Dipstick blows out

JAEDAV12

MEMBER
2007 NISSAN MAXIMA
3.5L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
178,996 MILES

I noticed the other day when driving the car hard there was smoking coming from under the hood and checked to see that the dipstick blew out and there was oil everywhere. This car previously sat for 7 months. Before it sat it never had this issue. Replaced the PCV thinking that was the issue but it reoccurred again. So what could be the cause? Bad piston rings?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

Something is causing excessive pressure. You replaced the PCV. Make sure the hose going to it isn't plugged. Also, what happens if you open the oil fill cap when it's running? Is there a lot of pressure coming out?

Let me know how the vehicle is running, other than this problem. If you notice low power, we may need to do a compression test.

Here is a link showing how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Let me know.
Joe

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Friday, August 7th, 2020 AT 10:05 PM

JAEDAV12

MEMBER
46 POSTS

The hose isn’t plugged up and the car idles rough. But it’s had a misfire before this has happened due to a bad catalytic converter.

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Tuesday, August 11th, 2020 AT 9:22 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

Has the catalytic converter been repaired? If it is plugged, it can cause excessive back pressure and damage valves.

What code did you have for the misfire and are there any new ones?

Joe

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Tuesday, August 11th, 2020 AT 11:22 PM

JAEDAV12

MEMBER
46 POSTS

It has not been replaced yet but it was a catalyst threshold below efficiency code.

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Tuesday, August 11th, 2020 AT 11:28 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

At this point, we have excessive crank case pressure. The next thing to do is check engine compression to see if one or more of the cylinders is lower than the others.

Here is a link showing how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Do this and let me know the results.

Take care,
Joe