OIL IS CHEAPER! Nissan Titan 5.6L V8 VK56DE Engine Teardown. I Can't Believe This Stayed Together!

Your weekly dose of internal engine destruction gives us this Nissan VK56DE from a 2006 Nissan Titan. The VK56DE could be found in Nissan Titan, Armada, Pathfinder, Infiniti QX56 and the Nissan NV Cargo van.
This engine was a core return at a local salvage yard, which means someone bought a good engine and returned their old one. The previous owner of this engine is the failure point, as with many of the teardown videos on this channel.
Why am I doing this? I own and run a full service auto salvage business in the Saint Louis MO area, and part of our model includes tearing down blown up engines and salvaging the good parts. We don't rebuild engines, just supply parts to those that do!
You can find over 100 blown up engine teardown videos on this channel, amongst some of my various car projects.
If you'd like to buy parts or peruse our inventory, please go to
www.Importapart.com
Or Email us at [e-mail].
As always, I love all of the comments, feedback and even the criticism.
Hope you all have a great New Years, and I'll catch you next year!
-Eric

[@MarkLeonTanner]

The most impressive thing about this teardown is that you knew where your 10 mm socket was...

[@seanlovi8798]

😂

[@johnr2918]

True, but not sure I believe it, must be editing!

[@nodaklojack]

Tru dat 😂

[@cdjhyoung]

....helps to buy them in the 10 pack...

[@Justwannadriveit]

The 5.6 is super underrated. I have a 2005 titan and besides usual maintenance everything under the hood is original.

[@scotty2307]

Impressive engine. I like the way it is built. Unimpressive maintenance. It deserved a better owner.

[@governmentcalamari9785]

Vk56 are arguably the most Underappreciated engine. For the few engine builder who have worked with them. Have noted how closely they resemble race engines. I believe Nissan use a very similar design in a formula 1 car or something to that effect

[@alouisschafer7212]

Ran the poor thing to death...

[@GamerMomentsToo]

I just burped

[@angelo_giachetti]

I wonder how they respond to boost with all those valves.

[@budlanctot3060]

@@governmentcalamari9785 if you are referring to double overhead cams & 4valves/cyl that's pretty common stuff nowadays. I've seen similar architecture for over 25yrs in passenger cars. That said, I was impressed the way this engine took such horrible abuse and kept running.

[@memsu06]

As a 2008 Titan owner I can attest many Chevy, Dodge, and Ford owners were surprised to get beaten by a Datsun. I love the VK56 V8.

[@dwang552]

I had a 2008 Titan, drove for 10 years, 100k miles, the tail pipe does not has a bit of carbon. Then I bought a 2018 Titan, the tail pipe has carbon after a few thousand miles. This means the older engine is better.

[@aerisd.1155]

1st gen and 2nd gen VK56s are technically different engines after all@@dwang552

[@andrewb229]

@@dwang552 The new VK56's are direct injection. I recommend getting an Oil Catch Can. I had one on my Q50 3.0TT before I totaled it, and it would fill up with oil and other blowby within like 5k miles

[@Threadsandjars]

I have a 2004 Titan, 5.6L, that has have every service recommended, and only 60,000 miles. The dealer drools every time I go in for a service, and a few months ago they offered me 15,000 bucks for it.....but no fool am I. I know to get an equal vehicle would cost me 21,000. I will stick for my Big Red probably til the day I leave this earth. I always change my oil at 2500 miles....not that I get to those miles, so I just go by time. Be healthy, stay safe and many blessings, Morgan in Colorado

[@Drew-wf7vw]

Impressive - I'm a technician at Nissan, and have yet to see carnage like this on a VK56 that was still turning. I will say, these are one of the most overbuilt V8's on the market. Beyond seeing a couple run low on oil and throw rods you'd be hard pressed to see failures in even some abused engines. I enjoyed watching your teardown!

[@kernsy6715]

I have an 2012 Armada that the intake cam sprocket broke and a chunk got caught between the timing chain and exhaust cam sprocket and broke the timing chain on passenger side of engine. Do you recommend taking the head off and getting valves checked or do you think is ok to get new cam gears and replace all timing chain hardware or complete tear down and rebuilt. I’d appreciate your knowledge as I’m stuck on what to do.

[@kernsy6715]

2014

[@kernsy6715]

Do what?

[@Drew-wf7vw]

@@kernsy6715 You're more than likely in for a full teardown. Can almost promise the valves will be bent

[@kernsy6715]

Yeah I ended up rebuilding the complete motor. It Still was cheaper than a used one plus install that the dealer was gonna do

[@mannyzx1]

The VK engine was/is a gem! A little thirsty, but very reliable. They make an amazing sound too.

[@texasslingleadsomtingwong8751]

Especially nice notes when exhaust is changed out.

[@repairvehicle]

You cannot have both

[@3r0ck17]

My 2005 Titan was a beast. 225,00 miles was still going strong. Did have to replace an exhaust manifold around 175k but that was a known issues with these engines. Frame rusted out long before the drivetrain failed. Miss that girl...

