2007 Silverado Uses Oil

dwolcot2 · June 2, 2010

Hi, I have a 2007 silverado 5.3L new body style. Between 20-32k miles I got engine oil low sign maybe 2 times. Since about 32k or for about the last year it seems to be coming on roughly around every 2k miles. Since about the 32k mark I regularly tow 5,000lb trailer and often on the interstate at 70 mph and have 62k miles now. I always change my oil about the 30-40% on the oil indicator which is about 5-6k miles. Recently I switched to a synthetic 10w-30 vs 5w that the manual says to use hoping the heavier weight oil would help, but it did not. Truck runs and tows great but is the oil consumption of about 1qt normal after a couple thousand miles and does towing worsen the oil consumption? Also I get mild spark knock when running 87 octane and the manual calls for 87. I have tried gas from many different stations and the only way to stop is to at least run midgrade. Is that normal on 87? thanks, Dustin

jro909 · June 2, 2010

its probably the active fuel management, take it to the dealer it prob needs new valves....a quart every 3k is normal for oil conusmption in GM's book anything over that, take to the dealer

ColoradoSkiCountry · June 2, 2010

Yup take it to the dealer for the oil consumption. As far as the knock is concerned, I'd bring that up to them as well. Your truck is designed to run off of 87 Octane (if your above 4000ft then you can use 85) Perhaps a software update for the onboard computer can fix this. Either way it should fall under the 5 Year/100,000 mile power train warranty. DO NOT let them tell you it is normal.

TMike84 · June 8, 2010

Try changing the oil at 3000 miles instead of 4-5000 and you won't even notice that the engine is using it. Try to get in the habit of checking the level once a week or once every 2 weeks. The oil consumption is normal. Avoid listening to the marketing of synthetic oils. They tell you that you can go 10000 between oil changes, which yes the oil may last that long but it doesnt slow the normal consumption and burning of oil that is considered normal by the manufacturer. If you want to use synthetic and go more miles between oil changes then just make sure to check the oil frequently and always have and extra quart or 2 just incase you need to top it off. Other than that I wouldnt be too concerned with using a quart of 2 every 6000 miles. Many manufacturers consider a quart per 1000 miles to be acceptable (not normal just acceptable) however I personally consider that excessive. Hope this helps

jro909 · June 9, 2010

gm's standard is a quart every 3k i believe...take it to the dealer, if you drive around with it burning more oil then normal your just fouling up the spark plugs along with everything else...

rodram · June 11, 2010

I am always amused at the statement that oil consumption is "normal" ... or "acceptable".... or "expected"

My last several vehicles, whether Dodge, Toyota, Ford, or GM ... would run 10,000 km (6,000 miles) with no perceptible loss of oil (from reading the dipstick)... regular or synthetic oils, didn't matter... my current wheels, the 97 Chev C2500 with 220,000 km on the 5.7L is the same ... no oil consumption

... So WHY ... on a 5.3L with 30,000 miles would 1 quart in 2000 miles be considered OK by GM....

... and WHY would 5.3L owners accept this and try to convince other 5.3 owners that it is OK...

... I don't know how many times I've heard the story.... "I have a 2007 NBS with 5.3L and 30,000 miles and now I am burning so much oil I have to add between oil changes......

Now my Old F150 used to throw the oil out the rear main seal... but that is a different story...

wolverine_22 · June 11, 2010

would it be a bad idea. to get completely off synthetic and run a sae 5w-30 maybe a 10w30...Maybe it'll lose a little less on a sae

wolverine_22 · June 11, 2010

Not to start a Brand Comparison, but I run Mobil 1 5W-30 non synthetic...I have 82,000 miles on it and don't lose a drop...between oil changes.

TMike84 · June 11, 2010

If you maintain your vehicle properly then your chances of oil consumption are very minimal, however not everybody maintains their vehicles properly. Going too long between oil changes can cause things such as pcv systems and oil control rings to begin to plug up and and not work properly thus causing either oil to leak out a seal or past the piston rings and out the exhaust. When this happens then yes your oil consumption is going to go up. Simple things like regular oil changes and changing pcv valves really helps this. Engines are also a mechanical man (robot) made piece of machinery and not every single one is the same. Not every piston ring or cylinder lining is going to seal with 100% efficiency thus there being some consumption. That is why it is considered acceptable because really there is nothing wrong with the engine, it is running fine, it just uses a little bit of oil. That is also why there is a dip stick so you can check the oil and make sure it is at the proper level and you can top it off. Also the more often you check your oil the more aware of how much oil your vehicle is using and then you know if you may have a problem. The industry also uses the term acceptable to cover themselves. Not saying I think it is right, just saying it is what they do.

jro909 · June 15, 2010

If you maintain your vehicle properly then your chances of oil consumption are very minimal, however not everybody maintains their vehicles properly. Going too long between oil changes can cause things such as pcv systems and oil control rings to begin to plug up and and not work properly thus causing either oil to leak out a seal or past the piston rings and out the exhaust. When this happens then yes your oil consumption is going to go up. Simple things like regular oil changes and changing pcv valves really helps this. Engines are also a mechanical man (robot) made piece of machinery and not every single one is the same. Not every piston ring or cylinder lining is going to seal with 100% efficiency thus there being some consumption. That is why it is considered acceptable because really there is nothing wrong with the engine, it is running fine, it just uses a little bit of oil. That is also why there is a dip stick so you can check the oil and make sure it is at the proper level and you can top it off. Also the more often you check your oil the more aware of how much oil your vehicle is using and then you know if you may have a problem. The industry also uses the term acceptable to cover themselves. Not saying I think it is right, just saying it is what they do.

+1

ColoradoSkiCountry · June 16, 2010

+2

jwh463 · June 23, 2010

I thought the new 5.3 doesn't have a PCV? I thought I did not have one on my 2003

jro909 · June 23, 2010

they all do, its internal and is unservicable....egr on the other hand no

crracer105 · June 23, 2010

I've just been getting this on the cluster telling me add oil. I dont drive my truck much and have a black bear tune. I have a GM Performance exhaust and noticed on my White truck an excessive amount of cabon build up behind back tire. it's almost black. I don't horse around in my truck only has 29k miles.

i like the BB Tune but if its going to cause problems maybe I should reaplce with my stock computers.

what doy ou guys think..

doverarjim · June 24, 2010

Years ago some friends of mine worked at GM Desert Proving Grounds and one of them worked in the shop, and GM did testing on mules by changing oil brands and weights, at that time found out that if you are using oil of one weight or brand try another because you may fix the problem. This was in the early 80's. Might try it for an oil change or two and see what happens it wont cost any more to do it.