Strange oil level issue

04BlackMagic · January 8, 2019

05 Tahoe 5.3 LM7 150,000 miles

“Check engine oil level” came on on DIC about 2 weeks ago. I checked oil level but it was good. Thought it was oil level sensor cropping out and didn’t think it was big deal. Now yesterday I saw a puddle of engine oil where I park vehicle. Pulled dipstick today and NOTHING WAS ON DIPSTICK. However I pulled drain plug and 3.5 qts came out. Truck calls for 6 qts. Small puddle, but lots of oil lost within short amount of time.

Do these engines have issues with oil consumption commonly?

Thanks

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vandenbroekjj · January 9, 2019

I’m my experience some is acceptable like a half what max in 5000 miles. What you explained sounds like something that needs attention asap

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greatmizzou · January 9, 2019

I was always told the dipstick measure bar is about 1 liter in size. If you have no oil, it could be anywhere from bone dry to 1 liter short. I imagine you may have misread the dipstick, I need to wipe mine off and reinsert several times before i get a good read.

my 5.3 takes about 6 liters to fill up from each oil change. I think my low oil light comes on when I’m at 4 litres

sefiroxx · January 9, 2019

If no visible leaks, then .5 q/5000 miles would be normal , most of this would be via oil mist through pvc

As trucks, with the tendency to jump a few curbs etc, the flexing eventually leads to seepage on and number of gaskets. I'm on my 5th and every one of them eventually seeped and steadily worse until resealed. Current Sierra at 190k is losing .75 /5000 plus the .5 misting.. I my case, 2 valve cover gaskets and a rear main oil seal are needed.

04BlackMagic · January 10, 2019

Update: isolates oil leak to oil filter housing. Removed old oil filter(came off with o ring) and put on a new one pre filled with oil. Ran engine and saw oil slowly start to drip from top of oil filter housing. Anyone have any past experience in this location with a leak?

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txab · January 10, 2019

Did you check for the presence of another seal stuck to the filter mounting base?

WT16 · January 10, 2019

Could be cross threaded, not tight enough, or you left the old seal on. Most seals are a pain to get off but please check. You would know if its cross threaded and the tightening issue? Check the box or filter or manual for proper tightning. Good luck

swathdiver · January 10, 2019

On 1/8/2019 at 6:32 PM, 04BlackMagic said:

05 Tahoe 5.3 LM7 150,000 miles

“Check engine oil level” came on on DIC about 2 weeks ago. I checked oil level but it was good. Thought it was oil level sensor cropping out and didn’t think it was big deal. Now yesterday I saw a puddle of engine oil where I park vehicle. Pulled dipstick today and NOTHING WAS ON DIPSTICK. However I pulled drain plug and 3.5 qts came out. Truck calls for 6 qts. Small puddle, but lots of oil lost within short amount of time.

Do these engines have issues with oil consumption commonly?

Thanks

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's not consumption problem, that's a leakin' problem!

Yes, some LS engines are known to drink a lot of oil, especially when revved above 3000-4000 rpms regularly.

Bill336 · January 11, 2019

You haven't by chance changed your oil brand, or from dino oil to a synthetic, have you? I've seen this happen with 2 other GM vehicles (neither had a 5.3) when I attempted to change from dino to synthetic. Changing back to dino oil stopped the problem.