GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Checks

Causes

DEFINITION: Excessive oil consumption (not due to leaks) is the use of 0.946 liter (1 quart) or more of engine oil within 3 200 km (2,000 mi).

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

Preliminary

    • 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, missing 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