Engine noise after a delayed synthetic oil change?

ALEX STATHAS

MEMBER
2014 NISSAN VERSA
1.6L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
85,000 MILES

For years we were changing the oil and filter with synthetic oil at the Walmart superheated every three months and the engine ran just fine, then last August 13th we changed the oil at Tire Kingdom with full synthetic oil and found out that unlike Walmart Tire Kingdom recommends oil changes at 8,000 miles and now it has been four months since the last oil change and the engine has started making noise probably the timing chain. Also, when it is idling in drive with the air conditioning on the tachometer jumps between 500 RPMs and 1,000 RPMs making an uneven idle. Did the delayed oil change hurt the engine and what causes the uneven idle?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,418 POSTS

Hi,

The different schedule is likely the shop's recommendation. And, no, I don't feel that is the cause.

I always change oil at 5,000 regardless if it is synthetic. Oil doesn't wear out; it gets dirty. Regardless of the oil type, it still gets dirty. That is why I do it more often.

Now, is the noise loud enough for you to record and upload for me to hear? If you could, that may help me get a better idea of what is happening.

Also, here is a link that explains how to change the oil yourself:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-engine-oil-and-filter

Next, is the oil clean and full? Has the check engine light come on while the engine is running?

Let me know.

Joe

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Tuesday, December 13th, 2022 AT 10:37 PM

ALEX STATHAS

MEMBER
71 POSTS

The oil level is overfilled, and the oil is golden yellow, I made it slightly overfill to make sure it has enough oil to lubricate the engine, the check engine light doesn't come on while the engine is running. Earlier I couldn't hear any noise from the engine but when the Tire Kingdom synthetic oil reached four months old, I heard a valve train type noise.

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Wednesday, December 14th, 2022 AT 7:16 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,418 POSTS

Hi,

If you changed the oil and the sound has gone away, there is a chance it was related to the filter they used or the oil.

Do I understand correctly that you changed the oil just recently?

Let me know.

Joe

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Wednesday, December 14th, 2022 AT 9:07 PM

ALEX STATHAS

MEMBER
71 POSTS

I haven't changed the oil since last August 13th, but the oil remains golden yellow even months after the oil change. I will change it later this month, I hope the 85,000 mile engine will hold on to reach 100,000 miles.

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Saturday, December 17th, 2022 AT 2:22 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,418 POSTS

Hi,

If the noise is gone, you should make a lot more than 100,000. When it comes to oil, I always say no more than 5,000 between changes or 1 year.

If anything changes or if I can help in any way, let me know.

I hope you have a great Christmas.

Take care,

Joe