Oil consumption between changes

[Matt Wilson II]

Is anyone else seeing high oil consumption between changes? I seem to be burning (no leaks) around 1 qt. every 4k-ish miles. Noticed a qt. down at 1st change and I have been watching it since. I'm using Amsoil 0w20 and my miles are 90% highway.

 

[Stbentoak]

FWIW on other forums guys have said when they switched to AMSOIL their vehicle started using oil... But previous changes that they had done at the dealer (Which may have come free with the vehicle...) they said zero usage between changes on AC Delco oil....You can draw your own conclusion from that....

 

[Matt Wilson II]

Thank you for the info. I wonder why that would be the case. Amsoil is the gold standard for synthetic oil.

 

[wsteele]

Is anyone else seeing high oil consumption between changes? I seem to be burning (no leaks) around 1 qt. every 4k-ish miles. Noticed a qt. down at 1st change and I have been watching it since. I'm using Amsoil 0w20 and my miles are 90% highway.

Frankly, it seems unacceptably high from my point of view (although I suspect your dealer would tell you it is within spec for now).

I haven't read about oil consumption issues with Amsoil products, but I don't go to a lot of other forums. I will say that a long time ago, I used to road race Formula Fords in SCCA, where we used low tension rings for maximum HP. When some of the guys started using Redline Synthetic oil, many saw oil consumption jump. Dropping back to a product like Valvoline Synthetic would restore normal consumption. So maybe dropping back to something like a Delco or equivalent product just might fix the issue. Stranger things have happened.

If changing oils doesn't fix it, I would probably start rattling some cages at the dealer and GM regional people as it might be an issue longer term (like when you are out of warranty). On that score, my '07 Yukon started using a lot of oil around the 85K mark. At 90K it was enough that my dealer did the AFM oil consumption TSB and the result of the process was they determined I needed new rings and pistons. GM did step up and supply all the parts and materials for the piston swap and my dealer did the labor essentially at cost so my out the door cost for the repair was really reasonable. I think the problem with that anecdote is who knows what GM's policies on such things will be years from now, when all they care about is EV sales.

 

[Reddevil96]

I would be real interested in where the oil is going. I installed a PCV catch can at 300 miles and getting 1.5oz every 1500-1800 miles and I am running Amsoil signature 5w-30 right now, going to 0w-30 next oil change. As of now at 2800 miles I have had zero consumption issue. According to Amsoil tests, they have one of the best evaporation rates compared to other oils and well as viscosity control at high temps, so even at 0w-20 it should be better than others, may have an oil control ring issue, may be worth the effort to run some seafoam through it. especially if you let it run through DFM and auto start a lot.

 

[NYisles1]

I would be real interested in where the oil is going. I installed a PCV catch can at 300 miles and getting 1.5oz every 1500-1800 miles and I am running Amsoil signature 5w-30 right now, going to 0w-30 next oil change. As of now at 2800 miles I have had zero consumption issue. According to Amsoil tests, they have one of the best evaporation rates compared to other oils and well as viscosity control at high temps, so even at 0w-20 it should be better than others, may have an oil control ring issue, may be worth the effort to run some seafoam through it. especially if you let it run through DFM and auto start a lot.

What is the advantage of using 5w-30 or 0w-30 instead of the 0w-20 GM recommends?

 

[Matt Wilson II]

Frankly, it seems unacceptably high from my point of view (although I suspect your dealer would tell you it is within spec for now).

I haven't read about oil consumption issues with Amsoil products, but I don't go to a lot of other forums. I will say that a long time ago, I used to road race Formula Fords in SCCA, where we used low tension rings for maximum HP. When some of the guys started using Redline Synthetic oil, many saw oil consumption jump. Dropping back to a product like Valvoline Synthetic would restore normal consumption. So maybe dropping back to something like a Delco or equivalent product just might fix the issue. Stranger things have happened.

If changing oils doesn't fix it, I would probably start rattling some cages at the dealer and GM regional people as it might be an issue longer term (like when you are out of warranty). On that score, my '07 Yukon started using a lot of oil around the 85K mark. At 90K it was enough that my dealer did the AFM oil consumption TSB and the result of the process was they determined I needed new rings and pistons. GM did step up and supply all the parts and materials for the piston swap and my dealer did the labor essentially at cost so my out the door cost for the repair was really reasonable. I think the problem with that anecdote is who knows what GM's policies on such things will be years from now, when all they care about is EV sales.

