Nissan Skyline: High oil consumption between services (3.5 VQ35DE, V35 350GT)

The 3.5 VQ35DE V6 in the V35 Skyline 350GT is known to burn oil as it ages, usually showing up above about 130,000 km as a falling dipstick between services and blue smoke on overrun or after long idling. Sources tie it to worn piston rings and crankcase ventilation rather than to one single part, and it is worse on engines that have been run low on oil. A small top-up between services is normal for this engine; needing a litre or more every 1,000 km is not, and the lasting fix is an engine rebuild or replacement.

• Blue or blue-grey smoke from exhaust on overrun or when accelerating after long idle
• Oil consumption exceeding 500 ml per 1000 km between services
• Oil level dropping noticeably between service intervals with no external leaks
• Fouled spark plugs with oily carbon deposit on electrode, particularly on inner cylinders

1. 1

   Check engine oil level against the dipstick and compare to the last service record — a shortfall with no visible external leaks points to oil consumption.

2. 2

   Rev the engine hard then lift off and watch the exhaust for blue smoke puff on overrun.

3. 3

   Pull at least one spark plug from each bank and inspect for oil fouling or heavy carbon.

4. 4

   Ask specifically how often oil is topped up between services.

Parts involved: PCV / oil separator.

$1,600 to $3,800 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

• “Does the car use any oil between oil changes and how much?”
• “Has there ever been blue smoke from the exhaust on deceleration?”
• “When were the spark plugs last replaced and did they show oil fouling?”
• “Has any valve stem seal or head gasket work been performed?”

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.