Crossover owners Nissan Murano second generation, known in the body Z51, are often faced with the need to carry out routine maintenance related to the lubrication system of the power unit. The VQ35DE engine installed on this model is a reliable design, but requires strict adherence to parameters during maintenance. An incorrectly selected volume or inappropriate tolerance can lead to a reduction in the life of the piston group and turbocharger (if applicable to modifications).
The key to successful operation is understanding that oil volume is not a constant value and depends on the type of replacement (partial or complete), the condition of the filter and the ambient temperature. In this article, we will analyze in detail the specifications for 3.5-liter engines that are relevant for the Russian and CIS markets, and also provide a table with exact numbers for various operating conditions.
Ignoring the manufacturer's recommendations can lead to oil starvation or, conversely, to fluid foaming due to excess pressure in the crankcase. For car Nissan Murano Z51 it is critical to use products that meet standards API SN or ACEA A3/B4to provide protection against carbon deposits in high temperature areas of the V-6
Engine Specifications and Basic Requirements
The heart of most versions Nissan Murano Z51 is a naturally aspirated petrol engine VQ35DE working volume 3498 cubic centimeters. This power plant is designed to withstand high loads and requires high-quality lubrication for the operation of the gas distribution mechanism and the CVTCS variable valve timing system.
Design features of the engine, such as the absence of hydraulic compensators in some early versions or a specific crankcase gas suction system, dictate the need to use oils with a certain level of ash content and viscosity. Manufacturers of original fluids Nissan It is recommended to adhere to the standards specified in the service book, but modern analogues are also acceptable provided they comply.
It is important to note that when purchasing supplies for VQ35DE you should pay attention to the availability of specifications ILSAC GF-5 or newer versions. This ensures the presence of detergent additives capable of keeping combustion products in suspension until replacement.
Exact numbers: how many liters of oil should I fill?
One of the most common questions from owners is: “How many liters of oil are in the engine? Nissan Murano Z51?. The answer depends on whether you are only changing the fluid or doing a complete replacement with a filter. For most procedures, it is necessary to purchase containers with a volume of 4 or 5 liters, since the standard capacity exceeds 4 liters.
During a standard replacement, when the old oil is drained and the oil filter is changed, approximately 4.7–4.8 liters are filled into the engine. However, if the filter is not changed or the procedure is carried out without removing the oil pan, the volume may be less. In the case of complete disassembly and flushing of the system (which is done extremely rarely and only in case of serious problems), the volume increases to 5.0–5.1 liters.
Always leave a small margin when purchasing. Do not try to fill exactly as much as is indicated in theory, as the level may fluctuate depending on the angle of the car and the temperature of the oil. It is better to have 0.5 liters in reserve for subsequent refilling.
Below is a table with recommended volumes for various service scenarios:
| Type of procedure | Volume (liters) | Permissible error | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement with filter | 4.7 - 4.8 | ± 0.1 l | Standard maintenance procedure |
| Replacement without filter | 4.4 - 4.5 | ± 0.1 l | Not recommended, but possible |
| Full filling (no rinsing) | 4.9 - 5.0 | ± 0.2 l | With deep drain |
| Lubrication system (general) | 5.1 | — | Maximum volume including channels |
⚠️ Attention: Overfilling oil above the upper mark of the dipstick is strictly prohibited. Excess fluid can cause foaming, loss of lubricant pressure and damage to the crankshaft seals.
- Semi-synthetic (10W-40)
- Mineral (20W-50)
- Synthetic (5W-30)
- Synthetic (0W-20)
Selection of viscosity and quality standards
Correct selection of oil viscosity directly affects the starting characteristics of the engine and its durability in winter. For engine VQ35DE in the climatic conditions of Russia, the most universal option is oil with a viscosity 5W-30. This grade provides easy starting at temperatures down to -30°C and reliable film performance at high temperatures.
In regions with extremely hot climates or during intensive use of a vehicle with a high load (towing a trailer, sporty driving style), use 5W-40. A thicker oil film better protects parts from wear due to overheating, but may slightly increase fuel consumption.
Oils with viscosity 0W-20 designed to save fuel and are used mainly on new engines or in very mild climates. For Nissan Murano Z51 with a mileage of more than 100,000 km, switching to such a liquid may not be advisable due to a possible increase in oil consumption due to waste.
- ✅ Use approved oils API SN/SP to protect against premature ignition.
- ✅ Pay attention to the availability of permission Ilsac GF-5 or GF-6 on the canister.
- ❌ Avoid using oils with viscosity
20W-50, as they are too thick for modern VQ motors.
When choosing a brand, focus on trusted manufacturers: Nissan Genuine Oil, Mobil 1, Liqui Moly or Shell Helix. The main thing is to ensure the authenticity of the product, since the market is flooded with counterfeit goods.
Before purchasing oil, check the production date on the canister. A liquid that has been in storage for more than 3 years may lose some of its additives, even if the packaging is not opened.
Step-by-step instructions for changing oil and filter
Oil change procedure Nissan Murano Z51 does not require complex equipment, but requires accuracy and consistency of actions. Start by warming up the engine to operating temperature (about 80-90°C) so that the oil becomes more liquid and completely drains along with wear debris.