[@robertmaybeth3434]

I briefly considered getting one, since I'd owned 4 Nissan cars already by then (1983 Sentra, 1988 Z24 pickup, 1985 200 SX, plus another 1994 Sentra) but was persuaded not to by things I read in forums about them. Quality seems to have fled Nissan products the moment they were acquired by Renault and the QC just gets worse with each passing year. Nissan used to be as good as Toyota. Not any more! Out of curiosity I searched Autotrader, there was actually one 2005 model, 102,000 miles, for $6500...reliability with Nissans these days is such a crap shoot, not sure if buying something like that would be a good buy, or would it be just be "Goodbye to $6500".

[@LynxStarAuto]

@@robertmaybeth3434I used to think just like you, but this engine is an absolute workhorse. The rest of the Nissan lineup is pure French poo poo, but these were spared the Frenchie incompetence. That's because this engine went into development long before the French showed up. As my dad always says: "The French are only good at 2 things, bread and perfume." 😅

[@ScottSmith-mw6lo]

Ditto. Same with my 05

[@1992danib]

I change my oil in my Titan every couple months or 4k miles with Valvoline Full Synthetic and a K&N Performance filter, thing runs great for having 204k miles on it, it may be a little excessive to change it this often but oil change is cheaper than an engine in my opinion

[@GraV21]

@@user-bt2uw8ov8nbetter to be safe than sorry. Oil is cheap, engines aren’t.

[@ms.annthrope415]

An old saying.....no engine has ever died from too much fresh oil. (Not overfill)

[@goosedeathable]

@@user-bt2uw8ov8ndepends on the severity of his driving conditions too.

[@richsweeney1115]

Lol, ive used supertech for like 19 years, all of mine have had well over 300k and ran perfect, ive never jad a motor problem, i did go to school fr autmotive,, and maintain mine early too though..and theyveaways been honda, ,mazdas, and older fords, any older ford ive had without all the technology in them, have always been good to me and everyone else ive known who had them..same with old chevys...and of course honda.. and mazdas been really good

[@artysanmobile]

I’ve sold two very different, super high mileage vehicles for which my oil maintenance was ‘excessive.’ For each, the new owner left me a phone message to tell me how amazing the engine was when they opened it up. Call me convinced.

[@samtheman2144]

Had a Titan and an Armada. The VK56 is an incredibly underrated engine. Great power and amazing sound

[@SlightReturn666]

This reminds me of a question I've always wondered about: I have owned a few V8s and a lot of V6s and the V8s always sounded so, so, so much better. Some loud, some quiet, but all super tasty. Any idea why the heck that is?

[@eledgy]

@@SlightReturn666 compared to a v6, a v8 has 2 additional cylinders contributing pulses and gas volume; 2 more combustion events to distribute across each 4 stroke cycle. The timing of these fills gaps in the sound signature.

[@bolshoibooze8010]

I've gone through 3 different Titans with 200k+ on odo...never had an engine or trans issue. Meanwhile my Chrysler 318 has 1 bad crank bearing and the engine acts like a soccer player.

[@Cody_Codi_Code]

@@bolshoibooze8010 What years were your Titans? I am considering one for my next vehicle.

[@michaelmontgomery5326]

i have two titans 06 and 05 both with 200,000 on em and they are both very strong and very quiet.

[@OUSWKR]

I turned wrenches for 30 years and I don’t get tired of seeing how stuff self destructs. Keep up the great content!

[@Bob_Adkins]

It didn't really self-destruct, it had a lot of help from the owner.

[@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist3]

Repent to Jesus Christ “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Y

[@kravchan]

@@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist3 thanks 👏

[@brodeyjackson]

hrdtjdrtjrj

[@davidkranz9990]

I absolutely love my VK56DE engine. 219K and the only thing I’ve change is the starter and valve covers. That’s it!

[@waynenoll1967]

Underrated for sure. Go ask a Ford, Chevy, or Ram owner with that many miles on an engine what repairs they have had. Chances are that they all are leaking oil or other issues.

[@noname47032]

I've owned three 4.6 liter Ford engines. The only issue is the rear crank seal seeps. Other than that, keep up the maintenance and they'll be the ones hauling both the 5.6 Nissan and the Mazda 26B engines to a junkyard. They're known to hit 900,000 miles is some cases.

[@LynxStarAuto]

@@noname47032the VK5.6 is on par with the 2v 4.6. They run forever, make no mistake about it. Also, the transmissions they are bolted to, are superior to anything Ford bolted to a modular engine.

[@blackbulld40]

i’m not surprised by any of this having worked for Nissan as a company for about a year now and seeing how some of their customers treat their cars, this is very on brand treatment from a Nissan owner. where I am from they either don’t care about the maintenance or they can’t afford it but most people just don’t care. It’s sad to see one of these blow up because I’ve seen one at 400,000 miles running great. Great video man keep it up.

[@AlienFreak69]

I'm not a tech but I'm learning so much about engines from watching your teardowns. Thanks

[@harryh5620]

I am - and I still learn a ton watching! And it's interesting as hell.

[@williamthompson969]

@P. B. Foote What do you study?

[@williamthompson969]

@P. B. Foote Wouldn't that be infinite? Or would you like it to stop at grandchildren?

[@williamthompson969]

@@PBFoote-mo2zr Or I could just call you a smart ass and move on how's that.

