I got a "low oil level" warning the other day. I left Corpus Christi and drove to Austin (Texas), :cheers: about 250 miles. I checked the oil when I left - car level, engine cold - and it was fine. The warning came the next day - I had been in some stop and go traffic and the engine was well warmed up (not hot). I put in a half a quart thinking it shouldn't be that low seeing how I just checked the day before. Still getting the low level warning I added the rest of the quart.

Question:
#1: I heard that these LS1 engines are thursty for oil.:confused: Is it really this bad? Am I going to have to carry a quart of Moble 1 around? I was luck this time that the gas station had moble 1. next time I may not be so lucky.

#2 : The oil pressure prior to adding the quart was around 40 psi. I assumed that is about average. After the addition, the oil pressure hovered around 50 psi. What is the correct pressure range?

#3: What happens if the pressure gets too high?

#4: Is high oil level the only cause for high engine pressure?

 

1. The LS1 engines do have a known oil consumption problem, primarily on 6-speed cars as GM says the problem is occuring mostly at high RPM, low load conditions. You probably should have checked the level again before adding the quart but you may have been low already.

2. My '01 coupe sits at around 30PSI@idle @190 degrees oil temp. On the highway, it goes as high as 42-45PSI @operating temperature. I have been told these numbers are within spec, and seems reasonable to me.

3. The oil pressure is limited by a pressure relief spring in the oil pump. You shouldn't have to worry about the oil pressure being too high unless you've run it low a few times and caused the oil to coke up around the relief valve.

4.The oil level should have NOTHING to do with oil pressure unless it is wayyyy too low and you return it to normal. What weight oil did you use when you added?

I'm not an ace C5 tech, but these are general observations I've made in the past 10 years of repairing numerous cars, I am an ASE Master Tech with L1. I won't take any offense if anyone knows more about these issues than me, but I hope this helps shed a little light onthe situation. BTW, did you check the oil level after adding the quart? You can hurt the engine pretty bad if you run it with too much oil....

 

Ya I checked the oil after adding the first 1/2 quart, worried about overfilling. I was sure the level was fine but didn't want to chance the low oil level without taking action. A few minutes later I checked it again and decided to add the other 1/2 quart. Everything seems fine. I drove it home, 250 miles. it sat for about 5 days and I checked the level with the engine cold. If it was going to give me a high level on the dipstick it would be after it sat for a while and all the oil drained to the pan. I figured, anyway. But the dipstick read just shy of the top hole. Is that too high? I didn't think so. However, I drove it to the dealer today (alignment, don't ask). at idle it showed 37 psi and around 50 mph 54 psi. 54 psi seems alittle High to me. But, I don't know I just may be used to seeing 40's. :confused: Of course when I asked the dealer he gave his blanket response. "Oh Ya... that Fiiiine. Everything is normal" I have a hard time beliving these guys sometimes. I'm sure the techs in NJ have higher IQ's that the rejects we get down here. If I take my car to the dealer it's because I know what the problem is and I want the to fix it because it's covered under warrenty. :yesnod:


[Modified by Randy K, 3:56 AM 11/6/2001]

 

Randy K: NO, not all LS-1's are oil consumers. Yes, some variance can depend on driving "style," but don't believe it's a given with the engine. Surveys on this forum, which has close to a reversal of six-speeds vs slushboxes compared to overall sales and typically harder drivers, etc. show that most C-5's are NOT oilers. BTW, I didn't see any info on your car--new, used, year, etc. All this can make a difference. Good luck.

 

Do your own checking for awhile; it might be a bad sensor. Hope so. :)

 

> I just checked the day before. Still getting the low level
> warning I added the rest of the quart.

Randy,

I am not sure but I recall someone saying you may have to do some
reset to clear the low oil warning from the DIC. I don't think just adding
oil will clear the error. It may be one of the error codes.

Hopefully, someone that knows how to clear the error will add
to this posting.

Dick

 

Ya Dick, I rest the DIC after adding the 1/2 quart and it came back about 10-15 min later with another warning. I haven't gotten the low level since I add the whole quart.

How are things in Austin? I grow up in Leander (north Austin) and went to school a UT. Did you see UT kick the snot out of Baylor Sat? :smash: :boxing :cry

 

Hey Randy - What part of Corpus do you live in???? I was there this weekend visiting my family.

 

I parked my car on a fairly steep hill at Road America and the Low Oil DIC message came on the DIC (it never was really low) It never would clear in a 150 miles of driving and many igniton cycles. I finally gave up and disconnected the battery for several hours. That cleared it (along with my key fobs!) It hasn't been back.

 

I have an '01 Z06 that uses oil. When the low oil light comes on, I put in a qt and the light goes out. No need to reset the DIC. BTW, when the light comes on, you are a qt to a qt and a half low. Still have at least 5 qts in a 6.5 qt system. No need to panic when it comes on. Just add oil the first chance you get.

 

I live on the south of town. Near Staples and Saratoga. :D