[Z06] low oil level
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Camp Pendleton CA
I have an 03 and my Low oil comes on for 2 reasons.
After a long drive I shut her down and start it up again after a short period of time.
Or when I get to HALF a quart low. I seem to lose half a quart ever 6000 miles.
After a long drive I shut her down and start it up again after a short period of time.
Or when I get to HALF a quart low. I seem to lose half a quart ever 6000 miles.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Originally Posted by tmickey
I was at the track last night and the low oil level started comming on.
The C5 does not come with a dry sump oil system, so it is possible you yanked and banked the car to the point of activating the low oil warning. Or you just really worked the engine to the point where it used more oil than usual and now just needs topping off.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
low oil level
I was at the drag strip. I checked the oil level after a run when the low oil level warning came on. The oil level was low by 1-1 1/2 quarts low.
After the car sit for a few minuntes, it would be back at a normal level.
After the car sit for a few minuntes, it would be back at a normal level.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Are you using 5W-30 Mobil 1 and was it filled to the top of the oil dip stick mark before the run?
You can't get a true oil level reading by checking it so soon after a run. You have to shut it down and let it sit for a few minutes, so the oil has a chance to drain first. And I think it is supposed to be checked cold for a true reading.
I'm pretty sure some people add an extra half to a quart of oil for racing. All those high revs can leave little left in the oil pan and may be the reason for the low oil warning light.
If I'm way off here someone else chime in.
You can't get a true oil level reading by checking it so soon after a run. You have to shut it down and let it sit for a few minutes, so the oil has a chance to drain first. And I think it is supposed to be checked cold for a true reading.
I'm pretty sure some people add an extra half to a quart of oil for racing. All those high revs can leave little left in the oil pan and may be the reason for the low oil warning light.
If I'm way off here someone else chime in.
Last edited by Shylor; Apr 23, 2005 at 10:54 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
low oil level
Yes the oil was at normal level before the run. The oil was about halfway on the hatch marks on the dip stick. After a run the oil would be at the very end of the dip stick. I went to my local dealer. The service manager said I needed to add oil. He also said their is a service bulletin on that problem. I feel this is a major problem. I expect GM to know what the fix is for this problem. Yes the video says to add a quart of oil when racing the car. My owner manual says a quart when racing, but remove it under normal driving. If an extra quart is needed racing, how in the HHHH could it hurt driving normally? 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,707
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles
The extra quart is required for roadracing. The hard g-forces combined with high revs will keep the oil from draining back into the pan properly and could cause a sudden drop in pressure. If you were drag racing, your oil level should be back to normal within a minute or two of shutting it off after returning to the pits. If it takes longer than that, there is a problem with the drain holes being blocked. This would not be a good thing in either case. 
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
From: Mars
A friend has an 03. He was racing a TVR Griffith when the low oil level light came on. He checked it and it was fine so he thinks the sender might be dodgy. He let the TVR go as he didn't want to damnage the engine but the TVR owner knows he'd get his butt kicked and anyway the TVR ECU is fried.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20,933
Likes: 905
From: salem OR
Originally Posted by hocheehoba
LS1 and LS6 are notorious for using oil. I have a Qt with me at all times. 
first week I got it.
Had 3-f body's. they didn't like Mobil 1 either.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20,933
Likes: 905
From: salem OR
Originally Posted by hocheehoba
LS1 and LS6 are notorious for using oil. I have a Qt with me at all times.
first week I got it.
Had 3-f body's. they didn't like Mobil 1 either.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 1
From: Richmond VA
Originally Posted by Chuck Harmon
The video that came with my ZO6 said to overfill the sump with an extra quart for road racing.
Chuck
Chuck
Words of wisdom. The video that came with mine said the same thing... and they say guys don't know how to read (watch in this case) instructions! 