I have added 2 qts of Mobil 1 in 3000 miles of daily driving in a 3 month period (got "low oil level" on the DIC & dip stick showed low). Some city, some spirited driving, none at the track. Wondered if the Forum thinks this is considered excessive consumption?

Thanks.


[Modified by Vetts Forever, 2:36 PM 3/11/2002]

 

I believe GM considers more than 1 quart per 1000 miles excessive. I don't believe that's a hard & fast rule.
There is a TSB on oil consumption for 2001's.
If you're burning a quart every 1500 miles, I'd talk with the service manager at your dealership to get their policy on this. You can start an oil consumption test to confirm the problem.
Once the problem is confirmed, they should install new #2 rings for you.
Hope this helps. Len

 

I had the same problem on my 01 Z06. It was consuming 1 quart of oil every 300 miles. I had the test done at my dealership and got tired of waiting so I took the car to Cartek and am installing the X Package. They are also going to take care of my oil consumption problem. Good luck with this problem because I couldn't deal with GM and their B/S anymore.

 

VF, the "Official", acceptable level by GM standards is 1 quart per 2000 miles..........
You are due some rings..........

 

TSB #01-06-01-023
Higher Than Expected Oil Consumption (Replace Rings)
1999-2001 Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette, 1999-2001 Pontiac Firebird with 5.7L Engine (VINs G, S -- RPOs LS1, LS6)
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).
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.
Correction
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 effect 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.

 

This is really spooky. My '99 that just turned 20K miles isn't using much oil at all... 1/2 quart every 3K and LESS. I noticed that the TSB doesn't have a "termination" date... what do those of us who don't have a problem do if the oil consumption doesn't start until she has 40 or 50K on it? Would the TSB still apply? Or is there some drop-dead date & mileage thing here that we need to be focusing on? I sure as hell don't want to foot the bill for new rings when she's a bit older and decides to start using oil.
Thanks.

 

I'd also like to know this, since I'm in the situation Gunny described (50k with 600 miles a quart).

 

Tenacious, I'm going to the dealer this morning to have their "window expert" fix a small rock chip I picked up on my windshield fixed. I know the service manager well there, and will ask him the specifics of any drop-dead date, extended warranty requirements, projected length of time for them to fix it, etc, etc. I'll post here when I get back today.

Be advised, there ARE dealerships who aren't even aware of the TSB regarding oil consumption... mine was one (and I had to fax them the TSB just so that it was on their radar screen).

 

Here's the scoop according to my service manager...

Bottom line is this: GM pays for the ring replacement IF you car is under warranty -- whether "new car" warranty prior to the 36K miles, OR if you bought an extended warranty if she's past 3 yrs/36K.

If you don't have it under warranty, even though GM has issued that TSB saying it's clearly their fault, the car owner is still going to get charged for the ring replacement. Personally I don't think that's right... but.

Good luck.

 

I have this problem too, I burned about 2 quarts in 3000 miles, I read on here a while back, where some guys were putting in Royal Purple oil, and it was solving the burning problem. I just changed my oil last week, and added Royal Purple 10w30, but have yet to drive my car(crappy weather), I sure hope this takes care of it. :cheers: