Oil consumption

[aquaholic]

Car appears to be using 1 quart every 1,000 miles: After 2,000 miles oil was only up to the last hole on the dipstick (well below the bottom "range" hole).

Dealer has started a consumption test, but says 1 quart every 1,000 miles is acceptable.

I found a TSB from 2009 that said that, but haven't seen anything recently.

Would anyone else call this "normal?" Any documentation out there to help my cause?

2012 2SS/RS vert auto ~65,000 miles...completely stock.

[NC_SS]

My car is at 55K with a couple bolt ons and mine doesn't drink a drop of oil so far.

Are you L99 or LS3? I am of the impression that the L99's that still have AFM will drink a little oil with age, or sometimes when they're brand new

[insanity213]

The 5.3 LH6 AFM engine in my truck drinks oil like that. My guess is that the rings on the 4 AFM cylinders are gunked up. AFM is garbage.

If you're out of warranty I'd disable AFM and drive it like you stole it for a while or possibly seafoam it. If you still have warranty, don't let them BS you by telling you it's normal.

[aquaholic]

Still under CPO warranty

[Black_SS10]

Mine doesn't burn or consume anywhere near a quart. It may consume some, but I check my oil regularly between changes and haven't notice a loss of enough to add. I may get an 1/8 of a quart of oil in my catch can. Many manufacturers have guidelines when it comes to oil consumption due to the variances in manufacturing and the building of vehicles. The 1 quart per 1,000miles was the same guideline for my G35. Now that car consumed oil, at least for me. Nothing is perfect, check your oil regularly.

[drago]

i get some in the catch can,maybe a ounce per 1000 miles

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by aquaholic

Car appears to be using 1 quart every 1,000 miles: After 2,000 miles oil was only up to the last hole on the dipstick (well below the bottom "range" hole).

Dealer has started a consumption test, but says 1 quart every 1,000 miles is acceptable.

I found a TSB from 2009 that said that, but haven't seen anything recently.

Would anyone else call this "normal?" Any documentation out there to help my cause?

2012 2SS/RS vert auto ~65,000 miles...completely stock.

If you have driven your car for 60k+ and it never used oil in this volume, clearly something has changed. Did it slowly start using more oil or suddenly start using more oil?

[JCunningham]

1qt in 1000 miles is not normal but that is the limit for warranty repair.

[Elite Engineering]

Your issue is not uncommon. Several things occur today as far as what can cause excessive oil consumption, and the most common is improper break-in when the engine is new. This procedure will ensure rings seat properly where following the owners manual is a gamble:



By 300-500 miles the cross hatch hone pattern has been covered by a hard glaze that sets in, so if the rings are not seated by then they never will and excessive blow-by and oil consumption is the result. This cannot be cured unless the engine is disassembled and the glaze cut, new hone, and new rings installed and start over. It is critical to load the rings properly when the engine is new to ensure proper seating of the rings.


Now, the windage of DOD also contributes to slightly higher oil consumption than a LS3 w/out DOD just due to the oil mist internally results in more oil present in the PCV vapors. If the engine did not use oil prior, and it has gotten steadily worse, then the culprit is most likely the rings and ringlands (grooves in the piston) have become coked up with varnish and carbon deposits. This prevents the rings from moving freely and sealing properly. In this case, installing a Elite E2 or E2-X system (entire system with dual checkvalves and cleanside separator) stops further deposits and over the next 500-1000 miles of driving the rings may free up and seal properly again. This works in app. 50% of the cases as if the "gunk" is to severe the rings will stay stuck.


To avoid this, break in your engine properly (many that break them in easy do get good ring seating, but it is a gamble) and install the proper Elite air/oil separation system early on and enjoy.





Do it once, do it right, Elite Engineering USA

[urr2slo]

For everyone's info. GM's guidelines for oil consumption is maximum 1Qt per 2,000 miles....which equates to 0.5Qt per 1,000 miles. GM doc number 4292420 or #01-06-01-011I explains all the details.

#01-06-01-011I: Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines - (Oct 27, 2015)
Subject: Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines

Models: 2016 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Gasoline-Powered Light Duty Trucks Under 8500 LB GVW

Attention: This Bulletin also applies to any of the above models that may be Export vehicles.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This Bulletin has been revised to add the 2015-2016 Model Years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-011H.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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).