[@mysticjedi6730]

After some time go from 5w20 to 5w30. These thinner oils give 1% better fuel economy or less at the expense of protection. Then as oil consumption increases (and any knocking, ticking) start with 10% Lucas oil stabilizer. Then go to 15% , 20% as needed.. monitor oil consumption as a general indicator or engine wear to guide you. I have gotten engines people thought were dead, burning huge oil, knocking, .. to go for hundreds more km. The biggest myth in the world of cars is that the manual is best advice.. b.s. it may or may not be. You hear these stupid car guru on t.v. saying follow manual... I should call them up and tell them stop repeating this garbage

[@inductionsymphonytrd]

I love when you say a part is in good shape and throw it across the shop!

[@danielknepper6884]

Apparently there are some viewers that would love for him to save all of these water pumps 😆

[@robertwest3093]

I look for that moment in each video!

[@edwardmyers1746]

*DOINK*

[@ericcindycrowder7482]

That’s kind of what he always does with water pumps. I think he’s sending a message to never buy a used water pump because new ones are cheap enough.

[@MrMrScotti]

I love the sound it makes when it lands

[@eddiepatterson5025]

I have my oil changed every 3,000 miles no more than 4,000 max but the majority of the time it’s every 3,000 miles oil and filter. It’s the life line of defense to make the engine live as long as it can.

[@markchance3540]

My 08 Titan has 265K miles. OEM water pump, AC compressor, oil pump. Still a beast.

[@trose7620]

Love my 2014 5.6 Titan. Tows and hauls everything I need to. Has 178k on it, just do maintenance it'll run forever. Great vid.

[@Mittencarpentry]

Have a 2022 3.0 LM2. Designed for an oil change about every 7500 by the monitor. I do them every 5000. An extra $100 or $200 a year for longer engine life. Seems like a good deal to me.

[@edwardhoward4708]

Over 20 years that’s $2-4K. It is significant, especially if it was invested. To each his own.

[@Surrealblues]

I go until 5% good on my Honda then I change it. It’s Honda synthetic oil it can handle it.

[@calebniederhofer6529]

@@edwardhoward4708 No, because the engine wear will be less. 7500 is too many miles. Especially with the emissions.

[@jimmyday9536]

New subscriber here. I really enjoy your in-depth "autopsies" of these engines, and am amazed how complicated these DHC engines are. I am 65 years old, not a mechanic, but I did rebuild a VW aircooled 1600 engine on my 1965 VW bus many years ago, and was quite proud of myself.

[@robertmaybeth3434]

Exactly as you should have been! Being able to fix our own stuff does a lot of good things for you, besides the obvious one of saving hundreds or sometimes even thousands of bucks on a crazy-expensive repair. Everybody has their own tale, of the huge savings we achieved when we repaired our cars sans labor charges. And mechanics know that deep down satisfaction - when you finally close the hood on a completed repair.

[@johnl9977]

Same here, I built a number of engines, but just for fun and to save. I agree with him on oil, I run Mobile one and Fram Gold filters, never go over 5K miles between changes, usually 3-4K.

[@northtrader]

Just found your channel. Great vid - just you and your commentary. No stupid background music or sound effects. All shots are in focus and the close up shots are framed well. Very well done. Got a subscriber.

[@jimcarpenter2623]

I feel the same way. He provided great dialog on what he was doing throughout the teardown.

[@inmoneywetrust3292]

Same here Key word "No stupid background music"

[@Redsfanatic32]

“It’s like the bearing sea” As usual, your dad jokes are spot on. Happy new year Eric!

[@filecabinet827]

These engines are excellent. We had one that would come in that was 500k plus.

[@johnb4871]

While there was plenty of oil in the engine when it was received, you can’t rule out that sometime in its past it was run low. Low oil seems to be more plausible cause of the damage than over extended change intervals. That said, your comments on proper change intervals are good points especially because someone who would run an engine way past its recommended interval is just as likely not to check the oil level regularly.

[@thegreattreon0177]

The 5.6 is no joke! It may not be the fastest but it's damn near bulletproof! I have a 2012 Nissan Armada with 162,000 miles and hadn't had any issues!

[@chestrockwell8328]

I have a 2012 Nissan NV2500 high roof with the VK5.6DE as a work vehicle and it has been a work vehicle since day one. 215k miles doesn't leak or burn oil between changes (approx 5000 miles) runs great. Nissan really built a hell of good work vehicle in the NV full size vans.

[@repairvehicle]

To bad they stopped selling these vans

[@annonymous7440]

What oil brand you use to go 5000 miles? There are a few oil brands that brag about 10000 mile oil life, and I believe mobil 1 claims it can do 20000 miles between changes.

[@repairvehicle]

@@annonymous7440 with Mobil you get failed engine at 100k miles

[@captainamericaamerica8090]

@@repairvehicle not true. We have 633.000! Miles on our crown vics' taxis. We have three. We use Mobil 1, extended range, 20.000. Oils. They run like new cars And super heavy use. 🚕🚖🚖

[@chestrockwell8328]

@@annonymous7440 I've been using Super Tech full Synthetic High Mileage oil for a while in my work van and my Nissan Pathfinder. Used Oil Analysis from Blackstone Labs says there is "life" left in the oil even at my approx 5000 mile oil changes. I'd never go longer no matter what the oil label claims. Any oil can handle 5000 mile oil change intervals, save your money, no need to buy the expensive fancy name brand hype.

[@member57]

Definitely a well built engine. I think Titans and NV vans don't get the accolades they deserve. Everyone I know that ones one speaks highly of them.

