So I was talking with some f-body guys and apparently its not uncommon to get oil consumption on '01 C5?

I heard its mainly due to a crapy PCV setup. Is there any sort of fix for this you guys came up with?

thanks, my dad's car coudl use it...

 

my 01 eats oil...(mines still under warrenty...i got the GM PLUS extended warrenty) its going in for repairs tomorrow...if your cars still under warrenty...print this out show them and they will agree to do the job for you...before i showed them this document they kept saying it was normal and just put me on the oil consumption test mine was consuming about half a quart every 600 km

Oil consumption test confirmed what I told the dealer – was using a quart of oil every 1300 miles or so. Only had to take it back once. GM agreed to do the ring job (replace faulty rings that were in most 2001’s). Was in the shop 3-4 days for ring job, which was a success. If you get any bs from dealer stating "your oil consumption is normal" - show them the below GM document:

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GM OFFICIAL OIL CONSUMPTION GUIDELINES

This information can be found in the following service information bulletin and provides guidance to dealers on this issue: Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines #01-06-01-011. This covers all 1996 - 2001 passenger cars and gasoline powered light duty trucks under 8500 LB GVW.

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.). This rate only applies to personal use vehicles, under warranty, maintained in accordance with the appropriate maintenance schedule, with less than 58,000 km (36,000 mi) or 80,450 km (50,000 mi) for Cadillac, driven at legal speeds in an unloaded (for trucks) condition. Many factors can affect an owner'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 fitting 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.

Not Waiting Long Enough After Running Engine to Check Oil Level

The vehicle should be allowed to sit for at least 5 minutes (20 minutes for the 3.4 L LQ1) after the engine has been shut off, before taking an oil level reading to assure the oil has had enough time to drain back into the crankcase. 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.

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

High Speed or High RPM Driving

Continuous driving at high speeds/high RPMs may 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.

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 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. Incorrect PCV valves, blockages, restrictions, or damage to the PCV system can result in increased oil usage.
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 lenght 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, work, 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 5 minutes (20 minutes for the 3.4 L LQ1), after the engine is shut off, before checking the oil level to make sure that most of 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."



hope this helps

 

Say the car is not under warranty. Has an aftermarket warranty I believe

01 with 50k... anything that can be done for free?

 

Do a Search on "oil consumption". MANY threads.

 

Aftermarket might cover it. You will have to check the policy. As stated above it depends on how much oil you are burning. My car was burning 1.25 quarts for every 800 miles. I had the GM coverage so they paid for the rering after 3 consumption tests....

 

If the aftermarket warranty does not cover it you really have 3 choices.
1. ignore it and keep topping up... try a slightly higher viscosity motor oil of the same quality ( 10W40)
the higher viscosity should slow down the oil consumption a bit
2. re-ring it on your own tab.
3. I am not a proponent of additives .... but there are additives that (bardahl? rislone?) that when added to the oil form a layer of varnish on the cylinder walls mimicing the effects of putting in new rings.

Personally I would go for the new rings but I don't know your Dad's finacnical circumstances.
Good Luck

 

A good site to go to is pistonslap.com explains alot of the problems gm has had and the lawsuits about this problem..

 

I have a 01 C5 too and have oil deposits (black carbon) build up on the exhaust tips. I have the GMPP extended warranty (48/80k) and I appreciate the info supplied in this thread. I have 42500k on my 01 and I will ask the dealer what he has to say about this. I burn about 1qt every 1500 or so without to many accelerator ramps.