Metricscaler Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 Hello I just purchased a 2004 Nissan Pathfinder Chinook edition with 110,000 miles on it for $3000 . Soon found out the engine goes through tons of oil . The other night I was driving on the freeway and the oil light came on , temperature gauge was below half at that time. I stop check the oil and it took 4 liters to fill it . There’s no oil in my driveway and none I can see from the top , I did notice the antifreeze is low now so I’m thinking a head gasket though there’s no coolant in the oil . I’m going to do a compression test right now and see what I find out . Also it’s showing a code P0021 crank Sensor. I figure if I don’t try and fix it it’s just a parts car . If anyone has any experience with these engine drop me a line!! Thanks!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 Oil consumption is unfortunately common with the early VQs. My dad had a similar experience with his '03. I have read a lot of speculation as to what causes it, but I don't think I've ever seen a smoking gun, or a "this fixed it" story. My dad had a PCV put on his, which didn't help. The local mechanic didn't want to tear into it. Synthetic oil made the smoke on hot starts a little less visible, but didn't change the rate of consumption. He ended up selling it to a guy who had an engine from a wrecked one. A lot changed across the early years of the VQ, and between platforms, so your list of possible donors is quite short. I remember someone laying out which years were compatible, but naturally I can't remember enough about that thread to find it again. I think '03/'04 R50 are the same, but do your research. P0021 means the computer lost control of one of the cam phasers. The cam phasers are actuated by oil pressure, so yeah, that makes sense. The source of the coolant leak might be more obvious from underneath. I would also check for leaks at the coolant crossover pipe (between the heads, at the back). Might need a mirror on a stick for that one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Metricscaler Posted March 10 Author Share Posted March 10 Thank you very much for the information moving forward I’ll keep your explanation in the back of my mind for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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