[@1950Bonanza]

Yup, change your oil 3500 miles if you can, 5000 extended MAX. Buy the best oil you can, and your engine will last much longer. I swear buy 100% synthetic, but change the oil at 3500 miles, no matter what. Oil gets dirty, it wears out, it breaks down, the polymers shear...that's fact. Oil is cheap engines are not. Great video.

[@trekOCLVone]

On motorcycles I suggest changing the oil way more often because of the clutch getting material into the oil stream. The oil is cheap compared to major engine failure. Also, small 4-cylinder engines in cars (1.3 to 2.0 L) have to run a turbo has the same criteria to me in that oil changes need to be more often than manufacturers say. The oil life indicator features are horrible in that to get to 0% oil life you are running the snot of that small turboed engine to 8,000 miles or beyond. Change the oil at 50% life and engines will hold up much better. I've now watched several videos on this subject and the message is always the same - CHANGE YOUR OIL!

[@stevewalker2028]

Absolutely. My BMW 120 turbo-diesel works hard, 180bhp from 2.0l. BMW official condition-based service intervals could be 20,000 miles - crazy. I change it every 7,000 miles. Costs me an extra £50 each year to minimise wear.

[@TruckerChick]

I'm not a mechanic by an means. I just know how to take care of basic maintenance and minor repairs like brakes and such. However, even my limited experience can tell me this was a poorly maintained engine. I'm glad to see first hand that my obsession with changing my oil on time and greasing anything I can is paying off big time in the long run. Love these tear downs.

[@DavidGragg82]

I’m excited! I own an 08 Titan and absolutely love the VK56. It’s a very underrated engine. Has not been a 5.3 I haven’t been able to drag yet. Even fairly newer 5.3s. Had no problems with 4.6s, 5.4s. The 5.0s and EcoBoost will eat its lunch. It’s got a great power band. Change the oil and it will go forever. Weak point on the first gens is the rear ends.

[@FishFind3000]

I had a 5.3l triton and it couldn’t even get out of its own way. It was a dog! We replaced it with a 3.5 ecoboost and it’s night and day in comparison.

[@TDub_ADV]

I had an 05 Titan for a short spell and i loved the VK56 while i had it, it was underrated on the spec sheet for sure. It had a lot more than the 305hp they claimed for sure. Rear diff was the weak spot in those trucks. I had the E locker version and i ate 3 rear diffs in about 5 months mainly towing a boat and i ended up returning the truck under the lemon law. I replaced it with a Silverado with a 5.3 and it was nowhere near as strong but i never ate a rear diff and stranded me 600 miles from home....

[@TheGuruStud]

Get rid of the cats, bigger exhaust...what's an ecoturd? They're choked from the factory and the 70mm TB and tiny cams don't help. Ford is a joke.

[@RicherkdDolsin]

I don't think that rod bearing "migrated " under the main bearing as you mentioned. It looked to me like the main brg shell de-laminated. This can happen when they run hot and are getting pounded as the clearance increases. Most shells are made by plating copper, white metal and sometimes other metals in layers onto a steel backing strip. The layers can come loose off the steel after oiling failure or abuse. Just my opinion. This was an interesting teardown. Thanks for all your videos in 2022 and best wishes for 2023. Happy New Year!

[@gordonwalsh9846]

P

[@brianmaclennan561]

Y62 owner here, was good to see what goes into these vk56 engines. Great vid mate. 🇦🇺

[@japerezo75]

I had a rental Armada for 2 weeks during which I drove 3,000 miles. Average MPG was 20.2 MPG because I drive it slow but when power was needed it dropped down to 18.4 mpg with awesome sound. Great V8!

[@georgemartin5980]

Jesus, that's not bad for a vehicle that weighs as much as my old single cab powerstroke.

[@Mach141]

@@georgemartin5980 I think his math is off.....my much lighter Titan struggles to get 18, usually 17

[@blake9358]

@@Mach141 Nissan have notoriously bad engines, that are prone to failure. The right people to talk to are engine reconditioning experts, not motor mechanics

[@japerezo75]

@@Mach141 I have a light foot, always exceed EPA MPG numbers on every car I drive, I.E. 24 MPG on a 4WD 4Runner

[@japerezo75]

@@blake9358 my VQ40de with 150,000 miles begs to differ.

[@AlessandroGenTLe]

On the topic of "suggested engines", and since I'm Italian, I'd love to see the teardown of a Giulia V6 510HP twin turbo. Not sure there are many around... And I hope not actually, because it would be a sin to have that wonderful car destroyed... But I'd still love to see it.

[@daleestep9518]

Those engines are pretty strong and reliable no complaints from mine

[@Pescador2022]

I own a Titan with the 5.6 . I use Valvoline full synthetic and change it every 5000. I use OEM filter. The 5.6 strong and dependable. 👍

[@rickgalla3377]

Thank u, happy new year, I don't care what anyone says, I always change my synthetic engines at 5,000 miles, like u say, oil is cheaper then a new engine, I appreciate all your hard work and educational rip downs

[@fraidykat]

At 3k I look towards scheduling the oil change with it being done around or below 4k but never 5k. Synthetic as well. Oil is indeed cheaper .

[@receptayyip1410]

Don't change your engine, change your oil.

