C6 Oil Consumption
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,254
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From: Ft. Liquordale Florida
C6 Oil Consumption
2005 C6, 1SB, Z-51, 6 Speed, VIN55120417. About 3,900 miles, 4 weeks new (I'm drivin the doggy-doo out of it). Low Oil DIC warning comes on, I'm a quart low.
I did the 500 Mile break-in as recommended (or at least I TRIED). Generally driven mildly (upshifts @ 3-4K RPM), but I do jump on it frequently. 50/50 in-town & "fast" hiway miles so far. It's definately not "baby'd", at least as far as the gas pedal goes.
No visible leaks in the engine compartment, or garage floor.
What's the "average experience" around oil consumption with the LS2 motor? Is a quart in 4K miles something I need to be concerned about? Or is this common for the break-in period?
I came out of an '01 Suburban 2500 with the infamous "Vortec Cold Piston Slap", that consumed a fair amount of oil, but that was due to poorly designed piston skirts.
Just curious what oil consumption patterns others here are seeing...
Regards,
Rick
I did the 500 Mile break-in as recommended (or at least I TRIED). Generally driven mildly (upshifts @ 3-4K RPM), but I do jump on it frequently. 50/50 in-town & "fast" hiway miles so far. It's definately not "baby'd", at least as far as the gas pedal goes.
No visible leaks in the engine compartment, or garage floor.
What's the "average experience" around oil consumption with the LS2 motor? Is a quart in 4K miles something I need to be concerned about? Or is this common for the break-in period?
I came out of an '01 Suburban 2500 with the infamous "Vortec Cold Piston Slap", that consumed a fair amount of oil, but that was due to poorly designed piston skirts.
Just curious what oil consumption patterns others here are seeing...
Regards,
Rick
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 578
Likes: 1
From: Leander TX
I consumed about the same amount with the same mileage.
After reading several post about this is seems like it could be normal. \
I now watch the oil temp and try and be sure the oil is warmed up a bit before I get on it. I don't rely on the coolant temp.
Time will tell.
After reading several post about this is seems like it could be normal. \
I now watch the oil temp and try and be sure the oil is warmed up a bit before I get on it. I don't rely on the coolant temp.
Time will tell.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,254
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From: Ft. Liquordale Florida
Originally Posted by stabori
3900 Miles and no oil change 
The miles just roll on REAL FAST, at high speed...
Rick
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Sandy Eggo Calif.
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12, '16
Originally Posted by SickRick
(was damaged in transit - they have to paint the trunk lid, rear bumper cover, removable roof and replace the back glass)
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: FL
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St. Jude Donor '05 thru '11,'19,'22,'25
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5,100 miles so far. DIC says 60%. Just checked the oil level and it's perfect. Oil look a little dark, so I think I will change it soon.
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,936
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From: Clemmons NC
Unless Chevrolet changed the sensor for the LS2 from the LS1/6 if the DIC comes on with low oil warning you are easily 2 quarts low. Let's hope some how the factory under filled this car.
I've gone through the LS6 oil consumption problem and ended up having the engine professionally re built (not Chevrolet ) Hope y your experience is better.
I've gone through the LS6 oil consumption problem and ended up having the engine professionally re built (not Chevrolet
) Hope y your experience is better.
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 115
Likes: 110
From: Woodstock GA
I had the "low oil" warning at 3,300 mi and had to add about a quart and a half. Got oil changed at 5,000 mi and at 6,300 mi was about a quart and a half low again. Definitely not normal. It shouldn't be using any.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO
I've been wondering the same thing myself. I'm at 2100 miles..... just added a quart and a half... had a corvette mechanic tell me recently that it's fairly normal to see some oil usage during break-in.... We'll see. 
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: houston tx
I have a LMB vert, I picked it up at the museum March24th, at 2800 miles oil low on dic, needed to add 1.5 quarts, oil changed at 3200 miles, I now have 5800 miles, oil low again. No spots on garage floor, I have a cll into the chevy service manager, I would guess I am losing a quart every 1500 miles, this does not seem reasonable, I was hoping over break in time the oil consumption would stop. I do not drive it hard just every day. I too am interested in an answer, it does not seem to blow blue smoke at all but it bothers me greatly. I carry a quart of Mobil 1 with me but this is a bit ridiculous.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: houston tx
Well I just called the local chevy service manager, according to him the chevrolet standard is that a quart every 1000-2000 miles and within spec!! and that if I bring it in he can do an oil consumption test (oil change and then seal the dip stick and filler) drive 1000 miles and then bring it in to check it and if it has lost oil then call Chevy to see how far into it (engine) they want him to go.
Anyone have a contact in the corvette organization??
Anyone have a contact in the corvette organization??
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,254
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From: Ft. Liquordale Florida
If this is "normal consumption", I might want to look into a 55Gal drum of Mobil 1.
My personal mechanic (not chevy dealer or vette specialist) recommends adding Marvel Mystery Oil at ever oil change - though god only knows WHY...
At $4.98 a qt. retail, it's not the cheepest way to go...
Rick
My personal mechanic (not chevy dealer or vette specialist) recommends adding Marvel Mystery Oil at ever oil change - though god only knows WHY...
At $4.98 a qt. retail, it's not the cheepest way to go...
Rick
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
I got my C6 about a mounth ago and after about 300 miles or so i was down about 1/2 qt of oil. I took the car back to the dealer and they put in a 1/2 gt and documented it. Now I have to bring it in for a oil change and they will start a oil consumption test on it. I will have to bring it in at 1000 miles after the oil change and they will check it again and if its low they will fill it to the top. This has to happen 3 times before they decide what they are going to do with it. So if I were you I would do the same and see what your dealer will do for you.