my own for example. especially since it isn't something that is second nature for me.

Not everyone on this forum goes offroading or does mods or even works on these themselves. I myself own the vehicle, love it and try to take the best care of it that I can. By owning it and caring about it, I have just as much a righjt to be here and belong as anyone else. It is after all, and "owners Club" not and "offroad club".

That's why i posted here--to get your feedback and insights into possible damage or if there was any possibility that I shouldnt worry? Maybe the answer is it is physically impossible to put 4.8 or 5 quarts into an X--if so, that's an answer I might be looking for. I am also curious as to why there may be disrepencies in the knowledge base

How does a mechanic, for example, given the various differences in oil capacity among vehicles, know what the amount is right for each vehicle? Is it listed in a Chilton manual? Is he supposed to know from experience? Is it listed in the spec label on the inside of the door? Does he really just fill it from a feed tube and then constantly check the dipstick?

In all seriousness--how would they know right off the bat? I'm not entirely in agreement that this guy is a hack --he might have wrong information or might be covering the mistake of the technician (ie kid) that did the work (remember this guys was the head mechanic--not the guy who does tires and oil)

What's the bottom line? Well I think Brent gave me the most concise info (thank you for that) but Saturday Morning raised a point which is somewhat along the lines of the further info I am after--if it appears that it could accomodate more oil--can it? will overfilling it alone cause damage? Are there planned tolerances? That sort of thing.

Also, why the discrepancy in info in "professional circles" IE Nissan dealership, head mecahnic of a large operation, etc etc etc all have differnt ideas other then what everyone here and the manual quotes--why is that? Would you get a different answer from each dealership?

Bad mouthing me, telling me I dont want to listen or saying the mechanic is a thief or incompetent doesn't help or address these additional questions or thoughts at all.

Anyone have some positive or non-emotional input that is helpful on these finer points--We all agree that 3.5 is what the manual says--so what about the other related questions I had?

Thanks in advance guys

Lee

All those questions from an admittedly mechanically declined loose nut. And he thought he had to tell us that also?

Your questions are frutiless and this tree you have picked to death already.
Didn't you get the idea that NISSAN XTERRA's oil capacity is "REALLY" 3.5 quarts loud enough?
Isn't that what you wanted to know or did you forget by now?

Imagine what's on this guys hand as he waves his friendly geture to you .

I would expect an independent mechanic to have acccess to basic information for all vehicles he might be expected to work on be it via Chilton's manuals or other sources. The last independent I went to had a library in the shop. Otherwise, please don't touch my truck.

And I am not surprised that a Nissan dealership would provide misinformation either. I too have had 5 quarts put in by the dealership service dept. It boggles the mind but I have grown to expect it and watch out for it.

There are good Nissan mechanics and suck-ass ones, just like there are good independents and not so good. Merely having the word Nissan on your shirt is no guarantee of anything.

Q- What do tupperware and walruses have in common?

A- They both like a nice, tight seal

Thanks guys. Most of you were quite kind in addressing this issue. Some chose to act churlish and boorish and unfortunately I reacted first and thought better of it too much later. I apologize for that.

Thank all of you for answering what must seem pretty basic. Once again, I see no shame in stating I know nothing about auto mechanics. I have other areas of expertise, but greatly respect tyhe knowledge many of you obviously have in the subject (i have been on this board since July)

To reiterate, I do have one final and extremely important question to ask the group: the most important thing to me, is whether or not I can tell if damage has already been done by this overfilling? IE what Brent described? I suspect the wrong level of oil has been in this thing for approximately 4,300 miles and all done by this dealer's shop. Since they still have a complete warranty covering it(which even includes what most sops do not--ie brakes)it's important for me to be knowledgeable when presenting this case. I plan to hold them to their warranty, and hold them responsible to repair any damage incurred by this.

So, what do I need to have them (or someone else) look for in the way of internal engine damage from overheating due to the oil frothing as Brent described could happen? What shold be checked out on the engine as a result?I want to approach this in a knowledgeable way to resolve it as diplomatically with these people as possible.

Just an FYI: I checked the oil earlier and it is indeed an inch above the "full" line on the dipstick. So I am deeply concerned about potential issues as we have taken a few 3 - 4 hour drives recently.

Any help appreciated. Send me an email if you don't want to deal with posting here--the link is listed above --just click the icon.

Thanks,

Lee