2013 LT - PCV change (i.e. valve cover change) engine code LMG

[DrNick]

Hi All. (Accidentally posted in wrong model year forum) 00-06

115k on my 13 LT z71 Tahoe. At the 100k noticed a bit of oil leak around valve cover and driver side plugs were black. Getting a bit worse on oil presence and some oil consumption, concerns in last oil change, although “within GM specs.” Truck still runs great.

The PCV might be misbehaving causing this leak and is part of the valve cover leaking . Can this (the pcv) be cleaned while the valve cover is off or should the valve cover just be completely replaced to get the fresh pcv and new gaskets/grommets on both? I will do hose too. Note, as far as I can tell in TSB, this truck should have the new ports. I think it said cutoff was 2011 build for the old valve cover PCV port ones.

will attempt both sides.

 

[rdhogg]

My 2013 HOE has the old style Valve cover (on the drivers side), I am waiting on the new style to arrive, do the modifications on it and install it. Did research on the "Oil consumption on 07-14 GM 5.3 trucks" issues on YouTube , found several videos, DYI'ers were modifying the old cover and reinstalling. The new style (GM OEM) from RockAuto is only $64 + tax and freight , the only mod needed is to enlarge the PVC drain hole in the baffle , clean the shavings WELL and install. New cover comes with new gasket and all. I will update this reply when I get some miles on the new cover. BTW I also put a 'tune' on to turn off the AFM , that was a another factor that was adding to the oil consumption.

 

[PG01]

My 2013 HOE has the old style Valve cover (on the drivers side), I am waiting on the new style to arrive, do the modifications on it and install it. Did research on the "Oil consumption on 07-14 GM 5.3 trucks" issues on YouTube , found several videos, DYI'ers were modifying the old cover and reinstalling. The new style (GM OEM) from RockAuto is only $64 + tax and freight , the only mod needed is to enlarge the PVC drain hole in the baffle , clean the shavings WELL and install. New cover comes with new gasket and all. I will update this reply when I get some miles on the new cover. BTW I also put a 'tune' on to turn off the AFM , that was a another factor that was adding to the oil consumption.

You sure about that updated valve cover bud? I’d take another look if I were you.

 

[rdhogg]

You mean the one from RockAuto?

 

[PG01]

No, the one in your 13 now. As far as I know, which ain’t much tbh, they started using them in 11-12 to combat the known issue. Maybe some swapped yours with and older one?

 

[rdhogg]

I was going on what my Mechanic said, I have not taken it off yet, but have ordered the new one. I will let you know when I take the old one off. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[donjetman]

I believe your 2013 HOE came from the factory with the new improved valve cover. Below is a pic of my dirty old vc(top) off my 07 6.2L, and my new improved vc(bottom). Look at the upper right of each. The new improved vc has a square pvc port with flaps, the old has a round port. You'll know when you get yours off.

 

[rdhogg]

You sure about that updated valve cover bud? I’d take another look if I were you.

You were 100% correct, the 2013 has the new style valve cover , but the drain hole in the PVC drain was patricianly clogged. I have a 2013 Tahoe with 130,000 miles and noticed having to add 1-3 qt oil between changes. Researched WWW and found one issue was the drivers side valve cover design and GM finally changed the design. I found out that about 2011-2012 the new design started being put on. All my process of elimination still pointed to the cover with PVC drain hole getting clogged. I ordered a new GM OEM part # 12642655 from RockAuto , all gaskets and bolts ( about $70.00). I enlarged the std 7/64 drain hole in the PVC baffle to a 5/32 hole, I also put additional drain below the baffle plate. I removed my original valve cover and found that the PVC drain hole was slightly clogged and most likely causing oil to be sucked back into the intake. I could have put in a catch can but wanted to try this first. The top end looks real clean, due to scheduled oil changes and all lifers are tight without any play. I have included some pictures of the old cover ( the clog is hard to see) and the new cover with the modified drain hole. I will monitor the oil consumption.

 

[donjetman]

yes you do have the new improved valve cover.

You shouldn't be consuming that amount of oil between changes. If you had a catch can, you would know if it was being sucked to the intake. It could be getting by the rings and/or valve seals. If it's the rings, they may be stuck, in which case you need to do the cylinder soak like I did with a solvent like Gunk brand Motor Medic.

 

[rdhogg]

yes you do have the new improved valve cover.

You shouldn't be consuming that amount of oil between changes. If you had a catch can, you would know if it being sucked to the intake. It could be getting by the rings and/or valve seals. If it's the rings, they may be stuck, in which case you need to do the cylinder soak like I did with a solvent like Gunk brand Motor Medic.

The next project for me is the catch can, can't hurt.

