Normal oil loss?? How much??
05-15-2012, 08:42 AM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 02-23-2010
Location: Stanley, NC
Posts: 81
Normal oil loss?? How much??
Back in Febuary, about 3,000 miles ago I had Lola worked on at the Chevy place. I was losing oil due to the seal on my oil filter(or so they said) which also caused other problems. I checked my oil about 2 weeks ago and it was one line low on the dipstick, the car had sat at least 2 hours on level ground. I checked it again the next week on a slight slant to the side after sitting about 6 hours and it was one above the minimum mark. After sitting a couple hours back at home it was at full mark. Checking it this morning on level ground it was two marks low. I mean what?! Im SO confused! Im not sure if I see fresh oil under my car. And I deffinately do not see the oil pulled up behind the oil filter like I did before I had it worked on. Is there an issue or what? Please help.
05-15-2012, 09:33 AM
#2
Platinum Member
Join Date: 04-09-2006
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 7,032
Unless it is on level ground (side to side, AND front to back), any reading will be invalid. One line low after 3000 miles would not be unusual for a vehicle with a bit of mileage on it (mind you, you did not say how many miles you have on it). And unless you know where it was filled to initially, you can discount your first reading, as sometimes the person doing the oil change will underfill or overfill a touch.
If you throw a piece of cardboard or such under the car you can check easily for oil leaks.
If you throw a piece of cardboard or such under the car you can check easily for oil leaks.
05-15-2012, 09:48 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: 07-17-2006
Location: Dallas, GA
Posts: 6,050
You will need to fill it to the full mark on level ground (if your not due an oil change). Then monitor it. It's best to be on level ground, but if it's a very slight incline and you always check in the same spot, the level should stay the same. The cardboard will show you any leaks.
You know, I've never changed the oil cap gasket on mine. It always looks good, so I leave it. Never any leaks. If they did change it, might want to be sure they installed it correctly in the correct groove.
05-15-2012, 11:48 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: 09-11-2007
Location: Palm Bay, Florida
Posts: 1,378
I have over 8000 miles since my last oil change (44% oil life on DIC) and when I check my dipstick, when the car is parked in my garage, it is still at the full mark. I have only owned two cars that used oil. My first, a 56 Ford, 100 miles per quart of oil, and a 72 Vega, bought new, and started using oil by 15000 miles and got down to 350 mile per quart when Chevy replaced the engine.
05-15-2012, 12:30 PM
#6
Founding Member
Join Date: 11-23-2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 8,210
Here is what GM says about oil consumption
Subject: Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines
Models: 2012 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Gasoline-Powered Light Duty Trucks Under 8500 LB GVW
----------
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.
Models: 2012 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Gasoline-Powered Light Duty Trucks Under 8500 LB GVW
----------
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.
05-15-2012, 01:37 PM
#7
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 02-23-2010
Location: Stanley, NC
Posts: 81
I have a little over 100,000 miles on it and I just gave Chevy like $1,600 to fix it. My Dad had screwed up something with oil filter n the oil was leaking on the starter and it caused other problems I had fixed. I remember checking the oil a few weeks after the repairs n it was full.
05-15-2012, 01:41 PM
#8
Platinum Member
Join Date: 01-09-2007
Location: SE USA
Posts: 15,858
In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm & the vehicle must be on level ground.
05-15-2012, 01:52 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: 07-17-2006
Location: Dallas, GA
Posts: 6,050
05-15-2012, 02:19 PM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: 05-13-2008
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 2,075
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).
I'm right there with ya, on this!
It's like a..... disclaimer.
I usually do my own oil, (I never understood how 10 minute oil changes are good for your car since you have to heat up the engine to drive it there.... I know lets air out those hot parts, then lets pour some cold oil on top of it all)
so some things are more noticable when doing this. There is a resivoir of some sort up near the oil filter that usually ends up keeping about a half quart or so vacumned up until you take the filter off, then it usually dumps. You could be missing this quanity when checking the oil, unless the dip-stick is taking this loss into considetaion. A few weeks ago I changed the oil for the first time at our new house, and I didn't take the angle of the driveway into my thinking when I checked the oil level before the change. I was freaking out cuz the stick was bone dry, but after changing the oil I had more or less 5 qts. The only way to be sure is to check the quanity when changing, try changing up your normal change schedule(this won't be cheap, since your gonna do alot of changes) but, this wil help determine if your within Chevy's acceptable 1qt every 2k.... WTF? This almost feels like Remington's acceptable failure rate for a saftey... Again, WTF?
I'm the paranoid type...I see condensation coming out of my exhaust and I think I'm burning oil, but the changes haven't lied...yet
Good luck with this.. Go figure just out of 100K Bummer
The accepted rate of oil consumption for engines used in the vehicles referenced is 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi).
I'm right there with ya, on this!
It's like a..... disclaimer.I usually do my own oil, (I never understood how 10 minute oil changes are good for your car since you have to heat up the engine to drive it there.... I know lets air out those hot parts, then lets pour some cold oil on top of it all)
so some things are more noticable when doing this. There is a resivoir of some sort up near the oil filter that usually ends up keeping about a half quart or so vacumned up until you take the filter off, then it usually dumps. You could be missing this quanity when checking the oil, unless the dip-stick is taking this loss into considetaion. A few weeks ago I changed the oil for the first time at our new house, and I didn't take the angle of the driveway into my thinking when I checked the oil level before the change. I was freaking out cuz the stick was bone dry, but after changing the oil I had more or less 5 qts. The only way to be sure is to check the quanity when changing, try changing up your normal change schedule(this won't be cheap, since your gonna do alot of changes) but, this wil help determine if your within Chevy's acceptable 1qt every 2k.... WTF? This almost feels like Remington's acceptable failure rate for a saftey... Again, WTF?
I'm the paranoid type...I see condensation coming out of my exhaust and I think I'm burning oil, but the changes haven't lied...yet
Good luck with this.. Go figure just out of 100K Bummer