Oil consumption/ piston slap
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Orem Utah
Oil consumption/ piston slap
I have been looking searching this topic here and in the tech forum, its got me a little nervous as I look for a used C5.
Is this just a small percentage of cars, nothing to worry about? It looks as if all years might have/get piston slap?
I am no engine expert but guys I know who are into rebuilding them etc say thats more serious problem than dealers say it is.
Sorry if this is old news, this will be my first vette and I didnt realize these problems even existed until I was browsing through a Vette mag at the store the other day and came across an article on pulling the motor to replace rings, so I started looking around for more info.
Is there a way to protect oneself on a used one, or am I "rolling the dice" so to speak?
Thanks
Is this just a small percentage of cars, nothing to worry about? It looks as if all years might have/get piston slap?
I am no engine expert but guys I know who are into rebuilding them etc say thats more serious problem than dealers say it is.
Sorry if this is old news, this will be my first vette and I didnt realize these problems even existed until I was browsing through a Vette mag at the store the other day and came across an article on pulling the motor to replace rings, so I started looking around for more info.
Is there a way to protect oneself on a used one, or am I "rolling the dice" so to speak?
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 17,786
Likes: 4
From: Redsox, Pats, Celts & Bruins !!! Redsox Nation !!!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Asheboro NC
koolvetteo1
I too have read about the piston problem and was told that the oil consumption was normal. this was doing itn when I bought the car with 15,000miles on it and was still under warranty, I notice it when above 3200 rpm,s the rear panel is covered in oil flec,s and If it needs it and engine remove.l wow, how much and who is qualified to do this? is G m. going to help? this is obviously an on going problem from the factory 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,353
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Hill Ontario
I have seen on previous posts where members have said that this effects early 01 production vehicles and effects Ls1 and Ls6 engines. Not sure how accurate this is, just stated what I have heard. I also heard that the GM repair is to replace the rings but I don't believe they bore, etc. I have an 04 and I don't get the piston slap or the oil flecks/consumption. In either case I hope your situation gets sorted out.
Tino
Tino
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Asheboro NC
koolvette01
Iam going to call the dealership and ask them, I will probably get a line of s@#$ then I'l try g.m. zone rep. wish me luck, any one heard of the cost or who is qualified to do this. Iwas thinking just to have the car sent to one of these rebuild places to up the horse power, they probably know more about them g.m.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 12
From: Vancouver
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
Well one way of checking a car out is to make sure when it's started that it's a cold engine before they start it. If it's been warmed up before you get there it probably has piston slap. 
Good luck with the search.
Good luck with the search.
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Verdad Gallardo
USMC (retired)
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 7
From: Wimauma FL
I am on an oil consumption test right now. I was told to bring it in 3 times...every one thousand miles (this was after the oil change). The first 1000 it was a 1/2 qt low and the second 1000 miles it was also 1/2 qt low. I was told by the stealership that it was normal or a they full of 
. Do I have a problem or is this normal consumption? How can you tell if there is a piston slap problem?
. Do I have a problem or is this normal consumption? How can you tell if there is a piston slap problem?
Last edited by snakeiz919; Apr 13, 2005 at 09:05 PM. Reason: only 1/2 qt low not a full qt at each 1000 miles
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,004
Likes: 250
From: Tampa Fl
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
I find it hard to believe that changing the oil filter can fix the problem. I heard it was in part the oil ring in the oil pump. I changed that out for the "new " one when I had the cam installed, and I still have some slap.
Ill have to try the oil filter myth next
Ill have to try the oil filter myth next
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Originally Posted by phils C5 vette
I find it hard to believe that changing the oil filter can fix the problem. I heard it was in part the oil ring in the oil pump. I changed that out for the "new " one when I had the cam installed, and I still have some slap.
Ill have to try the oil filter myth next
Ill have to try the oil filter myth next
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Asheboro NC
koolvette01
haven't driven car in 2 weeks, going to start it in the morning. isn getting down to 40 here in carolina, am going to try and extend the warranty for 1400 bucks , but it has to go thru an inspection. look for oil flecks after the car has warmed up, you dont have to rev to high ,just passing gear then look at your rear quarter panel.