 

[iamdub]

View attachment 266810 View attachment 266811 View attachment 266808 View attachment 266809 You were 100% correct, the 2013 has the new style valve cover , but the drain hole in the PVC drain was patricianly clogged. I have a 2013 Tahoe with 130,000 miles and noticed having to add 1-3 qt oil between changes. Researched WWW and found one issue was the drivers side valve cover design and GM finally changed the design. I found out that about 2011-2012 the new design started being put on. All my process of elimination still pointed to the cover with PVC drain hole getting clogged. I ordered a new GM OEM part # 12642655 from RockAuto , all gaskets and bolts ( about $70.00). I enlarged the std 7/64 drain hole in the PVC baffle to a 5/32 hole, I also put additional drain below the baffle plate. I removed my original valve cover and found that the PVC drain hole was slightly clogged and most likely causing oil to be sucked back into the intake. I could have put in a catch can but wanted to try this first. The top end looks real clean, due to scheduled oil changes and all lifers are tight without any play. I have included some pictures of the old cover ( the clog is hard to see) and the new cover with the modified drain hole. I will monitor the oil consumption.

Don't trash your old cover. Someone here with an older, pre-2011 model could use it. They can easily be cleaned.

I'd strongly suggest you still get a catch can.

 

[rdhogg]

I plan on keeping it. It is in great shape, just needs a new gasket and Botta Bing. I have been shopping for a catch can, is there any features that I need to look for. like draining it, etc?

 

[DrNick]

I plan on keeping it. It is in great shape, just needs a new gasket and Botta Bing. I have been shopping for a catch can, is there any features that I need to look for. like draining it, etc?

If you find my (same post) in the other model year section, a couple of users pointed out some good catch cans and tips. My pictures looked similar to yours but I had the new style of cover with larger opening. They were stuck hard and It was a PITA to clean. I honestly would just buy new. I couldn’t fully tell if it was clogged but it had gunk up in the nipple. Also there is an inner compartment and some of that gasket didn’t look the best. I also replaced both tubes. New gaskets went on great no leaks.

did a throttle body clean. Was filthy but didn’t see much liquid past it. Runs so much better.

overall my oil consumption is down. I’m watching it each week. There is a GM threshold for oil loss.

I will start to investigate catch cans now the new year is here

 

[donjetman]

I bought a catch can like this one. I didn't like the fittings that came with it so I used my own.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZCSZR2R/ref=twister_B07W6CMKTS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I added some pot scrubber to improve its efficiency.

 

[rdhogg]

I like the design of the can, the fittings look like good. Did you get the can on Amazon?

 

[donjetman]

Did you get the can on Amazon?

Yes

 

[1BADI5]

This is the one I have an its the best can I have run outside of my Mishimoto can on my Colorado

https://www.ebay.com/itm/97-18-GM-T...893121?hash=item1a524c7901:g:b-oAAOxyCTtTdSVp

I got mine powder coated. This one includes the mounting hardware to a factory location on the alternator bracket. I'll post pics later

 

[gooffeyguy]

I picked up a cheap one on Ebay for about $30 two and a half years ago. Came with crappy clear hose, a breather filter (which you don't have to use and includes a screw plug in place of the nipple) and two sets of different sized fittings and the mounting bracket. I replaced the standard type twist petcock on the bottom with a mini 1/4 turn ball valve and used good 3/8" rubber hose. Before I installed it I took it all apart and greased all the o-rings that are on the top/bottom caps and on all the nipples/plugs. It works fine and does what it's supposed to do.

This one is like it, but it was a US seller

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-...383941?hash=item3d939a8b05:g:BygAAOSwfcZdgKF5

 

[Charlie207]

I bought a catch can like this one. I didn't like the fittings that came with it so I used my own.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZCSZR2R/ref=twister_B07W6CMKTS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I added some pot scrubber to improve its efficiency.
View attachment 266892
View attachment 266893

Blast from the past, sorry for the dumb question...

Did you need additional supplies other than what was in the kit? I've never installed one before, and would like to get the stuff for this kit to have on-hand when it arrives.

(I've had like 7 turbo cars in the past that would have benefitted 1000x more from a catch can than my 5.3 N/A engine, but was always too lazy to install one.)

 

[rdhogg]

Blast from the past, sorry for the dumb question...

Did you need additional supplies other than what was in the kit? I've never installed one before, and would like to get the stuff for this kit to have on-hand when it arrives.

(I've had like 7 turbo cars in the past that would have benefitted 1000x more from a catch can than my 5.3 N/A engine, but was always too lazy to install one

Blast from the past, sorry for the dumb question...

Did you need additional supplies other than what was in the kit? I've never installed one before, and would like to get the stuff for this kit to have on-hand when it arrives.

(I've had like 7 turbo cars in the past that would have benefitted 1000x more from a catch can than my 5.3 N/A engine, but was always too lazy to install one.)

Which kit are you asking about?