Low Oil
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 62
From: Houston Tx
Low Oil
I get a low oil indicator every 800 - 1,000 in my 2001 C5 convertable. I usually add a quart to 1.5 quarts and the indicator goes out. Has anyone else run across. Is this about the normal amount of oil loss vs. miles driven? Thanks.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,526
Likes: 17
From: Santa Fe TX
well I guess the good news is:
If you add 1.5 quarts every 800 miles, then every 3200 you've added 6 quarts and you never have to change your oil.
01's are famous for burning oil.
If you keep the engine at high RPMs a lot, like 3500+ it makes it worse.
If you add 1.5 quarts every 800 miles, then every 3200 you've added 6 quarts and you never have to change your oil.
01's are famous for burning oil.
If you keep the engine at high RPMs a lot, like 3500+ it makes it worse.
Racer
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 252
Likes: 1
From: Council Bluffs Iowa-2152
Cruise-In II Veteran
hgoodwinii
When I bought my 2001 in Jan 2005 , it had 5600 miles on the clock. It did not use any noticeable amount of oil. In July 2005 we went to Gatlinburg TN an got into stop and go traffic and the next morning when I checked the oil it was down almost a quart.
Since then I have done 3 things and have not had this happen again.
#1 I changed from Mobil 10W-30 to 0W-40 because it has a little higher flash point.
#2 I installed a manual fan switch so when I get below 30 MPH and the water temp goes above 205 I can turn the fans on to keep the temp down.
#3 The last thing was I went to the GM Dealer and ask them to reset the fan temps so they would come on sooner. No Luck! So I bought a hand held tuner (Diablo) Reset my fans 1 on at 205 off at 197 2 on at 215 off at 207.
I now have about 30000 miles and have not seen that kind of oil loss since. The oil level will drop a small amount between changes, maybe 1/8 of a quart.
We call it our economy car because since we installed the Diablo Tune and made some minor adjustments we have gotten 34.7 MPG. Our last trip was 4300 miles and the Average for the trip was 27.9 MPG.
Man I love this Vette!
Jim
When I bought my 2001 in Jan 2005 , it had 5600 miles on the clock. It did not use any noticeable amount of oil. In July 2005 we went to Gatlinburg TN an got into stop and go traffic and the next morning when I checked the oil it was down almost a quart.
Since then I have done 3 things and have not had this happen again.
#1 I changed from Mobil 10W-30 to 0W-40 because it has a little higher flash point.
#2 I installed a manual fan switch so when I get below 30 MPH and the water temp goes above 205 I can turn the fans on to keep the temp down.
#3 The last thing was I went to the GM Dealer and ask them to reset the fan temps so they would come on sooner. No Luck! So I bought a hand held tuner (Diablo) Reset my fans 1 on at 205 off at 197 2 on at 215 off at 207.
I now have about 30000 miles and have not seen that kind of oil loss since. The oil level will drop a small amount between changes, maybe 1/8 of a quart.
We call it our economy car because since we installed the Diablo Tune and made some minor adjustments we have gotten 34.7 MPG. Our last trip was 4300 miles and the Average for the trip was 27.9 MPG.
Man I love this Vette!
Jim
Last edited by THXBABY; Jul 22, 2008 at 12:40 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,987
Likes: 24
From: Texas
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 62
From: Houston Tx
Thanks all. Sounds like the oil loss is somewhat "normal" on the 01's. THXBABY that Diablo tuner sounds somewhat technical. What do you have to do to get that kind of gas mileage? Is there any loss of engine power? Can you tell us more about it? Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 6
From: Santa Maria, CA
There was a TSB if you had considerable oil loss. Granted the TSB stated even more severe loss at 400-600 miles per quart. But IMO, you still have a significant amount of oil consumption. If you drive it hard, it will consume more. Here is a copy of the TSB if it helps....
1999-2002: Service Bulletin: Higher Than Expected Oil Consumption
Subject: Higher Than Expected Oil Consumption (Replace Rings and Engine Valley Cover)
Source: Chevrolet Dealer Technical Service Bulletin
Number: 01-06-01-023A
Models: 1999-2001 Chevrolet Camaro, 1999-2002 Chevrolet Corvette, 1999-2001 Pontiac Firebird, with 5.7L Engine (VINs G, S -- RPOs LS1, LS6)
This bulletin is being revised to add model years for the Corvette, information on the LS6 engine and parts information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-023 (Section 6 - Engine).