After warming up, turn off the engine and let it sit for 5-7 minutes. This is to ensure that the oil drains from the cylinder head while still being hot enough to flow. Prepare a container for draining waste and a new oil filter.
To access the drain plug, you may need to remove the crankcase guard. Unscrew the plug with a 17 mm wrench (or 14 mm, depending on the year of manufacture), be careful as the oil is hot. After complete drainage, tighten the plug to a torque 40 Nm, after replacing the O-ring.
☑️ Preparing for an oil change
The next step is replacing the oil filter. It is located in a hard to reach place, closer to the front of the engine. Use a special wrench to unscrew the filter. Before installing a new element, be sure to lubricate the rubber O-ring with fresh oil.
Pour new oil through the filler neck using a funnel. Fill gradually, controlling the level. If you are using a 5 liter canister, check the level with a dipstick after filling 4.5 liters.
⚠️ Attention: Do not over-tighten the drain plug so as not to strip the threads in the oil pan, which is made of aluminum.
How to check the oil level when the engine is hot?|When the engine is warm, the oil has a larger volume, so the level will be higher. It is optimal to check the level 5-10 minutes after stopping the engine, when the oil has drained into the sump. When cold, the level may be too low, which will lead to erroneous topping up and overfilling.-->
How to properly control the oil level
Checking the oil level is a regular procedure that should be performed at least once a month or before each long trip. On Nissan Murano Z51 a classic oil dipstick with two marks is used
MIN And MAX.
The probe has two holes for the finger or raised notches. Remove the dipstick, wipe it with a clean rag, insert it back until it stops and remove it again. The oil level should be between the marks. The ideal position is closer to the mark MAX, but not higher than it.
If the level is below the minimum, add oil. Use the same type of oil that is in the engine. Different types of oils can react chemically, causing sediment to form and loss of lubricity. If there is no exact match, it is better to add the minimum possible amount to the level and change the type completely to the nearest service center.
- 🔍 Check the probe on a horizontal surface for accurate readings.
- 🔍 Watch the color of the oil on the dipstick: black is the norm for a running engine, milky is a sign of antifreeze.
- 🔍 Don't let the level drop below MIN, as this leads to overheating and scuffing.
Typical errors and problems during maintenance
Many owners Nissan Murano facing the problem of increased oil consumption. In most cases, this is due to natural wear of oil scraper rings or caps over a mileage of over 150,000 km. However, often the reason lies in the wrong choice of oil or poor-quality replacement.
Another common problem is the failure of the oil pump or the clogging of the intake pipe grid with decay products of old oil. This happens if replacement intervals are exceeded or if a low-quality liquid with poor cleaning properties was used.
It is also worth noting that the VQ35DE engine is sensitive to the quality of gaskets. When replacing a filter, sometimes a leak occurs if the old ring remains on the cylinder block along with the new filter. Always check the installation location before screwing in a new element.
If you notice an oil leak in the area of the valve cover gasket, do not delay repairs. Leaking oil onto a hot manifold can cause a fire and also contaminate the oxygen sensors and catalytic converter.
Specifics of use in winter
Winter operation Nissan Murano Z51 requires special attention to the selection of oil. At temperatures below -25°C standard oil 5W-30 can thicken, which makes it difficult to crank the starter and creates oil starvation in the first seconds of starting.
In such conditions, it is recommended to use synthetic oils with the index 0W-30 or even 0W-40. The number “0” before the letter W means that the oil remains fluid at temperatures down to -35°C and below, providing quick access of lubricant to friction units during cold starts.
However, for the northern regions of Russia this is a compromise that is necessary to preserve engine life.
- ❄️ Use engine pre-heaters in severe frosts.
- ❄️ Do not warm up the engine to operating temperature at idle for more than 2-3 minutes.
- ❄️ Avoid sudden starts immediately after starting, let the oil disperse throughout the system.
⚠️ Attention: Using oils with low viscosity in summer at extreme temperatures (+35°C and above) can lead to a decrease in pressure in the lubrication system and overheating of the engine.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
What is the recommended oil change interval for Nissan Murano Z51?
The official interval is 10,000 km or once a year. However, taking into account the quality of domestic fuel and operating conditions, experts recommend reducing the interval to 7,000 - 8,000 km to preserve the service life of the VQ35DE engine.
Is it possible to mix oils from different brands?
In an emergency situation, when it is not possible to add oil of the same brand, it is allowed to mix oils with the same viscosity and tolerance class (for example, API SN). However, this should be a temporary measure, after which the oil and filter must be completely replaced.
Do I need to flush the engine before changing the oil?
When using high-quality oils and observing replacement intervals, flushing is not required. Flushing liquids can have an aggressive effect on seals and wash away carbon deposits, which in this case acts as a sealant. Flushing is carried out only when changing the type of oil or after serious breakdowns.
Which oil filter is better to choose?
The best option is the original filter Nissan (number 15208-65F0A or equivalent). Brand filters have also proven themselves well. Knecht, Mann, Mahle. Avoid cheap analogues from unknown manufacturers, as the quality of their valves and filter element may be low.
How to find out what kind of oil was poured into the engine from the factory?
Factory fill usually meets specification 5W-30 with tolerances API SL or SM. However, for modern operating conditions it is recommended to switch to higher quality synthetic oils of classes SN or SP.