husky570

Good question Simon, dunno, but definately wanting to consider some other alternative than replacing the PCV side valve cover , already been into the top of the motor doing the power valves, dont really want to go down in and replace the valve cover if there is some other solution to the problem.

Im wondering if it can be fixed with the peice of foam in the PCV line to slow down and trap oil loss?

2001 pathfinder , just emailed navygz19 with the procedure on how to do , email him for a copy of it , and Ill try to post later, ( running late for work at the moment). Was a very easy , straight forward and not technical procedure, do not be overwhelmed---and gives PEACE OF MIND when done. The oil prob appears to be a design flaw in the valve cover baffles that trap oil and allow it to be siphoned out the PCV , only fix is to install valve cover that has different baffle it appears.

Well couldnt wait any longer, was sweating bullets on this one , so I went out and took the plunge and locktited all the power valve screws, wasnt too bad a job actually, took about 1 1/2 hours to do, feel loads better, all the screws were tight , and seemed to have some kind of thread lock on the threads already, I am assuming it was from the factory because it does not appear that the intake and surrounding paraphanelia has ever been took off before. But now I know for SURE that they are all tight and with thread locker!! Now to figure out how to resolve my oil consumption problem.

Had it for about 2 weeks now. And no visible leaks anywhere.

Anybody do this job themselves? If so would they be willing to do a step by step walk through on it with some pics or diagrams ?------This seems important enough to warrant this, especially for us who do not have warranties still in effect and who cannot afford to have their motors severly damaged.

Doing some research, looks like the 3500 has a issue of burning around a quart of oil every 1000 miles or so, the issue seems to be in the design of the valve cover that has the PCV valve, the baffles in the cover trap oil and create a venturi effect with the PCV valve and suck the oil out . Looks like the only remedy is to find a valve cover that has different design of the baffles and install it. Ugh!!

I let the engine warm up , then shut off and maybe 2-3 minutes after shut off checked engine oil.

The "Pinned topic" link does not seem to be functioning, havent changed the oil yet and was right at the "Full" line on the dipstick when I checked it last week after the engine was warm.

Have had to add 1 quart of oil to my 2001 pathfinder with about 600 miles of driving what the heck is up with that?!?!?

Did a search, looks like its not too big a deal to just run regular unleaded through the motor, havent heard any real signs of spark knock even pulling steep grades or passing.

Reading through the owners manual says should use 91 octane or higher for the 3.5 in my 01 pathfinder, didnt realize this, have ran a tank of 87 octane through it already with no noticeable problems or spark knock---is it absolutely vital and necessary to run premium through these things?, what is the risk if I do not ?

So do I have to run premium grade fuel in this motor? What will happen if you dont ?

Problem fixed!! Brother tore into it last night --- just a plugged filter, put all back together and works fine, glad it was something simple, anyways FYI for some one else who may experience a similar prob.

Thanks for all the info guys, this forum is great compared to some of the other forums I have been on, and yes I already bought some belts and gonna do all the fluids/filters as soon as I can. Oh and Spasibo Terrano.

Thanks , Ill have to check that out then. Some more questions------Does this vehicle have a timing belt and when should it be replaced and does this auto transmission need to have a bigger aftermarket cooler installed ?

Well thank you Simon for your prompt and reassuring replies, makes me feel a world better!!!!!

I was curious about something else I noticed too, when you really gun the motor the transmission doesnt seem to slam into gear, it shifts very smoothly, especially when shifting into passing gear on the highway, is this transmission known for being very smooth, when it does go into passing gear the RPM's seem to rise faster than the speedo--is this normal ? Am I too used to the older auto transmission which was a bit harsh shifting ? Maybe Im being to paranoid that the tranny is shot and is slipping

My trusty ol 91 Pathy finally bit the dust (tranny grenaded) its seen some hard miles and I retired it to my brother, but I picked up a 2001 Pathy with 54,000 on the clock. Can anyone tell me any particular pros/cons about this particular model , things to look for ?

Thats what came to my mind--either the torque converter or bands--but the strange thing is it will operate for the first few minutes after starting vehicle, but after that it will be completely immobile, but I could shut it off and immeaditly fire it back up and it will operate again for a few minutes and then will become immobile again.

Today the wife was driving the pathfinder and she went to take off and the automatic transmission made a whirring noise and then it stopped and the rig would not move, I came and fired it up , put it in drive and it makes a very distinct whirring noise but would move when put in drive or reverse, but after about 2-3 minutes the vehicle stops making the whirring noise and then will not move when put in drive or reverse. So I shut off the rig and fire it up and the whirring noise occurs and the rig will move when put in drive , but after about 2-3 minutes the whirring noise will stop and im dead in the water again.-------what is going on here??