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Using oil?

6K views 18 replies 12 participants last post by  rangerjoe 
#1 ·
After reading some of the posts about these trucks going through oil, not necessarily burning it but being low when new oil needs to be put in I'm wondering if there is anyway to tell ahead of time whether my truck is doing this? I'm watching the oil pressure gauge and it appears to be moving around quite a lot as well as being lower at some times when I look at it then others. Is this normal? I know I could just take it back to the dealer and have them check but I'd rather not be running back and forth for every little thing that starts to bother me. The oil light has NOT come on so I'm not to worried about this. Just something that is sort of bothering me (if that makes sense). I also don't see any oil leaking out on the driveway.
 
#2 ·
Oil pressure changes are not uncommon and may vary depending on operating temperature and the age of the oil. In my 2007 5.3L I see a use of about .75 quart between oil changes. If you want to keep track of useage just check the oil after you fuel up every time, by the time you fill you gas tank the oil will have had time to settle back into the pan and will give you a fairly accurate reading on the dipstick.
 
#4 ·
I am on my 2nd silverado pickup. Even when brand spankin new they will use a small amount of oil between changes. In my opinon, if you are using less than a quart between regular changes (3k miles) you are a-ok. Understand that your oil consumption between changes will vary depending on your driving habits. If you tow a lot, or are in a extreme temp climate you will see oil consumption increase.
 
#6 ·
I heard an interesting statistic. When you think about a truck using a quart of oil in 3,000 miles (or whatever your OCI is), it may seem like a lot. But think about it this way--
Even if only one cylinder leaked/used a microscopic droplet of oil on each engine cycle (revolution), you would likely go through GALLONS of oil in 3,000 miles.
In other words, a little useage is to be expected, simply given the mechanical nature of things, compunded by the sheer number of revolutions. For those of us who don't use oil, we should consider ourselves lucky, and maybe wonder "why not?"
 
#7 ·
EKinMN said:
I heard an interesting statistic. When you think about a truck using a quart of oil in 3,000 miles (or whatever your OCI is), it may seem like a lot. But think about it this way--
Even if only one cylinder leaked/used a microscopic droplet of oil on each engine cycle (revolution), you would likely go through GALLONS of oil in 3,000 miles.
In other words, a little useage is to be expected, simply given the mechanical nature of things, compunded by the sheer number of revolutions. For those of us who don't use oil, we should consider ourselves lucky, and maybe wonder "why not?"
Interesting statistic
Kinda makes that missing quart of oil seem like a drop in a HUGE bucket
 
#9 ·
i got an idea, how about you guys with higher mileage and at the time your suppose to change your oil and pop your valve cover, see if its sludging up in the head, otherwise it must be how the engine was built either a little too tight or maybe a little too loose. my current truck has never used oil and its over 160k none of my other cars or trucks has ever used oil. technically its not suppose to use any oil, thats what the purpose of the oil rings are for.
 
#11 ·
I am not sure if it is still in GM owners manuals, or even service manuals today, but in the past, up to early 2000's it was written that due to design, and normal operating temperatures of engines, using 1 quart of oil per 1,000 miles driving was considered normal according to GM. I worked at GM dealerships for many years and never agreed with this policy, but with the changes in engine design, and clearances between the internal components, I could understand why it would be possible.
 
#12 ·
fyi

#01-06-01-011F: Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines - (Jan 13, 2009)

Subject: Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines

Models: 2009 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Gasoline-Powered Light Duty Trucks Under 8500 LB GVW (Including Saturn)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This bulletin is being revised to update the warranty information on vehicles and add model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-011E (Section 06 -- Engine/Propulsion System).
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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).

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 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.
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)
 
#14 ·
Volatility, another reason for oil consumption...

A Deeper Look At Motor Oil Consumption

by Ed Newman
AMSOIL Director of Advertising
This article appeared in National Oil & Lube News, April 2010

Have you ever met people who have simplistic answers to complex questions and never want to take time to think a little more deeply about the subject? To be honest with you, I think we all fit that description from time to time. Many issues are so complicated that we just don't have the time to really study them in depth. So we opt out for the simple answer. For example, let's talk about motor oil consumption.

Ever had a car where you had to top off your oil now and then? Who hasn't? In my case, I always assumed that this was due to the oil's volatility. That is, when the engine was hot, the oil's lighter molecules would vaporize.