[@zburnham]

I love the dramatic pause before you throw the water pump. Messes with people's expectations

[@vincecarnevale4406]

My ex mother in-law would have her oil changed every 2000 miles or so,with premium oil ,one weekend she asked me to change it for her,took off her oil cap to put in new oil,peered inside valve cover looked brand new,change your oil regularly,Pays off in the long run!

[@DeMoNzH0BO]

That dipstick would have been a battle indeed. The VK56 is one of my favorite engines. I always tell everyone. In the armadas and QX80’s, they are bulletproof. Just manifold and torque converter issues

[@papilgee4evaeva]

This engine was also in the M56/Q70 5.6, IIRC. They're quite rare on the used market.

[@TheGuruStud]

Isn't that one direct injected?

[@papilgee4evaeva]

@@TheGuruStud You are correct. The car version and the QX80 always had direct injection, and the rest of the trucks and vans got this same version later. (I had to look this up)

[@kgisabeast]

I was looking for one, very hard to find with the 5.6 v8, definitely a sleeper car with how fast they are

[@themanthemyththebanger]

A Q70 sleeper is definitely a car I'd enjoy. Large and in charge!

[@wilc4036]

I have two of these. One in my Titan and one in my wife's Infiniti M56XS. That car just loves walking away from R/T Challengers on the highway 😁

[@jackheris687]

Also high repair costs.

[@wilc4036]

@@jackheris687 What repair costs? Nothing but regular maintenance for both of them.

[@lifestooshort6801]

Daily is an 08 Pathfinder V8. They were available from 2008 to 2012 to compete with the V8 4Runner at the time. Around 165k on the clock and runs flawless👍Perform routine maintenance and never had any issues. Stuffing that 5.6 into a body on frame platform like the Frontier makes its very nimble. It's a blast to drive👌

[@dudebud72]

I bought my 2015 Infiniti QX80 in 11/2014 when the full size market was taking a dump. I payed -$20g off msrp and had my Infiniti up until a few months ago. The only thing the tech was a bit dated and it loved gas but beat everything in its class with ease and out towed my Denali. Matter of fact it beat my Denali while pilling a 2,000 lb trailer. These motors are far more than the advertised 400 hp, and extremely capable. Amazing motor for sure!

[@ryannylander1819]

Last year too before they starting putting in 5-20 oil in too. Also, ‘15 is last year they actually put in a proper center console that was high enough to put your arm on. ‘16 or ‘17 plus, armrest just about useless since so low! I really like the ‘15s! Plus, don’t think they suffered from the cylinder issues the 17-20s had. I’m looking at that year to replace a GX for more comfort and power.

[@dudebud72]

@@ryannylander1819 you are right! My 2015 was traded in by the ex and it was gone in a day.

[@ryannylander1819]

@@dudebud72 I’d miss that ‘15 too… and I don’t have one but would love one.

[@dudebud72]

@@ryannylander1819 it was by far the best vehicle I’ve owned and you are correct! I looked at the new one and the interior was changed but the armrest is way off. Thanks for the tip. Kind of hard to look for the small things when it is the same layout since 2012

[@WhalerGA]

The size of the Nissan 5.6 speaks to the beautiful simplicity of the (very compact) LS motors.

[@oldscratch3535]

Well its a dual overhead cam engine so of course there's going to be a massive size difference compared to a pushrod engine of comparable displacement. I'd actually argue that the dual overhead cam engine is more simplistic in nature than a single cam pushrod engine. Think about all of the redirection of forces and reciprocating mass in a pushrod engine compared to a DOHC. DOHC is way simpler.

[@TestECull]

Should peep a Ford Flathead if you like that. They make the LS look like a gargantuan.

[@TestECull]

@@oldscratch3535 DOHC is miles more complex than pushrod lol. You've got way way WAY more moving parts in action, complicated cam drive systems, more valves in most cases...you want simple you look to sidevalve. Flathead engines don't really have much of a valve 'train' at all...the valves basically ride directly on the cam. There's only a tappet in between them, and that's mostly only there to allow for clearance adjustment. The only thing complicated about a flathead's induction system is the gas pathway itself.

[@gidderman]

The VK56DE has been slowly coming onto my radar as one of the best engines ever built. They are practically bullet proof when looked after (and even somewhat when not lol), they make good power, they accept alot of power stock, lots of bolt on's, easy to super charge, and nice simple design... My only gripe is that starter being in the valley, but it aint so bad to get the intake off so thats kinda moot point i suppose... Great video...

[@ExcaliburTTP]

Full send, love my VK56

[@mann_idonotreadreplies]

cool story bro

[@dooby1445]

These things have handled 700+ HP naturally aspirated with stock internals. I'm pretty sure it's go up to 1000HP with nitrous.

[@TheRealKarlis]

My only gripe is the MPGs. They are brutal. If you can afford the gas though, this thing will run longer than you need it too.

[@pilsplease7561]

THe pentastar is one of the best engines ever built hits into the millions mile wise quite regularly and can be super charged with stock internals.

[@Alltakenbla]

Surely this channel has won an award for entertainment and being very educational!!!

[@mahkanikmatt6622]

Couldn't agree with you more about oil changes. Single most important thing

[@AmericanOutdoors1]

I was at least one that requested this engine tear down so thank you for this. I learned much from it.