Condition
Some owners may comment on higher than expected oil consumption. When checked, the oil consumption could be in the range of 400-600 miles per quart (700-1000 km/L).
On the LS6 engine only, the technician may find oil behind the engine throttle plate and in the intake manifold.
Cause
The cause for this condition may be an interaction between the piston rings and the cylinder bore in vehicles that are operated at higher RPMs -- typically manual transmission vehicles driven in a manner where the engine is frequently or consistently operating at greater than 3200 RPM.
On the LS6 engine only, the engine has a unique aluminum valley cover that has composite oil separating baffles and PCV plumbing incorporated. In some cases, the PCV baffle may not be properly sealed to the valley cover, causing oil to enter the PCV system.
Correction
On the LS6 engine only, replace the engine valley cover if oil is found behind the throttle body or in the intake manifold before replacing the piston ring. Refer to Engine Valley Cover Replacement in the Engine Mechanical - 5.7L subsection of the Corvette Service Manual.
A new set of piston rings is currently available through GMSPO. The new rings are part of a complete piston ring kit. Install only the number 2 compression ring and the oil expander ring from the piston ring kit. All other rings in the piston ring kit should be discarded. The original number 1 compression ring and the oil ring rails should be re-used in their original positions on the piston. All pistons should be used in the same cylinder bore.
Important
Do not dress or hone the cylinder bore. Nothing should be done to change the bore finish for this condition. Changing the bore finish may aggravate the condition.
Refer to the Unit Repair Manual for appropriate ring removal and replacement procedure.
The number 1 compression ring and the upper and lower oil expander rails are re-used because they are already broken in for the bore that they are in. The new number 2 compression ring is made with a very sharp edge that will break in quickly.
Changing only the piston rings noted, with no change in driving style, should change oil consumption to an acceptable level. Changes in driving style that reduce the amount of time spent at higher RPMs will also positively affect oil consumption.
In addition to the standard size piston ring kit listed below, a 0.25 mm oversized piston ring kit is available. The oversized piston ring kit should only be used in those rare instances where the cylinder bore size has been machined larger to accommodate the 0.25 mm oversized piston rings.
Parts Information
Part Number
Description
Qty
12568002
Valley Cover
1
88984247
Ring Kit, Piston
8
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time
J0250
Manifold or Gasket Intake - Replace Manifold
Use Published Labor Operation Time
J1307
Piston, Rod and/or Rings -- Replace, Both Banks
Use Published Labor Time
Subject: Higher Than Expected Oil Consumption (Replace Rings and Engine Valley Cover)
Source: Chevrolet Dealer Technical Service Bulletin
Number: 01-06-01-023A
Models: 1999-2001 Chevrolet Camaro, 1999-2002 Chevrolet Corvette, 1999-2001 Pontiac Firebird, with 5.7L Engine (VINs G, S -- RPOs LS1, LS6)
This bulletin is being revised to add model years for the Corvette, information on the LS6 engine and parts information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-023 (Section 6 - Engine).
Condition
Some owners may comment on higher than expected oil consumption. When checked, the oil consumption could be in the range of 400-600 miles per quart (700-1000 km/L).
On the LS6 engine only, the technician may find oil behind the engine throttle plate and in the intake manifold.
Cause
The cause for this condition may be an interaction between the piston rings and the cylinder bore in vehicles that are operated at higher RPMs -- typically manual transmission vehicles driven in a manner where the engine is frequently or consistently operating at greater than 3200 RPM.
On the LS6 engine only, the engine has a unique aluminum valley cover that has composite oil separating baffles and PCV plumbing incorporated. In some cases, the PCV baffle may not be properly sealed to the valley cover, causing oil to enter the PCV system.
Correction
On the LS6 engine only, replace the engine valley cover if oil is found behind the throttle body or in the intake manifold before replacing the piston ring. Refer to Engine Valley Cover Replacement in the Engine Mechanical - 5.7L subsection of the Corvette Service Manual.
A new set of piston rings is currently available through GMSPO. The new rings are part of a complete piston ring kit. Install only the number 2 compression ring and the oil expander ring from the piston ring kit. All other rings in the piston ring kit should be discarded. The original number 1 compression ring and the oil ring rails should be re-used in their original positions on the piston. All pistons should be used in the same cylinder bore.
Important
Do not dress or hone the cylinder bore. Nothing should be done to change the bore finish for this condition. Changing the bore finish may aggravate the condition.
Refer to the Unit Repair Manual for appropriate ring removal and replacement procedure.