I will most likely try ACDelco oil for my next change and see if that makes a difference. If it does, I may have questions for the engineering staff at Amsoil. This seems very bizarre for a modern vehicle. I have no rough idle or smoke on cold starts. The truck honestly runs well. I can only surmise that AFM is the culprit, if anything. It has been a nightmare for Mopar with with Gen III Hemi (I have a 2012 Hemi Charger) and it would make sense it would be an issue on this platform. I really appreciate everyone responding to my post and I will definitely update with anything I learn. You guys are awesome.

 

[Reddevil96]

What is the advantage of using 5w-30 or 0w-30 instead of the 0w-20 GM recommends?

For me, I not convinced other than fuel economy that 0w-20 is enough especially for the 6.2 that is 90% the same long block as the Camaro and C7 corvette that recommend 0w-40 esp formula. granted some of that comes because 0w-40 is good mix for track and street, but in my opinion 0w-30 is a better combination for the health of the engine, especially for me in phoenix with extremes of 115 degrees in the summer. I would love for a GM powertrain engineer to explain the reasoning, until then its only my opinion.

 

[Vladimir2306]

Hi all. Can you please tell me what is your oil consumption situation?
Let me tell you about our experience. In our club there is a huge live thread about oil consumption. and there are all Tahi from GMT840 to T1. According to our statistics, 900 Tahoes do not use oil at all. K2XX and T1 are consumed. and motors 5.3 and 6.2. But we have identified a dependence on driving style.
If you regularly drive fast. And not at high speed there 160-180 mph, namely constant acceleration. That oil eats. If you ride like a "grandfather". That oil is enough from replacement to replacement. Well, maybe it will go from the MAX level to the MIN. The record holder is one familiar owner of Tahoe T1 with a 5.3 engine. He adds 1 liter of oil after 4000 km after replacement, and then every 2000 km 1 liter of oil. But he drives like crazy, he has an average fuel consumption of 10MPG on a combined cycle)
Personally, my experience on the motor 6.2. This is up to 8000 km after an oil change, the level is at MAX. Further beyond 1000 km, the level drops sharply to MIN. After that I add 1 liter, which lasts until the next oil change at 14,000 km. And exactly the same story was on the Tahoe K2XX with the same 6.2 engine.
Moreover, the oil is recommended DEXOS 0-W20.
More likely, oil consumption is associated with the transition to 0-W20 oil, because 5-W30 oil is not consumed that way. I tried it once on the Tahoe K2XX, but the servicemen really do not recommend pouring 5-W30 into our engines.

 

[Marky Dissod]

... Moreover, the oil is recommended DEXOS 0W-20 ...

Although I'm sure I'm not smart enough to figure out why, what if 'DEXOS' is part of the problem?

Put another way:
Is EVERY xW20 more susceptible to oil consumption, or is it just DEXOS xW20 motor oils?

For whatever it's worth, I think y'all may need to consider getting tuned to lower your pcm's fan-on thresholds, or a slightly cooler thermostat, or invest in some other form of motor oil cooling, or maybe just use 0W30 ... I dunno.

In related news, I'm about to go on a VERY long trip, for which I'll be using Valvoline Modern Engine Oil 5W20 in an attempt to improve my fuel economy.
Now I'm gonna buy some Valvoline Full Synthetic High Mileage with MaxLife Technology 5W30, just in case oil offgassing / consumption turns out to be an issue.

 

[Vladimir2306]

Although I'm sure I'm not smart enough to figure out why, what if 'DEXOS' is part of the problem?

Put another way:
Is EVERY xW20 more susceptible to oil consumption, or is it just DEXOS xW20 motor oils?

For whatever it's worth, I think y'all may need to consider getting tuned to lower your pcm's fan-on thresholds, or a slightly cooler thermostat, or invest in some other form of motor oil cooling, or maybe just use 0W30 ... I dunno.

In related news, I'm about to go on a VERY long trip, for which I'll be using Valvoline Modern Engine Oil 5W20 in an attempt to improve my fuel economy.
Now I'm gonna buy some Valvoline Full Synthetic High Mileage with MaxLife Technology 5W30, just in case oil offgassing / consumption turns out to be an issue.

I'm not sure that every 0w20 oil is subject to consumption. Dexos it goes to GM cars, and many brands of cars already drive 0w20 oil. The new Toyota Land Cruiser 300 generally recommends 0W16. But here everyone decides for himself what to risk. Servicemen claim that Xw30 or higher oil does not lubricate the engine well. Personally, I think that their words are not without meaning. Therefore, on my last Tahoe K2XX with a 6.2 engine, I drove all the time (160,000 km) in 0w20 oil, topping up 1 liter for about 10,000 km. Just tried 5w30 once

 

[Marky Dissod]

I'm not sure that every 0W20 oil is subject to consumption.
DEXOS it goes to GM cars, and many brands of cars already drive 0W20 oil.

