http://x.nissanhelp.com/forums/pathf...nsumption.html

I own a pathfinder (2003) that had the same problem, the dealer replaced the
short block twice (2X) same problem, just got a new long block installed
under warranty. I had to fight for two (2) year to get Nissan to resolve.
It is not normal to add 1 liter per 1000KM.

My dealer did a compression test, etc...

Bob Trepanier


"JimV" <jv9999@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:n_2dnaADQP-oXVrbnZ2dnUVZ_jKdnZ2d@comcast.com...
> tmarchionne@linxas.com wrote:
>> I have had a problem with my 03 Maxima for about 18 months now. It
>> started when I noticed a knocking noise about 2,000 miles after an oil
>> change when the engine was accelerating and at 1500-2000 RPM. At
>> other speeds or when I was coasting or deceleratin, there was no
>> noise. I figured out that I was low on oil; when I added oil (1-2
>> quarts, depending on how soon after the noise started that I added
>> it), the noise went away. There are no visible leaks, no puddles
>> under the car, and no blue smoke in the exhaust.
>>
>> About a year ago, the dealer determined that the loss was caused by my
>> short block (I'm no mechanic, so I'm going off memory), which they
>> replaced under warranty. Since then, the problem has continued. This
>> week, the dealer again looked the car over, did a compression test and
>> couldn't find a noticeable leak. The one service manager said it was
>> normal for a car to lose 1-2 quarts of oil between changes (his Altima
>> does the same thing).
>>
>> Again, I'm no mechanic, but I've never had a car that didn't have some
>> problem lose oil between changes. If it did, it certainly didn't
>> knock like my Max. Has anyone ever heard of this problem before,
>> especially in an '03 Max? Is this normal? Thanks.
>>
>
> This is a common problem with the 3.5L. Search the forums at
> www.maxima.org. You'll find lots of others with the same problem.