The number 1 compression ring and the upper and lower oil expander rails are re-used because they are already broken in for the bore that they are in. The new number 2 compression ring is made with a very sharp edge that will break in quickly.
Changing only the piston rings noted, with no change in driving style, should change oil consumption to an acceptable level. Changes in driving style that reduce the amount of time spent at higher RPMs will also positively affect oil consumption.
In addition to the standard size piston ring kit listed below, a 0.25 mm oversized piston ring kit is available. The oversized piston ring kit should only be used in those rare instances where the cylinder bore size has been machined larger to accommodate the 0.25 mm oversized piston rings.
Parts Information
Part Number
Description
Qty
12568002
Valley Cover
1
88984247
Ring Kit, Piston
8
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time
J0250
Manifold or Gasket Intake - Replace Manifold
Use Published Labor Operation Time
J1307
Piston, Rod and/or Rings -- Replace, Both Banks
Use Published Labor Time
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 7
From: LaPine Oregon
1999-2001 LSx oil consumption
http://www.rjsmith.com/gm-894549.html
The increase in oil consumption starts with M/Y 1997. The combination of high RPM and low crankcase pressure typical of low engine loads causes combustion pressure, ring inertia, the compression ring's radial expansion pressure and crankcase pressure to become unbalanced. Ring flutter results which allows oil into the combustion chamber and out the exhaust.
For the small amount of 1997-2001 LS1 and LS6 engines that see regular high RPM and light load operation may suffer higher oil consumption. This condition is focused more to the manual transmission vehicles. And only the LS6 may have the possible valley pan baffle dislodged, that inturn would cause oil in the intake and behind the throttle plate.
This is not a wear issue! The common sense is that sustained high RPM and light load is NOT a normal duty cycle even for a Corvette. Who drives around town at 4000 RPM or more with at light throttle? You can eliminate your problem if you throw it into 3rd or 4th instead of riding it in 2nd
gear. But other customers said "no" and that's why they bought a Corvette.
The issue became visable with the introduction of the higher reving LS6. After GM engineers figured out the cause the fix was simple. By changing the number 2 compression ring with a Napier ( scraper) design and increasing the ring tension from 9 to 13 pounds the problem was reduced. For the aggressive driver who was complaining of 1 quart per 500-800 miles , the replacement of the redesigned number 2 ring brought that up to 1500-2000 miles per quart. Gm engineers did not see a reduction in HP as a result of the increased friction.
The fact is that the GM engineers did not foresee this type of driver characteristic and so did not do much testing of the GEN 3 in that area.
The increase in oil consumption starts with M/Y 1997. The combination of high RPM and low crankcase pressure typical of low engine loads causes combustion pressure, ring inertia, the compression ring's radial expansion pressure and crankcase pressure to become unbalanced. Ring flutter results which allows oil into the combustion chamber and out the exhaust.
For the small amount of 1997-2001 LS1 and LS6 engines that see regular high RPM and light load operation may suffer higher oil consumption. This condition is focused more to the manual transmission vehicles. And only the LS6 may have the possible valley pan baffle dislodged, that inturn would cause oil in the intake and behind the throttle plate.
This is not a wear issue! The common sense is that sustained high RPM and light load is NOT a normal duty cycle even for a Corvette. Who drives around town at 4000 RPM or more with at light throttle? You can eliminate your problem if you throw it into 3rd or 4th instead of riding it in 2nd
gear. But other customers said "no" and that's why they bought a Corvette.
The issue became visable with the introduction of the higher reving LS6. After GM engineers figured out the cause the fix was simple. By changing the number 2 compression ring with a Napier ( scraper) design and increasing the ring tension from 9 to 13 pounds the problem was reduced. For the aggressive driver who was complaining of 1 quart per 500-800 miles , the replacement of the redesigned number 2 ring brought that up to 1500-2000 miles per quart. Gm engineers did not see a reduction in HP as a result of the increased friction.
The fact is that the GM engineers did not foresee this type of driver characteristic and so did not do much testing of the GEN 3 in that area.
Last edited by dieseldave56; Jul 23, 2008 at 04:08 AM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 252
Likes: 1
From: Council Bluffs Iowa-2152
Cruise-In II Veteran
They will go out of there way to help. The increase in power and MPG go hand in hand.
Before the tune I would get 28-30 MPG hwy. When I drive to and from work (about 50/50 hwy/city)
I get 24 to 25 MPG . My hwy only is alway in the 32-34 range.
And the power, its a lot more responsive. Best money I ever spent!
http://www.diablosport.com/index.php...viewforum&f=26
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