Any updates on the VR30 head issue?

[NocturnalEmber]

AMS:

I've seen that, too. Though I do want to put emphasis on AMS' last sentence: "But that does not definitively mean the issue is rectified, just that we have not seen it yet in our testing."

Granted we are largely all just speculating until more data comes in that can nudge this in one direction or the other, but just because a part number changed doesn't mean it isn't susceptible to it, and I believe there are late model Q50's/Q60's that have had the issue as well.

My question would be when did the part number get superseded, though. That would be an interesting data point.

 

[tractng]

In general, how soon do you need to add coolant to a new car (miles)? I have driven many cars and don't recall needing to add coolant.

I had a 2009 Tacoma 2.7 that was known to drink coolant. The mechanic changed all the known pipes and fittings and still had the issue. I would carry a gallon of coolant in the car at all time.

Can someone take a pic the coolant reservoir of their Z at cold temperature?

 

[chadhunley]

In general, how soon do you need to add coolant to a new car (miles)? I have driven many cars and don't recall needing to add coolant.

I had a 2009 Tacoma 2.7 that was known to drink coolant. The mechanic changed all the known pipes and fittings and still had the issue. I would carry a gallon of coolant in the car at all time.

Can someone take a pic the coolant reservoir of their Z at cold temperature?

When the car is cold the coolant should be at the min mark, when warm it should be at the max mark.

 

[NocturnalEmber]

When the car is cold the coolant should be at the min mark, when warm it should be at the max mark.

I happened to look yesterday for whatever reason (likely due to this thread.)

Oddly enough the owners manual doesn't definitively specify where it's supposed to be when cold, but it does mention the level when warm I want to say.

I do believe you are correct though. With engine completely cold, my coolant was at the min marking on the reservoir when I checked a day or two ago.

 

[Midz10]

I've seen that, too. Though I do want to put emphasis on AMS' last sentence: "But that does not definitively mean the issue is rectified, just that we have not seen it yet in our testing."

Granted we are largely all just speculating until more data comes in that can nudge this in one direction or the other, but just because a part number changed doesn't mean it isn't susceptible to it, and I believe there are late model Q50's/Q60's that have had the issue as well.

My question would be when did the part number get superseded, though. That would be an interesting data point.

On some of the Qs the issue was leaking coolant galley plugs inside the heads. That one is an easier fix with new plugs and washers.

 

[NocturnalEmber]

On some of the Qs the issue was leaking coolant galley plugs inside the heads. That one is an easier fix with new plugs and washers.

I was under the impression AMS (in the video) mentioned it 'wasn't the galley plugs in any case they've seen' but I also recall them mentioning something about the crack possibly propagating to that point.

 

[Midz10]

I was under the impression AMS (in the video) mentioned it 'wasn't the galley plugs in any case they've seen' but I also recall them mentioning something about the crack possibly propagating to that point.

https://www.infinitiq50.org/threads...-pressure-solenoid-failure-discussion.146116/


.

 

[NocturnalEmber]

https://www.infinitiq50.org/threads...-pressure-solenoid-failure-discussion.146116/


.

Not sure I trust that source. He says in the first minute that 'they say a lot of these motors don't have porous blocks, they say that usually its this plug' (referencing the galley plug.)

The galley issue seems like it is mostly grounded in hypotheticals rather than facts or definitive backing. The director of technical operations at AMS covers that in their VR30 failure video; He goes on to say (roughly) that while they can't confirm or deny if the galley plugs are contributing to/part of the problem, 'they've never found that to be the case' (around the 2:20 mark.)

 

[trackratZ]

A lot of these posts go down a rabbit hole that has nothing to do with the RZ34 VR30DDTT. We need any proof that is helpful to watch out for, specific to our motors.

I plan to track mine part time next year, with a 'safe' tune, so any applicable issue with the RZ34 needs to be looked at. We already know about fuel starvation and hot diff temps....

 

[haohmaru]

The fact that we’re on here trying to find new evidence of this failure should tell us everything we need to know.

Go on a WRX forum and lookup code P0304, no mysteries there, lol.

 

[NismoNed]

The fact that we’re on here trying to find new evidence of this failure should tell us everything we need to know.

Go on a WRX forum and lookup code P0304, no mysteries there, lol.

Exactly. While I’m grateful of everyone on this community, and each of our contributions. I think this thread is turning into a bit of a hunt for the boogeyman.

The company (whom I trust) that essentially made the technical discovery to the best of my knowledge on the original cylinder head design, has also claimed they have yet to see the issue on the revised design. Obviously, it doesn’t necessarily mean there hasn’t been a failure at some point. But if the company that made the discovery, one of which profits from rectifying these issues, also claims “we haven’t yet seen a failure of the revised design.” I think is a pretty telling statement. Whatever Nissan/Infiniti did to revise the head, clearly was an improvement on the original design.

A total of zero people have chimed in claiming this has happened to their Z as far as we are aware.

 

[GoPokes!]

As the past owner of a 2001 Xterra, 2006 Frontier, 2018 Frontier, 2023 Frontier, and now owner of a Z; I can say that dealing with Nissan service departments is no fun whatsoever. It could be that my local Nissan service center has been a pain in the past (they are under new ownership now, so maybe that will change) but I would not want to deal with this type of engine failure if I had any kind engine mods or tune as that would likely lead to a voided warranty and having to pay out-of-pocket for a replacement.

Now based on a lot of great information provided in this thread, having this type failure is a big IF. However, considering the current state of Nissan as a company, a lot of us would likely be up shit creek without a paddle if this were to become a more common issue.

 

[Crownleyian]

Didn’t want to be that guy but…

“Motor is toast at 31k miles.

Bottom end failure occurred while cruising back from a birthday dinner a couple nights ago. With this, along with the reoccurring mystery coolant loss issue that even a nissan engineer couldn't figure out, the dealer is having the entire engine with turbos replaced under warranty. and also allowing me to add bolt-ons free of charge.”

 

[haohmaru]

Didn’t want to be that guy but…

“Motor is toast at 31k miles.

Bottom end failure occurred while cruising back from a birthday dinner a couple nights ago. With this, along with the reoccurring mystery coolant loss issue that even a nissan engineer couldn't figure out, the dealer is having the entire engine with turbos replaced under warranty. and also allowing me to add bolt-ons free of charge.”

The dealer is installing mods for free and honoring the warranty? What dealership is this?

 

[NismoNed]

Didn’t want to be that guy but…

“Motor is toast at 31k miles.

Bottom end failure occurred while cruising back from a birthday dinner a couple nights ago. With this, along with the reoccurring mystery coolant loss issue that even a nissan engineer couldn't figure out, the dealer is having the entire engine with turbos replaced under warranty. and also allowing me to add bolt-ons free of charge.”

Appreciate you sharing. Lots to digest here.

If you don't mind me asking, are there any more details that you are aware of? Was he/she tuned?