[@ew1usnr]

I enjoyed watching this! I am not an auto mechanic and will never take a Nissan engine apart, but it was fun to see you do it. :)

[@Pauley_in_GP]

I'm not a very talented wrencher, but I sure love to watch pros do their thing. This was a great video. As you said, it's incredible that this vehicle ran long enough to do even MORE damage. When I bought my first new car (a 1980 Honda Civic!), the service manager told me that regular oil and filter changes were the key to the long life of any engine. I followed that advice for the last 45 years, getting between 150,000 and 200,000 trouble-free miles from a number of our vehicles. Why anyone doesn't follow that advice is a mystery to me. (And I'm SO glad I don't have to put that motor back together again. 😁)

[@damkayaker]

I change my oil & filter every 3000 miles in 2003 GM 6.0 liter. Over 235000 still going strong.

[@Duken4evr29]

Super durable engine, a friend had a Titan with the 5.6 and 340K on it, sold it and bought the NV van with the same engine. The subject engine looks like it ran a long time before it finally spun out. Take care of 'em and the 5.6 will probably outlast it's owner - LOL

[@brentfellers9632]

TOO FUNNY 😁 my dad always said "oil is the cheapest repair " Happy new year!

[@UnicornGuru]

"Wow! Look at that chain guide! Practically MINT!" **Casually throws it across the room**

[@zachunderwood]

Good job! Loved all your explanation and personal commentary on your findings! Keep up the good work!

[@daytrypper]

Love it when you kinda ogle a part like you're gonna keep it then hear it crash somewhere off camera 😄 Happy New Year, Eric and fans! Hopefully 2023 won't suck! Cheers!

[@wildcoyote34]

i always love seeing him do that with the waterpump

[@bwalker4194]

Very impressive design indeed! That poor girl had to be knocking like crazy for a good long time yet she still stayed together.

[@hdrenginedevelopment7507]

If it were me, it would be a "it's already trashed, so might as well try to make it home" kind of situation. Once it's knocking, it's kind of a done deal.

[@stevem.781]

Such a well done video, smooth, polished and well edited. Plus the acutal content and how easy you made this tear down look. All very impressive, glad I found this channel.

[@greasebeardsgarage]

Nice video! I've been interested to find out what the insides of the 5.6 in my Armada looked like. Thanks for getting ahold of one of these for the channel!

[@tundramanq]

The timing chain adjusters being at nearly full stroke kind of lets you know the extended oil change interval had been going on for a long time. Metal in the top of the engine makes me think the "extended change" oil filters were plugging up and bypassing.

[@davidpowell3347]

Maybe there was one very very extended oil change interval.

[@jfbeam]

@@davidpowell3347 Indeed. That might've been the factory oil. 🙂

[@user-sk1lk9hk5m]

Happy new year, Eric! As a skilled mechanic I always deeply satisfied with all your videos. Thank you, Eric! About oil change: all my (and my pals) vehicles equipped with hour meter gauges, so we often change oil at 200 hours. It's approx. 6000 Km with our heavy traffic. Use good synthetic oil and MANN filters, check the dipstick regularly and have no oil issues at all. If all car owners did it like me, many engine problems will be gone. Sorry for my English, I'm not native speaker.

[@gergatron7000]

Your English is fine mate, better than most english-speaking folks

[@shannonsummers4687]

Your English is far better than the oil change intervals of many lazy American's. =/

[@edwardcarberry1095]

Always looking for details. thanks. The oil filter, is it still the 6 to 8 micron sized which does the most damage? So my reasoning is oil filter needs to be of size to remove the most partials of size which will do the Most Damage. which i don't think are too many which do that????? IF I can afford it??? might change to a different oil filter, but questionable right now! aka the Cat Ultra high efficiency. I myself do use the 0W/40 winter and 5W/40 summer, have been for years. May years ago read a lot of the oil test results of syn oils . With say 100,000 miles with the hash marks still on the cylinder walls.

[@Adam_Rosenberg91]

Measuring running hours is the best way of determining oil changes, not sure why passenger cars don't incorporate it more. Almost all other rotating/running machinery maintenance is determined by running hours.

[@saintpatrick6681]

how strange, 60,000 miles between oil changes on a vehicle that idles endlessly. trade it off when the manufacturer warranty expires at 500,000 miles.

[@nikolasbishop7955]

We had a 2011 armada w the 5.6 VK. 160 thousand miles and never had a single problem. Towed fine and had great power and really breathed nice when you got on it. Phenomenal powertrain. Trans was rebuilt at 162 because of towing, but other than that, amazing vehicle with an amazing motor

[@CuttinInIdaho]

we have had a similar experience but original transmission. We tow but not often. 210k miles and still tons of power.

[@kfiscal01]

270,000 here, runs great! It's all the other stuff that breaks.

[@CuttinInIdaho]

@@kfiscal01 lol I know how that goes. I just had my back glass fall off the hinges... thankfully I saved it. Also the AC has a hole in the line so it wont work, the blend motors for the 3 zone heat are very slow and probably need replaced, just did tie rods again, rear liftgate handle doesn't work...and on and on, but I do trust it

[@CHP8469]

I worked at a Nissan dealership I’ve seen a few VK engines running solid past 400 k on stock block and transmission With good oil change intervals !!! Only common issue is the exhaust manifold catalytic combos developing cracks.

