[Roadshow94]

I have a 2017 QX60 that apparently has sludge. I bought the car used, with 65,000 miles, over two years ago. The car ran fine (other than always seeming sluggish and underpowered) until about 9 months ago. The oil has been changed regularly since I've owned it.

The day following an oil change, it started blowing white smoke out the exhaust. I brought it to the mechanic who had performed the oil changes, and the oil was black after maybe 50 miles of driving. After a few days of them having it to inspect, they concluded it was a cracked head gasket. I was skeptical because the car wasn't losing antifreeze, oil, or overheating. I continued driving the car, and the smoke would come and go over the next month or so. I eventually took it into the Infiniti dealership, and they said it was engine sludge and I needed a new engine for $17K!
At that point and since, I've changed the oil multiple times at 2500 miles for about 6 months.

Two weeks ago, the check engine light came on, and a few days later, the engine began sounding rough. I took it back to the Infiniti dealership. They claim it was low on oil because it has continued to sludge, and the noise was metal on metal. The engine codes are P0014 and P0017, intake and exhaust timing codes.

Two additional independent mechanic shops have recommended doing an engine flush with Liqui Moly. I'm concerned about sludge dislodging and clogging something else that would kill the car completely.

I would appreciate thoughts on possible solutions to my problem.

TIA

 

[Mtech]

What type of oil and what brand of filter has been used? These engines need 0W20 synthetic, not conventional oil and not semi-synthetic.

 

[BigBen78]

Same issue here. 85k 2017. I've read multiple posts about this issue. Everything I'm reading, and from the service advisor is these engines run hot and an oil cooler should have been installed from the factory. Lost of aftermarket oil coolers available. We're going back and forth with how to deal with it. Our warranty just expired, but was told they wouldn't cover it because we had gone 6000 miles on an oil change vs. 5000.
Planning to look for a local Nissan specialty mechanic for recommendations. It sucks!

 

[yeller]

Same issue here. 85k 2017. I've read multiple posts about this issue. Everything I'm reading, and from the service advisor is these engines run hot and an oil cooler should have been installed from the factory. Lost of aftermarket oil coolers available. We're going back and forth with how to deal with it. Our warranty just expired, but was told they wouldn't cover it because we had gone 6000 miles on an oil change vs. 5000.
Planning to look for a local Nissan specialty mechanic for recommendations. It sucks!

The maintenance manual (Schedule 1) says you should change oil every 3.75k or 7.5K miles (Schedule 2 - pulled from my 2013 manual). How can Infiniti reject a claim if you’re under the Schedule 2 oil change mileage window?

 

[Gnette]

I have a 2017 QX60 that apparently has sludge. I bought the car used, with 65,000 miles, over two years ago. The car ran fine (other than always seeming sluggish and underpowered) until about 9 months ago. The oil has been changed regularly since I've owned it. The day following an oil change, it started blowing white smoke out the exhaust. I brought it to the mechanic who had performed the oil changes, and the oil was black after maybe 50 miles of driving. After a few days of them having it to inspect, they concluded it was a cracked head gasket. I was skeptical because the car wasn't losing antifreeze, oil, or overheating. I continued driving the car, and the smoke would come and go over the next month or so. I eventually took it into the Infiniti dealership, and they said it was engine sludge and I needed a new engine for $17K! At that point and since, I've changed the oil multiple times at 2500 miles for about 6 months. Two weeks ago, the check engine light came on, and a few days later, the engine began sounding rough. I took it back to the Infiniti dealership. They claim it was low on oil because it has continued to sludge, and the noise was metal on metal. The engine codes are P0014 and P0017, intake and exhaust timing codes. Two additional independent mechanic shops have recommended doing an engine flush with Liqui Moly. I'm concerned about sludge dislodging and clogging something else that would kill the car completely. I would appreciate thoughts on possible solutions to my problem. TIA

I had the same problem with my 2014 qx60, the mechanic said it was sludge, I had the terrible white smoke. I didn't some research on the internet, I wanted to know what type of oil very expensive cars used. Most said the used Royal Purple, I found it on Amazon & Advanced Auto. It's more expensive but it stopped the white smoke & it ran better. No

 

[yeller]

I had the same problem with my 2014 qx60, the mechanic said it was sludge, I had the terrible white smoke. I didn't some research on the internet, I wanted to know what type of oil very expensive cars used. Most said the used Royal Purple, I found it on Amazon & Advanced Auto. It's more expensive but it stopped the white smoke & it ran better. No

Are you saying Royal Purple oil stopped the white smoke?

Royal Purple is an aftermarket oil, not used or recommended by any major automobile manufacturer. It’s a great product, but no car is shipped with Royal Purple.

 

[Gnette]

Are you saying Royal Purple oil stopped the white smoke?

Royal Purple is an aftermarket oil, not used or recommended by any major automobile manufacturer. It’s a great product, but no car is shipped with Royal Purple.

Royal Purple stopped the thick white smoke I was having. I took my truck to a shop and the mechanic gave me two options try to sell my truck or get a new engine. He showed me in the back of his shop four other trucks with the same problem. He basically told me I had a piece of junk. I started googling best high mileage motor oil(see the screenshot) attached. It stopped the thick white smoke.

 

[yeller]

Interesting results.

I’ve heard all high mileage oils have additives that “swell” seals to reduce leaks. Seals harden as they age allowing seepage, and high mileage oils help. I’m glad Royal Purple helped.

 

[Rebeka]

Did you use 0w20 or 5w30? I’ve had the same issue and just had to change out the CAT on it because it was completely destroyed from the heat and sludge.

Royal Purple stopped the thick white smoke I was having. I took my truck to a shop and the mechanic gave me two options try to sell my truck or get a new engine. He showed me in the back of his shop four other trucks with the same problem. He basically told me I had a piece of junk. I started googling best high mileage motor oil(see the screenshot) attached. It stopped the thick white smoke. View attachment 6635

 

[DJDizzR]

I just had my 80k changed with 5w30 which was recommended for the Washington DC area. I used Castrol GTX high mileage. https://a.co/d/c302uRq For the past few days, it seems to run great. This was recommended by my mechanic friend whom has worked for many dealers in the area.