I once attended two days of training at a quick lube (part of a major oil company chain) wherein they showed how their conventional oil lost up to 30 percent and their synthetic only 12 percent in a volatility test. It sank home the message I'd already adopted, that synthetics were more resistant to oil loss than conventional oils. While this may be true to a large extent it is not the end of the discussion.

I saw a Technical Service Bulletin called The Reasons for Motor Oil Consumption, and seven pages later I could no longer stand on my simple one sentence answer to the problem. The problem of abnormal oil usage is far more complicated and, in fact, most of the causes are mechanical, not lubricant related at all.

Here are just the first of 40 explanations for oil consumption: External Oil Leaks.
"Some of the many points where external oil leaks may occur include, oil lines, crankcase drain plug, oil pan gasket, valve cover gaskets, oil pump gasket, fuel pump gasket, timing case cover and camshaft bearing seal. No possible source of leakage should be neglected because even a very small leak can cause extremely high oil consumption. For example, it has been estimated that a leak of one drop of oil every 20 feet is approximately equal to a loss of one quart of oil every 100 miles. One way to check for external leaks is to road test the vehicle with a large piece of light-colored cloth tied under the engine. Oil on the cloth will indicate a leak which should be traced to its source."

But the list goes on. The problem may be front or rear main bearing seals, worn or damaged main bearings, worn or damaged connecting rod bearings, worn or damaged camshaft bearings, worn crankshaft journals, distorted cylinders, honing abrasive, worn ring grooves, cracked or broken ring lands, problems with the wrist pins, clogged oil passages, or even unequal tightening of various bolts.

Item 20 on the list had to do with the radiator, and I initially thought this was just a bit much. Until I read the explanation. A defective cooling system can cause overheating of the engine which may result in the development of localized hot spots in some of the cylinders which can lead to scuffing and scoring of cylinders, pistons and rings resulting in high oil consumption.

And the list goes on. Dirty oil, too much oil in the crankcase, worn or broken piston rings, improper valve timing, incorrect oil pressure, piston slap, internal gasket intake breach, spark knock, aftermarket performance chips and modifications, lugging engines, inappropriate operation of overdrive, leaking turbocharger seals, restricted air intakes and fuel dilution can all contribute in various ways to oil consumption.

In short, few things are as simple as they might initially appear. When all is said and done, however, even though there may be multiple reasons for oil loss, in a mechanically sound engine it boils down to one: the volatility issue. In this, synthetic motor oils make a difference. For this reason, if your customers' vehicles are mechanically sound they should be using synthetics to reduce their oil consumption. Benefits include reduced oil usage, reduced emissions and improved fuel economy.

Here's another simple answer that is more complicated than it looks, the cost of synthetics. People who say synthetic motor oils are too expensive have often never gone into depth analyzing the real life cycle costs of a premium synthetic motor oil versus conventional petroleum. The initial cost appears quite a bit higher, but the life cycle cost is the true measure. The annual cost of a premium extended drain synthetic is comparable to or even less than conventional oils these days, and the benefits too numerous for this short summation. When your customer is driving a vehicle with a mechanically sound engine, I always recommend a synthetic solution.
 
#15 ·
i have an 2003 6.0HD and ive noticed if im revving it alot ill burn more oil than usual exspecially on hot days but burning a lil bit of oil is fine its gunna happen but just make sure u dont burn to much oil then youll have a prob but honesly i wouldnt really worry about unless your needing to put oil every couple of days or so then i would prob have it checked out expecially if u have leaks. whick im pretty sure u dont. if i didint know any better i would say u prob burn a lil oil passsing all them slow fords on the road lol :)
 
#16 ·
Even with all of that said, it still bothers me to use oil. It's odd that some vehicles do, and some do not. I will accept if my truck does, but hope it does not.
 
#17 ·
yup a lil oil usage isnt bad at all..its what keeps the gaskets swelled up to keep em tight. Now if u looked like a big rig smoking down the road u have issues but normal oil usage is normal on my vehicle..Take my 99 saturn..i put a half quart in everytime i fill it up lol
 
#18 ·
My 94 S-10 would use about .5 quarts between oil changes from day one it's got 225k on it now. With my 05 Avy with a 5.3 I never added oil between changes and sometimes it was 5-6k on an oil change even at 141k. I know I know, but it was a daily driver on a 120 mile commute. My new silverado doesnt use any so far as I can tell only has 5k so far. Still I wouldn't be concerned till I was adding over a quart between changes.
 
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