Too bad motor oils are not compared or rated on their resistance to oil consumption / offgassing.

Even if they were, though, buyers would likely need to be more specific than just motor oil brand or viscosity.

 

[Vladimir2306]

Too bad motor oils are not compared or rated on their resistance to oil consumption / offgassing.

Even if they were, though, buyers would likely need to be more specific than just motor oil brand or viscosity.

Tahoe owner with 5.3 engine, about which I wrote above. I tried Liqu Moly, AcDelco, Mobil1 oils from the USA, Mobil1 from the EU, Lukoil. Everywhere the same result in his driving conditions. I pour Wolf 0w20 oil, I have oil consumption on it, one to one like on the last Tahoe with the same engine for GM 0w20, ZIC 0w20 oils. I have a feeling it's not the oil that's to blame. And the driving style. If you drive at low speeds all the time, accelerating calmly, then there will be no oil consumption, or it will be minimal. If there is a kickdown, then there will be an expense. If the kickdown is constant, then the consumption will be strong in any oil

 

[Marky Dissod]

I get the whole 'don't drive it like you have engines in your back pocket 'cause you don't'.
I know a livery driver who recently accrued 600,000 miles on her 2011 Lincoln Town Car, and it's STILL going.
She's been driving like her recently sprained right ankle is still healing since she bought it in 2011.

BESIDES driving like Jessica Tandy's in back, is there anything ELSE that can be done to reduce oil consumption - or offgassing ...

 

[Vladimir2306]

I get the whole 'don't drive it like you have engines in your back pocket 'cause you don't'.
I know a livery driver who recently accrued 600,000 miles on her 2011 Lincoln Town Car, and it's STILL going.
She's been driving like her recently sprained right ankle is still healing since she bought it in 2011.

BESIDES driving like Jessica Tandy's in back, is there anything ELSE that can be done to reduce oil consumption - or offgassing ...

So it is, on the other hand, owning 420 horses and gently stroking the gas pedal is a sin))))

 

[Marky Dissod]

Gently stroking 420 horses is a far better idea than trying to stomp on them with a heavy foot.

 

[Vladimir2306]

Gently stroking 420 horses is a far better idea than trying to stomp on them with a heavy foot.

it's boring))))) we live once, and life should be enjoyed)))

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I recognize that my 07 Yukon XL Denali is an older generation than what is being discussed here, but I thought that I'd chime in anyway. My 6.2 motor has 155,000 miles on it, and I use 5W-30 conventional motor oil in it, changing every 3000-4000 miles. My motor consumes about 1/4 quart of oil between oil changes, and my oil catch can captures about 1 fluid ounce of oil every 1000 miles.

Regarding driving practices, I drive it like @Doubeleive says, "Drive it like you stole it." I could not possibly drive it any other way, as it is just too much fun. I get 10-12 mpg in the city and 14-16 mpg on the highway on 93 octane gas, and that seems fair to me, based upon the enjoyment that I get out of driving it.

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

I'm at 14.9k miles on my 2022 6.2.
Changed oil at 3600, 7500, 11,700 miles.
Each time, there has been no noticeable consumption.
Running GM Dexos from the dealer...

Why did I change so frequently?
Well, my dealer gave 2 oil changes included w/ the purchase, but had to be in first 12 months.
GMC gives the first one free...so this is 3.

So, did the 3 freebies in the first 12 months.
Expect I will adopt a 4.5k-5k interval

How long are you folks claiming consumptions going before changing...

My 2013 5.3 Suburban burned about a half quart in 5k miles, started once it got around 70k on the clock.

 

[Vladimir2306]

I'm at 14.9k miles on my 2022 6.2.
Changed oil at 3600, 7500, 11,700 miles.
Each time, there has been no noticeable consumption.
Running GM Dexos from the dealer...

Why did I change so frequently?
Well, my dealer gave 2 oil changes included w/ the purchase, but had to be in first 12 months.
GMC gives the first one free...so this is 3.

So, did the 3 freebies in the first 12 months.
Expect I will adopt a 4.5k-5k interval

How long are you folks claiming consumptions going before changing...

My 2013 5.3 Suburban burned about a half quart in 5k miles, started once it got around 70k on the clock.

Since the last oil change, I have driven 3,000 kilometers, of which 1,500 kilometers was driving on the Highway at a speed of 170 km / h on cruise control. Half of the oil level is gone.
So our motors don't like to be driven at high speeds. as soon as you drive fast, the oil runs out. If you drive slowly or around the city, then the oil is enough for 8-10 thousand km after replacement