[@stevemiller6766]

would love to see the oil filter cut open. I am thinking the filter plugged and the bypass opened flooding the internals with unfiltered oil. Thanks for another great tear down!

[@davidpowell3347]

Or a media plete tore along its length because of the pressurization/depressurization cycles for too many miles after the media was loaded up with gunk making the filter a "straight through"

[@reubenmorris487]

The oil filter doesn't filter as much oil as you'd think...much of it bypasses.

[@jimmyh2100]

One of the best engines to comes out Japan that gets no love.... I'd put it in one of top 10 engines list. It's a absolute shame it will be no longer

[@sharksfan32]

one of the best videos of a tear down. wish all videos were this well filmed and edited!

[@Eric-4501]

I worked at a production engine rebuilder for ten years grinding crankshafts and while you wont just polish that crankshaft and install it with a new set of bearings it looks to be serviceable after grinding it undersize. Of course it would need to be measured to be sure. I have seen American V8 crankshafts where one side of the journal was worn down .200", that one you have there is not bad. Well done video.

[@randombuilds8336]

I've got a frontier with the 3.8 in it. The manual says 5k oil changes in 1 spot and 7500 in another. I still change it between 3 and 4k, because as you say oil is cheaper than replacing the engine.

[@deutsch-amerikanisch8281]

Yeah it has a severe maintenance cycle, and a normal use cycle. Manufactures don't know how you drive your vehicle, or where, so they recommend between 3k and 7.5k.

[@superchuck3259]

Also you should change your oil once a year regardless of the miles you drive. right? Some will say every 6 months, but be realistic, if the oil looks like honey and don't smell like gasoline, you should be okay. Just be sure to drive the engine for at least 30 minutes once a month to make sure to keep water/condensation out of the engine.

[@randombuilds8336]

@@deutsch-amerikanisch8281 The manual with the frontier doesn't specify severe or regular anywhere on the oil change interval. It reads more like they have a part written for the truck and the later part is just a standard bit used in all manuals that they forgot to update. Air filter does specify between dusty/non-dusty conditions.

[@randombuilds8336]

@@superchuck3259 If you don't drive much then yes, once a year is probably fine. But you do need to get oil fully up to temp for moisture to evaporate, driving for 15 minutes will do a better job of getting oil to temp compared to just idling.

[@deutsch-amerikanisch8281]

@Random builds The manual I have does.

[@arcburn3364]

I love your tear down videos. I often learn something, sometimes just trivia. Like what happens when that bar slips out of my hands. I laughed out loud when you showed it in slow mow.

[@jdub224]

The VK56VHR engines tend to sludge more rapidly and wear chains and guides because of the direct injection. For truck use then, I prefer the VK56DE. I’ve also seen some weird issues and noise with cylinder scoring in the VHR only (again, probably linked to direct injection) Either way, Nissan VK engines are great!

[@nicholasolsen4698]

Cylinder scoring issue is usually Cylinder 7 and related to an improperly installed oil jet. They have a TSB for it. My 17 titan and 19 armada both got new shortblocks on them from it. Neither showed signs yet but they scoped and found the scoring.

[@diezelvh4133]

All nissan engines suck.

[@oOoMasterblasteroOo]

I learned quite a bit watching your videos. Especially, that it's so much more easy to work on modern engines when they are sitting on an engine mount!

[@LEGOCAMARO]

Those are super good engines bought my Titan with 60k miles and now had 219k and only thing it needed was maintenance and gaskets. Repaint it at 200k to make it look fresh again

[@stephenmoxley3004]

Yet another great teardown video. Happy New Year, sir. Looking forward to seeing what's next.

[@willkincaid5841]

I've been waiting for you to do ons of these vks. I'm a nissan fan anyway but still this probably one of the cooler tear downs. The amount of wear on the bearings plus 3 of them spun how it wasn't locked up or blown to pieces. It just goes to show nissan makes some reliable stuff, now it's not perfect by any means nothing is. Great vid keep them coming.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Wow, I'm amazed that with that many trashed bearings that the crankcase wasn't a big pile of disconnecting rods and piston mcnuggets.

[@Hosenhoffen]

These are the greatest videos, they always make my week. Thank you so much man, happy new years to you and yours!

[@Mike-ht1ou]

would love to see a teardown of the vk56vd updated with direct injection and vvel in the 2nd gen titans

[@8g00gl]

The number of dad jokes and puns this man makes is truly a marvel.

[@maxolack8753]

First time to the channel and got me hooked. excellent video quality and excellent tear down with excellent commentary. Going to go change my oil tomorrow because of this video, thanks magical engine tear down man.

[@deanmoberg445]

Nice teardown and explanation of the possible failure. I was glad to see you helped Rainman Ray with an instrument cluster. Very cool of you.

[@somerandomusernamenobodyhas]

Wow, it takes real abuse or neglect to break one of these engines. I wanted to thank you for making this video, I'm one of those folks who asked for the VK56 teardown in several of your videos and I am glad it happened!

