[2011+] QX56 new motor, timing chains, etc

The sound does get worse...when the guides are really worn the sound stays...sounds like any other Nissan engine with a timing chain failing...just go to youtube to compare sounds...one member actually posted a link to it with their QX making that noise. Either way definitely get it checked out now by your dealer.
 
What about the QX80?

Is there any confirmation that the upgraded parts or a redesign were effected for the QX80? Have been considering a QX56 but this issue might push me in that direction.

Though the Infiniti was always on my short list, the Merc GX350 diesel was the front runner until I started researching it and found a forum...
 
I test drove a 15 with and without the tech package today. In discussing price, trade in of my 12, etc I had several questions for my dealer.
I spoke with my dealer about this today. He told me the issue is with the 11's and early production 12's. They upgraded the oil jets that lube the timing chain. This is why they are allowing for 7500 mile oil change intervals. There was never an issue with the timing chain. Like anything else that requires lube if the lube fails in getting there the part will fail.
He told me all 13 and newer QX were free of any issues regarding this.

One thing he did tell me was in the motors where the timing chain has failed it can fill the catalytic converters full of fuel causing them to prematurely fail later on. He just covered an out of warranty converter for an 11 qx that they replaced the timing chain on several months back under warranty. The vehicle was out of warranty when the converter failed and Infiniti tried to refuse paying for it saying it was unrelated.
End result it was covered for the customer.
Just one of many reasons to maintain a good relationship with your dealer. They can be your advocate if things go sideways.
 
I love the new interior in the 15's...that Japanese Ash is beautiful...completely done by hand...back to the timing chain issues...i think what you said is spot on...but they still should admit a poor design and fix the ones that are under lubricated, under engineered...I wanted to wait a few years for my kids to get a little older so I don't have to worry finding cookies and shoe. prints on the back of the seats!!
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workaround

I was looking at the owners manual the other day. The specified oil weight is 5w-30 . Which is normal. But I think some Fords and I know my Lexus IS-350, is now spec d for 5w-20. They changed the IS from 30 to 20, in a TSB not to long after I bought it in 2006. But it is a the recall queen. most of the recalls, no value-add.

I wonder if QX could benefit from 5w-20 weight oil? Mines the 2011 with the most propensity to need the new timing chain, and if its a oil flow issue, a 5w-20 would probably 'sling around' and flow better internally in the motor. ( I think) Granted they need to take in other factors like ambient Temps and how the oil will sheer being thinner. Couldn't drive it in southern Kalifornia or arizona, but north in the winter it would probably benefit from the 5w-20?
I checked my oil yesterday, 2700 miles, and it was same spot on the dipstick, but it is black as ace of spades. I was hoping the Valvoline would stay light or amber in color. Nope.
I guess I will change it this weekend. Might as well go back to the Mobile one, since I have have it in stock and started it out on it.
Could thin out the oil some, three quarts 5w-20 and three and a half quarts 5w-30, and see how it does.
Then this summer go straight 5w-30. Thinking out loud
Have a good one
Parrott
 
Parrot...have you tried Pennzoil Ultra Platinum? I used Mobil 1 for about the first 30k but I switched to PUP then and have been using it for about 38k. Over that time it has gotten lighter as I approach 3,750. I guess it was doing a little more cleaning than Mobil 1 cause now it's no longer black when I change it...just a dark brown. Its a little pricey and hard to find...about $9.89/Qt. You can find the Pennzoil Platinum at Walmart but I've only been able to find the PUP at Pep Boys...and they now have the 5qt jug for $39. They also have deals online like for 20% off so you can get good deals on qts too..I usually buy enough for several oil changes at a time.
 
Are timing chain problems in Northern States?.

From a quick scan of the forum it appears to me that these issues are most predominate in the colder regions of the USA. I haven't heard of any in the UAE where these vehicles are sold Y62 Patrols as in Australia both pretty warm-hot climates. Would love a bit of a poll from "ya's all". cheers :)
 
cars are bought and sold all over the country. one could buy a car in florida and use it in NYC or vice versa.

most of the cars on here complaining may be second owners and most are in 2011 with one as a 12 model.

i dont think you can pin down regions as a reason to why these engines are failing.

even though the new infiniti is based off the patrol, there are some engine differences that could be enough to differentiate the two....
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cars are bought and sold all over the country. one could buy a car in florida and use it in NYC or vice versa.

most of the cars on here complaining may be second owners and most are in 2011 with one as a 12 model.

i dont think you can pin down regions as a reason to why these engines are failing.

even though the new infiniti is based off the patrol, there are some engine differences that could be enough to differentiate the two....

Only a thought that freezing temperatures would thicken the oil enough to lower the lubrication ability for a while at each start up. Only a thought.

Thanks!!!
 
I'm in the southeastern part of the US and have heard that it's not climate dependent...id like to know how many 2011 have made it past 100k miles without a timing chain failure.
 
Let's create a survey

You bring up a great point. I would be so curious to know how many 2011/12 QX56 owners have made it to 100K miles without a timing chain issue. Just had a guy respond to a Facebook post with the same problem. He's 6K miles out of warranty on a 2011 QX56 and Infiniti won't cover the timing chain repair. Ridiculous. Anybody know how to set up a survey on here? Maybe we can set one up in another medium and direct people to it.
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2012. 85k miles and no timing chain issues here (knocking loudly on wood).
 
I'm hoping mine fails in the next 40k...master tech told me that it's like the inevitable that it's going to happen unless you have the updated parts...
 
2012. 85k miles and no timing chain issues here (knocking loudly on wood).

I said the same thing 2 months ago... and wouldn't you know it, a few days later...... vrrrroooommmm sound changes to jingle-bell sounds from the engine... all good now, after the dealer fixed it.
 
there is only 5 or so people on this forum. that will not be any good indicator of anything.

people who have had these cars since 2011 with no issues are not on forums saying how great the car is. :)



You bring up a great point. I would be so curious to know how many 2011/12 QX56 owners have made it to 100K miles without a timing chain issue. Just had a guy respond to a Facebook post with the same problem. He's 6K miles out of warranty on a 2011 QX56 and Infiniti won't cover the timing chain repair. Ridiculous. Anybody know how to set up a survey on here? Maybe we can set one up in another medium and direct people to it.
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there is only 5 or so people on this forum. that will not be any good indicator of anything.

people who have had these cars since 2011 with no issues are not on forums saying how great the car is. :)

I wonder why...is it because a lot of women drive them? Or maybe it's because they aren't enthusiast like with other models or brands.

I will be asking how many 11-12's they service with over 100k that haven't had the timing chain issues. I know they had one in the bay that was getting a new set of chains when I went to pick up my M but I'm not sure what year or what the mileage was.
 
2011

Marc: only thing wrong with my 2011 is it doesn't have the Magnaflow exhaust like yours ! LOL
One of these days.

It will be forever to get to 85K. Heck I have a 06 IS350 that just rolled over 49K. I need new tires for it.
I was going to order new tires for the QX too since they are not unloading any ships on the west coast. Timing chain better not fail, I bet those parts are on one of those ships in the harbor at Long Beach.
Have a good one !

parrott

2011 black QX56 17,900 miles, Its so nice.:D
 
Nice! Low miles...lol. I used to be. Like that too before my two lovely kids came around...
 
I have a 2011 and no issues but I only have 39k miles. Dead Parrot I have the custom Borla for the qx56 I am looking to sell. Bought it for over $1k but will let it go for real good deal plus shipping
 
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