oil consumption!
Jun 21, 2005 | 12:51 PM
#1
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
oil consumption!
so my 2002 6.0L made about a quart of oil disappear over the last 2k miles. not dripping out. i know my ls1 vette and friend's ls1 fbodies burn some too, so i'm thinking this is normal?? can someone chime in and let me know if this IS in fact normal/abnormal? TIA
--matt
--matt
Jun 21, 2005 | 01:05 PM
#2
Originally Posted by awesomeame
so my 2002 6.0L made about a quart of oil disappear over the last 2k miles. not dripping out. i know my ls1 vette and friend's ls1 fbodies burn some too, so i'm thinking this is normal?? can someone chime in and let me know if this IS in fact normal/abnormal? TIA
--matt
--matt
Jun 21, 2005 | 01:29 PM
#3
Mine doesnt use that much it is close to 3/4 of a quart every 3000 miles. And to answer your question that is not normal. Sounds like you have a couple bad piston rings to me or a leak somewhere that you havent noticed. You could have some leakage on the valve covers running down the side of the block and the heat of the engine just burning it off before it gets to the ground.
Jun 21, 2005 | 02:16 PM
#4
Document ID# 1358091
2001 Chevrolet/Geo Chevy C Silverado - 2WD
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines #01-06-01-011A - (Jul 22, 2003)
Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines
All 1996-2004 Passenger Cars and Gasoline Powered Light Duty Trucks Under 8500 LB GVW
except Chevrolet Corvette
This bulletin is being revised to update the Model Years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-011 (Section 6 -- Engine).
All engines require oil to lubricate and protect the load bearing and internal moving parts from wear including cylinder walls, pistons and piston rings. When a piston moves down its cylinder, a thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall. During the power stroke, part of this oil layer is consumed in the combustion process. As a result, varying rates of oil consumption are accepted as normal in all engines.
Oil Consumption
The accepted rate of oil consumption for engines used in the vehicles referenced is 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi). This rate only applies to personal use vehicles, under warranty, maintained in accordance with the appropriate maintenance schedule, with less than 58,000 km (36,000 mi), or 80,450 km (50,000 mi) for Cadillac, driven at legal speeds in an unloaded (for trucks) condition.
Many factors can affect an owner's concern with oil consumption. Driving habits and vehicle maintenance vary from owner to owner. Thoroughly evaluate each case before deciding whether the vehicle in question has abnormal engine oil consumption.
Gasket and External Leaks
Inspect the oil pan and engine covers for leakage due to over-tightened, damaged, or out of place gaskets. Inspect oil lines and fittings for signs of leakage.
Improper Reading of the Oil Level Indicator (Dipstick)
Verify that the dipstick tube is fully seated in the block. When checking the oil level, make sure the dipstick is wiped clean before taking an oil level reading and fully depress the dipstick until the shoulder bottoms out on the dipstick tube. The dipstick should be the proper part number for the engine/vehicle that is being checked.
Not Waiting Long Enough After Running Engine to Check Oil Level
The vehicle should be allowed to sit for at least 5 minutes (20 minutes for the 3.4 L LQ1), after the engine has been shut off, before taking an oil level reading to assure the oil has had enough time to drain back into the crankcase. In order to ensure accurate results, the temperature of the oil should be close to the same temperature as the last time the oil level was checked.
Improper Oil Fill After an Oil Change
Following an oil change, verify that the proper amount and type of oil was put in the engine and that the oil level on the dipstick is not above the full mark or below the add marks. Refer to the Owner's Manual or Service Manual for information on recommended oil quantity, viscosity, and quality.
High Speed or High RPM Driving
Continuous driving at high speeds/high RPMs may increase oil consumption. Because this may not always be an everyday occurrence, it is hard to determine exactly how much the oil economy will be affected.
Towing or Heavy Usage
Towing a trailer will increase oil consumption and may cause oil consumption to fall below the normal accepted rate referenced in this bulletin for an unloaded vehicle in a personal use application. Large frontal area trailers will further increase the work required from the engine, especially at highway speeds, and thus increases the rate of oil consumption.
Crankcase Ventilation System
Verify that the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is operating properly. Incorrect PCV valves, blockages, restrictions, or damage to the PCV system can result in increased oil use.
Oil Dilution (Fuel and Water)
On vehicles that are usually driven short distances, less than 8 km (5 mi), especially in colder weather, unburned fuel and condensation generated from cold engine operation may not get hot enough to evaporate out of the oil. When this occurs, the dipstick may indicate that the oil level is over-full. Subsequent driving on a trip of sufficient length to enable normal engine operating temperature for 30 minutes or more, in order to vaporize excess moisture and fuel, may give the customer the impression of excessive oil consumption.
Engine Temperature
If an engine is run at overheated temperatures (see Owner's Manual or Service Manual) for more than brief periods, oil will oxidize at a faster than normal rate. In addition, gaskets may distort, piston rings may stick, and excessive wear may result. Verify that all cooling system components are in proper working order.