Important: This rate only applies to personal use vehicles, under warranty, that are driven in a non-aggressive manner and maintained in accordance with the appropriate maintenance schedule, with less than 58,000 km (36,000 mi), or driven at legal speeds in an unloaded (for trucks) condition.

Important: This rate does not apply to vehicles that are driven in an aggressive manner, at high RPM, high speeds, or in a loaded condition (for trucks). Oil consumption for vehicles driven under these conditions will be more.

Many factors can affect a customer'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.


Notice: Operating your vehicle with an oil level that is below the minimum level indicated on the engine oil dipstick can result in severe engine damage. Repairs resulting from operating an engine with insufficient oil are not covered under the terms of the New Vehicle Warranty.

Important: Refer to Owner Manual in SI for checking and adding engine oil.

Not Waiting Long Enough After Running Engine to Check Oil Level

Some engines require more time than others for the oil to drain back into the crankcase. To assure a sufficient amount of oil has drained back to the crankcase, and an accurate reading can be obtained, the vehicle should be allowed to sit for at least 15 minutes, after the engine has been shut off, before taking an oil level reading. 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.


Important: This does not apply to 2006-2009 Corvette Z06 equipped with the 7.0L LS7 and the 2009 Corvette ZR-1 with the 6.2L LS9 engines (dry sump). Follow the instructions in the Owner Manual for checking the oil in this application.

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 Manual or Service Manual for information on recommended oil quantity, viscosity, and quality.


Aggressive Driving, High Speed or High RPM Driving

Aggressive driving and/or continuous driving at high speeds/high RPMs will 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.


A higher rate of oil consumption is normal for vehicles equipped with manual transmissions that are driven aggressively. By “aggressive,” we mean operation at high RPM (3,000 RPM to redline), with frequent use of engine braking (using the engine to slow the vehicle). Vehicles that are driven aggressively may consume engine oil at a rate of up to 0.946 L (1 quart) every 805 km (500 mi). This is normal for a vehicle that is driven aggressively. No repair is necessary. This characteristic does, however, require the owner to check the engine oil level at sufficiently frequent intervals, especially when driving aggressively, to assure the oil level remains within the recommended operating range. As the Owner’s Manual recommends, you should check the oil level every time you get fuel.

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. 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).

 1. Verify that the engine has no external leaks. Repair as necessary.
 2. Verify that the engine is at normal operating temperature (see Owner's Manual or Service Manual).
 3. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
 4. Wait at least 15 minutes, after the engine is shut off, before checking the oil level to make sure that the oil has had time to drain back into the crankcase.
 5. 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.
 6. Record the vehicle mileage, date, and exact oil level on the form included in this bulletin.
 7. 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.
 8. 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.

[djthechemist]

Hmm this is interesting... not to thread jack but I did buy my vehicle 2nd hand with about 25000 miles on it. I'm only sitting at 31xxx miles now and I go through about 1 qt every 1000mi or so. Read some stuff here and there, have a catch can (Catches quite a bit per 1000mi) but I thought it was normal. Now I'm really starting to think that the car wasn't broken in properly and ofc I'm out of warranty.

Now, I did do my cam at around 28000 Miles, however I've been going through the oil since I got it. Maybe something in the cam swap made it worse? I'm not so sure and would love to stop burning so much oil.

[Elite Engineering]

The Elite E2 and E2-X systems address most all of those causes in the TSB. Removes the water and unburnt fuel and other contaminates form the oil, stops the oil ingestion via the intake air charge, keeps oil clean longer, etc.


Any engine builder can agree 1 qt every 2k miles is very excessive no matter what GM's stance.


DJthechemist, what can do you have installed? Be aware that the average catchcan only traps 15-30% of the oil and other compounds you want to stop and let most travel right past. That is where we have steadily worked on more and more effective designs over the years. We released the E2-X and E2-X Ultra this past year as the most effective design on the market period, and recently implemented some of the design features of the E2-X into the E2 improving it as well.


Post pics of your setup please.

[aquaholic]

Great info! I am not the original owner so I don't know about the break in.

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by JusticePete

If you have driven your car for 60k+ and it never used oil in this volume, clearly something has changed. Did it slowly start using more oil or suddenly start using more oil?

Originally Posted by aquaholic

Great info! I am not the original owner so I don't know about the break in.

Break in doesn't matter to you, because it didn't always use 1 quart per thousand according to your post. Did it slowly start using more oil or suddenly start using more oil?