I would like to know how far you can drive before using a quart of oil. The reason I ask is that I can go about 1600 miles in my 2005 6 speed coupe, as measured by my GM dealer in three seperate oil consumption tests in the last three years.

Although GM states in document #01-06-01-011D "The accepted rate of oil consumption for engines used in the vehicles referenced is 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi)" GM has told my dealer that my oil consumption is normal and will authorize no repairs.

I have reported high oil consumption since the car was new (I am the original owner).

My dealer and I both disagree with GM, so I will have to escalate. The dealer is encouraging me to do this. There is 6 months left on my GM extended warranty. I would like to hear from forum members on the following:

a) how far can you go without adding oil?
b) how far do you think you should be able to go without adding oil?
c) is it worth tearing the engine apart?
d) does a car that uses this much oil lower it's resale value?

Thanks for your opinions.

Scott

 

I never have to add oil between changes in any of the C6's I have owned.

I wouldn't buy a car that I knew used oil.

 

My C5 didn't use oil, My BMW didn't use oil and the C6 doesn't use oil. My airplane used about a quart every 5 hours and that was within accepted limits.

 

Most manufacturers standards are around 1 qt per thousand and basically will blow you off at the numbers you've mentioned..
I'm surprised GM would put such a liberal standard in writing..

 

I have not owned a car out of dozens over the last 25+ years that used any perceptible oil between changes, whether I was on a 3000 mile or 5000 mile change interval.

Haven't had the Vette long enough to know if it will be the same.

1 quart very 1600 miles would make me concerned as well.

I am confused but not surprised that the dealer would call this normal, and would elevate this item to the top. If Chevy says it's okay, contrary to the paper you cited, and the rate is higher than routinely seen, something is different, and possibly wrong.

I would also ask about how it is driven, mods, etc, the whole history.

If Chevy stands by the nothing wrong (and wants to avoid the big engine replacement, for example), I wold argue that they appear to stand by the engine; therfore, it should cause them no concern whatsoever to warrantee your engine for far beyond the original warranty period. The factory/regional reps have this authority, regardless of what they might tell you.

Do you have any indications where the oil is going? If there is no leak, then its either going into the cooling system (head gasket) therefore a cold leak down test is a good idea. or it is being burned (bad rings or valve guides). I would also just check the crankcase ventilation system for any odd indicators.

Good Luck, and document, document, document this problem.

 

Cars are not made to be zero loss. That includes the combustion process, too. Mine does use oil but I can't tell you if it's a lot. It isn't enough to remember.

I've had other cars that used oil about on your consumption level. Power, performance, etc., wasn't affected. I've only had one and a half cars where the oil goes in one color and 5K miles later, it comes out almost (very very close) the same color. Now that was an amazing engine. And no oil added.

If GM gives you something for your concerns, I'd be surprised.

 

GM seems to have themselves a disclaimer in that Bulletin:

"A higher rate of oil consumption is normal for vehicles equipped with manual transmissions that are driven aggressively. By "aggressive," we mean operation at high RPM (3,000 RPM to redline), with frequent use of engine braking (using the engine to slow the vehicle). Vehicles that are driven aggressively may consume engine oil at a rate of up to 0.946 L (1 quart) every 805 km (500 mi). This is normal for a vehicle that is driven aggressively. No repair is necessary. This characteristic does, however, require the owner to check the engine oil level at sufficiently frequent intervals, especially when driving aggressively, to assure the oil level remains within the recommended operating range. As the Owner's Manual recommends, you should check the oil level every time you get fuel."

Whether or not you agree with their definition of "aggressive" it's Hard to fathom operating a Vette and not exceeding 3000 RPMs....

Bulletin referenced: http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AF...3452/126917452

 

Lets do the math $5.00 per quart every month or so, or, Rebuild the engine. $5000 + time and when you get it back, it will most likely use oil at the rate of approx ....1 qt per 2000 miles or less. Save the $5000+ .. add the oil and drive it like it was your ex wifes new car !!!!!!

 

I usually get my oil changed every three thousand miles or every six months. I've put about 4000 miles on my C6 and haven't had an oil change and I haven't checked my oil level either. Will the DIC notify me if I need to add oil and, if so, how far down does it have to be before the notice comes on. I'll probably get an oil change next week anyhow but I'm curious about when the car will let me know it needs oil.

Thanks

 

My C6 uses maybe a cup or less [/U][/B]between oil changes every 3000 mi.

 

The only car I owned which used or leaked oil was my Porsche which is a Porsche trademark. My C6 and other cars I will say I never had to add oil between oil changes.

 

got 22000 miles, and 5 oil changes;

no loss of oil or any added

2006

 

'05 with 19,000 miles, never any oil loss. I've changed the oil probably 5 or 6 times since the car was new...no oil leaks, burning, or loss of any kind. As usual...GM is taking the cowardly way out.

Stick to your guns on this one...make them fix it right! With the dealer on your side (which is unusual), you should be OK.

 

Had an 01 C5 that used 1 1/2 qts in 1200 miles plus had piston slap noise. This occurred at 15,000 miles. GM authorized dealer to repair (new pistons and rings). My 05 C-6 used 1 1/2 qts in 1200 miles only once at around 5,000 miles on odometer. Has never been low again. I have almost 80,000 miles and change oil at every 3000 miles.

Good luck !

 

I have had my C6 for almost two years and have not had to add oil. I can't even see the level drop.

Failing to check the oil is not a good idea IMHO.

 

That oil usage sounds extreme to me. On my last C6, went about 3000 miles before change for first couple times, then let it go longer. never had to add oil.


A quart for every 2 tanks of gas sounds like an old 2 stroke bike engine! Does the car smoke like an old Kawasaki?


Maybe GM is getting better though. My first car was a corvair that blew about a qt of oil every tank of gas. Next worse was my Alfa Romeo Spyder convert, now that was a pretty car but the mechanicals were deplorable. had to carry a tool box in the trunk!

 

Mine uses a quart about every 2k miles, but I beat the ever loving hell out of it every single day , so it doesnt seem too out of whack .

 

I just sold my C4. 122k miles and the oil line on the dipstick stayed the same through the 6000 miles between oil changes. No noticable usage at all.

 

Like an earlier post said, it depends on how you drive the car. I downshift alot which causes two bad things to happen, (1) The gas mileage goes down, and (2) oil consumption goes up.
I don't drive the car everyday, so it doesn't matter to me. If I have to put a quart of oil in between oil changes (every 3,000 miles), it doesn't give me anxiety.

 

The C6 does tell you when you are low on oil. There is a sensor in the pan that sends a message to the DIC.

If I were the op I would not be alarmed with 1 qt in 1600 miles. Many cars use that and more. What do you want GM to do, tear down your engine and re-ring it or new valve stem seals? It could be worse off after the re-build. The work could cause other problems. Oil is cheap and you are getting a fresh quart more often than some of us.