Engine Wear
Piston scuffing, excessive piston-to-wall clearance, tapered or out of round cylinders, worn, damaged or improperly installed valve guides, seals and piston rings will all cause an increase in oil consumption.
Measurement of Oil Consumption
Engines require a period of time to BREAK IN so that moving parts are properly seated. Therefore, oil economy should not be tested until the vehicle has accumulated at least 6400 km (4000 mi). An exception would be allowed only if an engine is reported to be using more than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 1600 km (1000 mi).
Verify that the engine has no external leaks. Repair as necessary.
Verify that the engine is at normal operating temperature (see Owner's Manual or Service Manual).
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Wait at least 5 minutes (20 minutes for the 3.4 L LQ1), after the engine is shut off, before checking the oil level to make sure that most of the oil has had time to drain back into the crankcase.
Verify that the oil level is at, but not above, the full mark on the dipstick, and that the proper viscosity and quality oil are being used as recommended in the Owner's Manual.
Record the vehicle mileage, date, and exact oil level on the form included in this bulletin.
Ask the customer to verify the oil level, each time the vehicle is fueled, following steps 1-6 and return the vehicle to the dealership if the oil level is found at or below the add mark, 0.946 liter (1 qt) low. If the oil level remains above the add mark, the customer should continue to operate the vehicle and verify the engine oil level until 3200 km (2000 mi) has accumulated before returning to the dealership for a final evaluation.
If the final evaluation shows that the engine uses more than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi), follow the published symptom diagnostics as described in the appropriate Service Manual. If the oil consumption test shows that the engine uses less than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi), explain to the customer that their engine meets the guidelines for oil consumption.
Oil Economy Test -- Data Sheet
Dealer Name: _________________________________
Customer Name: _________________________________
Phone: (___)____-_______ Phone: (___)____-_______
VIN: ____________________________
Oil Type Used: ____________________
R.O. #: ___________________
Step
Date
Mileage
Oil Level
Driving Conditions
(City, Highway, Both)
1
(Start of Test)
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION
Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Document ID# 1358091
2001 Chevrolet/Geo Chevy C Silverado - 2WD
2001 Chevrolet/Geo Chevy C Silverado - 2WD
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines #01-06-01-011A - (Jul 22, 2003)
Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines
All 1996-2004 Passenger Cars and Gasoline Powered Light Duty Trucks Under 8500 LB GVW
except Chevrolet Corvette
This bulletin is being revised to update the Model Years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-011 (Section 6 -- Engine).
All engines require oil to lubricate and protect the load bearing and internal moving parts from wear including cylinder walls, pistons and piston rings. When a piston moves down its cylinder, a thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall. During the power stroke, part of this oil layer is consumed in the combustion process. As a result, varying rates of oil consumption are accepted as normal in all engines.
Oil Consumption
The accepted rate of oil consumption for engines used in the vehicles referenced is 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi). This rate only applies to personal use vehicles, under warranty, maintained in accordance with the appropriate maintenance schedule, with less than 58,000 km (36,000 mi), or 80,450 km (50,000 mi) for Cadillac, driven at legal speeds in an unloaded (for trucks) condition.
Many factors can affect an owner's concern with oil consumption. Driving habits and vehicle maintenance vary from owner to owner. Thoroughly evaluate each case before deciding whether the vehicle in question has abnormal engine oil consumption.
Gasket and External Leaks
Inspect the oil pan and engine covers for leakage due to over-tightened, damaged, or out of place gaskets. Inspect oil lines and fittings for signs of leakage.
Improper Reading of the Oil Level Indicator (Dipstick)
Verify that the dipstick tube is fully seated in the block. When checking the oil level, make sure the dipstick is wiped clean before taking an oil level reading and fully depress the dipstick until the shoulder bottoms out on the dipstick tube. The dipstick should be the proper part number for the engine/vehicle that is being checked.
Not Waiting Long Enough After Running Engine to Check Oil Level
The vehicle should be allowed to sit for at least 5 minutes (20 minutes for the 3.4 L LQ1), after the engine has been shut off, before taking an oil level reading to assure the oil has had enough time to drain back into the crankcase. In order to ensure accurate results, the temperature of the oil should be close to the same temperature as the last time the oil level was checked.
Improper Oil Fill After an Oil Change
Following an oil change, verify that the proper amount and type of oil was put in the engine and that the oil level on the dipstick is not above the full mark or below the add marks. Refer to the Owner's Manual or Service Manual for information on recommended oil quantity, viscosity, and quality.
High Speed or High RPM Driving
Continuous driving at high speeds/high RPMs may increase oil consumption. Because this may not always be an everyday occurrence, it is hard to determine exactly how much the oil economy will be affected.
Towing or Heavy Usage
Towing a trailer will increase oil consumption and may cause oil consumption to fall below the normal accepted rate referenced in this bulletin for an unloaded vehicle in a personal use application. Large frontal area trailers will further increase the work required from the engine, especially at highway speeds, and thus increases the rate of oil consumption.
Crankcase Ventilation System
Verify that the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is operating properly. Incorrect PCV valves, blockages, restrictions, or damage to the PCV system can result in increased oil use.
Oil Dilution (Fuel and Water)
On vehicles that are usually driven short distances, less than 8 km (5 mi), especially in colder weather, unburned fuel and condensation generated from cold engine operation may not get hot enough to evaporate out of the oil. When this occurs, the dipstick may indicate that the oil level is over-full. Subsequent driving on a trip of sufficient length to enable normal engine operating temperature for 30 minutes or more, in order to vaporize excess moisture and fuel, may give the customer the impression of excessive oil consumption.
Engine Temperature
If an engine is run at overheated temperatures (see Owner's Manual or Service Manual) for more than brief periods, oil will oxidize at a faster than normal rate. In addition, gaskets may distort, piston rings may stick, and excessive wear may result. Verify that all cooling system components are in proper working order.
Engine Wear
Piston scuffing, excessive piston-to-wall clearance, tapered or out of round cylinders, worn, damaged or improperly installed valve guides, seals and piston rings will all cause an increase in oil consumption.
Measurement of Oil Consumption
Engines require a period of time to BREAK IN so that moving parts are properly seated. Therefore, oil economy should not be tested until the vehicle has accumulated at least 6400 km (4000 mi). An exception would be allowed only if an engine is reported to be using more than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 1600 km (1000 mi).
Verify that the engine has no external leaks. Repair as necessary.
Verify that the engine is at normal operating temperature (see Owner's Manual or Service Manual).
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Wait at least 5 minutes (20 minutes for the 3.4 L LQ1), after the engine is shut off, before checking the oil level to make sure that most of the oil has had time to drain back into the crankcase.
Verify that the oil level is at, but not above, the full mark on the dipstick, and that the proper viscosity and quality oil are being used as recommended in the Owner's Manual.
Record the vehicle mileage, date, and exact oil level on the form included in this bulletin.
Ask the customer to verify the oil level, each time the vehicle is fueled, following steps 1-6 and return the vehicle to the dealership if the oil level is found at or below the add mark, 0.946 liter (1 qt) low. If the oil level remains above the add mark, the customer should continue to operate the vehicle and verify the engine oil level until 3200 km (2000 mi) has accumulated before returning to the dealership for a final evaluation.
If the final evaluation shows that the engine uses more than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi), follow the published symptom diagnostics as described in the appropriate Service Manual. If the oil consumption test shows that the engine uses less than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi), explain to the customer that their engine meets the guidelines for oil consumption.
Oil Economy Test -- Data Sheet
Dealer Name: _________________________________
Customer Name: _________________________________
Phone: (___)____-_______ Phone: (___)____-_______
VIN: ____________________________
Oil Type Used: ____________________
R.O. #: ___________________
Step
Date
Mileage
Oil Level
Driving Conditions
(City, Highway, Both)
1
(Start of Test)
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION
Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Document ID# 1358091
2001 Chevrolet/Geo Chevy C Silverado - 2WD
Jun 21, 2005 | 02:24 PM
#6
Originally Posted by awesomeame
so my 2002 6.0L made about a quart of oil disappear over the last 2k miles. not dripping out. i know my ls1 vette and friend's ls1 fbodies burn some too, so i'm thinking this is normal?? can someone chime in and let me know if this IS in fact normal/abnormal? TIA
--matt
--matt
Trending Topics
Jun 21, 2005 | 10:50 PM
#8
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
hey thanks for the info, guys!
according to that bulletin i'm in the "acceptable" range, so i doubt the dealer will do anything about it. there are 30k miles on the truck. i'm thinking i might do a compression check to see if i can find any bad cyls...leak down check too if i can get my hands on the tool to do that.
--matt
according to that bulletin i'm in the "acceptable" range, so i doubt the dealer will do anything about it. there are 30k miles on the truck. i'm thinking i might do a compression check to see if i can find any bad cyls...leak down check too if i can get my hands on the tool to do that.
--matt
Jun 21, 2005 | 10:51 PM
#9
Get an AMW oil catch can, you'll be amazed at how much oil these lsx style engines suck through the PCV system. GM knows there's an issue, and redesigned the PCV valve from the traditional spring and plunger to a fixed orifice design (fixed orifice=pinhole at the bottom of an empty PCV contaner). The re-designed PCV doesn't work, but that catch can sure does!
Jun 21, 2005 | 11:25 PM
#10
I changed my valve seals and put an LS6 valley cover on my 5.3 and the oil consumption disappeared. Never uses a drop between oil changes now. Some guys have to run an LS6 cover and an AMW can to keep from sucking oil. See if the inside of your intake manifold is all nastied up. Ill bet its gross in there!