GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Checks

Causes

Excessive oil consumption (not due to leaks) is the use of 0.95 L (1.0 qts) or more of engine oil within 2,414 kilometers (1,500 miles).

Preliminary

The causes of excessive oil consumption may include the following conditions:

    • External oil leaks
        Refer to Oil Leak Diagnosis .
    • Incorrect oil level or improper reading of the oil level indicator
        With the vehicle on a level surface, run the engine for a few minutes, allow adequate drain down time (2-3 minutes) and check for the correct engine oil level.
    • Improper oil viscosity
        Refer to the vehicle owners manual and use the recommended SAE grade and viscosity for the prevailing temperatures.
    • Continuous high speed driving and/or severe usage
    • Crankcase ventilation system restrictions or malfunctioning components
    • Worn valve guides and/or valve stems
    • Worn or improperly installed valve stem oil seals
    • Piston rings broken, worn, not seated properly
        Allow adequate time for the rings to seat.
        Replace worn piston rings as necessary.
    • Piston and rings improperly installed or miss-fitted to the cylinder bore

An engine that has excessive oil consumption uses 0.9 L (1 qt) of oil, or more, within 3 200 km (2,000 mi). The following list indicates the conditions and corrections of excessive oil consumption:

    • An improperly read oil level indicator (dipstick)
       - Inspect the oil level while the vehicle is parked on a level surface.
       - Allow adequate drain-down time.
    • Improper oil viscosity
       - Use the recommended SAE viscosity for prevailing temperatures.
       - Refer to Maintenance and Lubrication for the proper oil viscosity specifications.
    • Continuous high-speed driving
    • Severe hauling, such as a trailer. This causes decreased oil mileage.
    • External oil leaks
       - Tighten the bolts, as needed.
       - Replace the gaskets and seals, as needed.
    • Worn or omitted valve guides and/or valve stem seals
       - Ream the guides.
       - Install oversized service valves and/or new valve stem seals.
    • Broken or worn piston rings
    • Improperly installed or unseated piston rings
    • Improperly installed or improperly fitted piston
    • Plugged cylinder head gasket oil drain holes
    • Damaged intake gasket