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2003 Altima momentary lose of engine pressure, lose of oil


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jamar3030
New User

Jul 2, 2015, 9:20 PM

Post #1 of 7 (1448 views)
2003 Altima momentary lose of engine pressure, lose of oil Sign In

2003
Nissan
Altima
2.5L
150,000

While driving, I occasionally and momentarily lose engine pressure(?) (sudden lose of power) for only a second. Also, I am losing oil fast with no visible leaks on or under vehicle. I usually need to add oil before I reach scheduled oil changes. Power lose is much worse and noticeable when oil is low.

A knowledgeable friend suggested it is the piston rings and the engine needs to be rebuilt. I am looking for a second opinion, advice, or a temporary solution.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jul 2, 2015, 10:38 PM

Post #2 of 7 (1440 views)
Re: 2003 Altima momentary lose of engine pressure, lose of oil Sign In

Need to diagnose just what's going on. Do you know the sludge condition of this engine if any at all? What is your idea of using or you said losing oil at how many miles?


The age old needs rings to me is long gone. Metals are much better and if really worn to the point of BURNING oil that passes by them that engine in my opinion is done with. Problem is more likely something else.


How many miles do you go between oil changes? Suggestions are all over the place as to how often oil should be changed. Anything from every 3,000 miles (for more severe use) up to what I say is way too much like 7,500 miles. It gets contaminated and has lost its ability to behave as the intended oil before that then sludge is the killer.


Back to your current observations I'm discounting oil consumption for the moment as some can be normal but the sudden and momentary loss of power could very well be exhaust restriction possibly a broken and plugged catalytic converter.


You should have codes now or codes pending to help diagnose that. Intermittent if tested might test good and not be.


About oil again: Don't wait for some warning light or rely on some check oil signal before checking oil yourself on a schedule. Two issues - one warning means engine oil has lost pressure for some reason and another is (many vehicles) to tell you it needs some or to check it. You should never wait for either! If this engine has run low on oil to the point of low oil pressure it's past too late when that happens for any reason.


About sludge: You can see it many times on oil dipsticks or under oil cap and a look inside for a clue. Sludge is a build up of thick to part crusty oil that will block oil from getting to where it must go and return to oil pan properly. Generally fatal to an engine and caused by neglect of changing or inferior oil and an engine running too hot for too long.


This could then or other reasons pass on too much for a converter which can get way too hot, or plug up or break up and be intermittent as you described.


I suggest a professional diagnostic on this engine with your said symptoms and decide what you want to do about it from there. Post results of tests so techs here can add their thoughts on some real results from diagnostics,


T



Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Jul 3, 2015, 4:28 AM

Post #3 of 7 (1429 views)
Re: 2003 Altima momentary lose of engine pressure, lose of oil Sign In

Check to see if the catalyst has come apart. If it has, needs a new engine. Pieces of the cat get sucked up into the cylinders and score the rings and cylinder walls. Common problem for those.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.


jamar3030
New User

Jul 3, 2015, 11:09 AM

Post #4 of 7 (1420 views)
Re: 2003 Altima momentary lose of engine pressure, lose of oil Sign In

Thanks. I am setting an appointment for a diagnostic soon. I will share the results here.


jamar3030
New User

Jul 5, 2015, 11:48 PM

Post #5 of 7 (1401 views)
Re: 2003 Altima momentary lose of engine pressure, lose of oil Sign In


Quote
How many miles do you go between oil changes?


3000 or less.


Quote
Do you know the sludge condition of this engine if any at all?



Quote
You can see it many times on oil dipsticks or under oil cap and a look inside for a clue. Sludge is a build up of thick to part crusty oil that will block oil from getting to where it must go and return to oil pan properly. Generally fatal to an engine and caused by neglect of changing or inferior oil and an engine running too hot for too long.


I have seen no sludge on the dipstick or on the cap. After many oil changes no one has reported seeing sludge to me.


Quote
I suggest a professional diagnostic on this engine with your said symptoms and decide what you want to do about it from there. Post results of tests so techs here can add their thoughts on some real results from diagnostics,


I will set an appointment for a diagnostic soon and report back here.


jamar3030
New User

Jul 5, 2015, 11:50 PM

Post #6 of 7 (1400 views)
Re: 2003 Altima momentary lose of engine pressure, lose of oil Sign In

Is that something I can check without taking anything apart or should I ask the mech?


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jul 6, 2015, 5:11 AM

Post #7 of 7 (1394 views)
Re: 2003 Altima momentary lose of engine pressure, lose of oil Sign In

If you can check compression and or harder to take exhaust off to look for loose parts inside converter as DS mentioned common on this one. IMO less common if you cared for it and seemed to but stuff happensMad


Oh my: If this shot parts of converter back into engine guess I'd want to see with a scope (by sight) for damage to inside engine. Some could be plain seen and if on cylinder walls not good news for this engine unfortunately.


Diagnostics are still the suggestion. Small cost to know just what you are up for now before you fix or waste money on something that isn't going to work out and decide knowing real trouble what you want to do,


T







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