[@michaelb.9768]

I had this engine in a QX56 that I took from new to 270,000 miles in 16 years, then I sold it. Towards the end it was burning 1-2 quarts in between 5,000 mile oil change intervals, and the driver side valve cover had developed a leak. But pretty solid otherwise. It overheated on me while towing a handful of times but nothing that I didn't catch too late. I put an oversized radiator on it, but it would still overheat towing anything of substance uphill over 40mph. Lots of power though. The QX56 that was built around it had terrible electrical / body control module issues, not to mention it got absolutely destroyed by my kids. I was also always fighting the cats and other emissions systems. I never worried about the engine itself though. Took it on a 2,000-mile road trip a few months before I sold it and I didn't even hesitate about taking it. Fun to see its guts, thanks.

[@maryannmoran-smyth3453]

As an engine builder for many years, I tore down many a motor and been through many the same experiences you’ve gone through on this show and by the way, I wish I had this show when I was young but anyway, I would always tell people oil is cheap and engines aren’t ,cheap out on your oil intervals, and you will certainly be buying motors… L O L… Great show, man ….keep on rocking

[@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259]

First they gave us lifetime transmission fluid and now, lifetime engine oil. They're even removing dipsticks, all for a new low, low price! It just doesn't get any better!

[@YouTubeviolatesmy1stamendment]

Have you seen it lawn mowers recently A lot of them are a lifetime engine oil At this point we're lucky they give us a cap to put more gas in it

[@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259]

@@KZbinviolatesmy1stamendment I haven't seen that yet but I certainly believe you.

[@CoryRwtfyt]

@@KZbinviolatesmy1stamendment I have to flip my sister's mower upside down to change the oil in it. I could see the spot where the drain bolt used to be located but it looks like the cast was modified to not include it.

[@oldscratch3535]

@@KZbinviolatesmy1stamendment They burn so much oil anyways that you really don't need to change it. Just top it off.

[@troyrosenbaugh9935]

My 5.6 in my Titan is a beast. It's a 2014 only 78k on it Titan SV, oil changes every 5k full synthetic. Hell I pull my 20' boat and my camp trailer no sweat. They're great vehicles. Love the vid. Keep up the good work..

[@gerardamerongen4209]

I’m certainly no mechanic but this video CLEARLY shows the importance of regular oil changes and maintenance !!! ….way cheaper than having to replace the engine. GREAT vid and great learning experience…. Thanks for sharing!

[@michaelbreeland8823]

Getting an oil analysis done is always a good idea to see how your oil is performing.

[@robertmaybeth3434]

Sure it is but I always stopped short of ever having that done for my own cars. The cost of oil analysis compares to the cost of another oil change, which will benefit the engine far more. All an oil analysis will tell an individual owner is one of two things, engine is in great shape, (certainly the usual result), or else the engine is wearing extra fast due to ? who knows what. In neither case can the owner do anything to reverse what the results of the oil analysis show.

[@aaronkowalewski659]

I love my Titan, great power trains! I've been asking about this engine. Thank you for this teardown!

[@whatchis1120]

These 5.6 V8 are tanks and run for ever atleast from that era of non GDI, I seen the gen 1 Titan and armadas all the time 250-300k+ no bigs issues. Now the later VK56VD is what I'd like to see with the extended oil changes, we had problem child one that someone was doing 15-20k miles oil changes, and screens getting clogged of course.

[@TheGuruStud]

It would help if everyone ran 40 weight like you need to in nissans.

[@pilsplease7561]

only 250k? shoot pentastars which are used in like everything are easily hitting 800k and a million the highest I have heard of is like 2.8 million miles.

[@stevenyoung5329]

VK56DE is one of the best Nissan ever made if you ask me.

[@Ghostrider-71]

This is the engine in my Infiniti QX80. I keep up with ALL oil changes and tune ups. Great video!

[@anthonygregg862]

happy new year to you and your family. Thankyou for all the teardowns this year fantastic content and entertainment. best wishes to you

[@IsleOfFeldspar]

????

[@gregsly1247]

You've posted great videos this year. Can't wait to see more in 23. Happy New Year 🥳🥳

[@Todd_S]

Those engines sound great with an aftermarket exhaust system.

[@DjJayBeatz]

Been waiting on a VK56 teardown. Damn these engines are built tough!

[@donw3912]

This was a mess...amazing it held together...I would say it was babied a bit as it got louder with rod bearings migrating to the oil pan etc. It's been a long time since I've seen a crank that bad that didn't blow apart. Thanks for all of the great engine teardowns and enlightenment on various aspects causing engine failure. Happy New Year to you and your family Eric!! Here's hoping 2023 will be a great year for all.

[@douglasmayherjr.5733]

That looked like a pretty tough little engine. They were definitely close to sending parts outside the engine. Thanks for the videos, Eric. I hope you and your family have a Happy New Year.

[@Darbman62]

I had a 2017 Titan. The engine was replaced under warranty, They told me there is a known issue that effects about 30% of them including mine. Cylinder 7 eats itself and starts scoring the cylinder. The mechanic said that he thinks it is a cooling issues because they started adding coolant passages around that cylinder. Otherwise, it is a bombproof engine since it was still running fine with seven cylinders...just a little louder.

[@joesantora8855]

When my Dad passed away I drove His car, a Hyundai Sonata, from Miami to Denver. Now He religiously changed the oil every 3k or 3 months. so I had the car prepped, oil, tranny and timing belt. and hit the road. 34 hours and 2000 miles later I checked the "fresh oil" and it was black as coal. I was dumfounded. It was all those short trips.