Great Blue Balls of Smoke, Batman!

timcosco · January 4, 2002

Last night I made a 60 mile round trip (freeway speeds of around 75 mph) in my '02 Av (5.3L) that has around 3,200 miles.

When I started it this morning, a giant cloud of smoke spewed from the tailpipe. This is the second time I noticed this and it only occured after a lengthy trip at high speed the night before. I should note here also that the vehicle has consumed 2 1/2 quarts of oil so far.

Another member of this forum was kind enough to send me a pointer regarding a TSB that involved replacing the PCV valve with another type that has a smaller hole.

Any guesses to whether a new style PCV valve would correct this problem?

Is anyone else with an '02 5.3L Vortec experiencing this problem?

Thanks for any input. I'm just trying to wise up on a few things before approaching the dealer with this problem.

Tim

bshef · January 4, 2002

Hey Tim,

"Before" my 1st oil change I noted my dipstick reading was 2 dots shy of full. I had my oil changed and have been keeping my eye on it and have not experienced any consumption.

I am also curious how people see the exhaust when they start their trucks because the exit is on the passenger side? I will start keeping an eye on my passenger side mirror at start-up. Hell, I may have the same smoke, just never noticed!

Brad

chevy4x4trucks · January 4, 2002

IMO just print out the PCV valve tsb and take it to the dealer. If the new pcv valve doesn't fix your problem I'm sure we can figure it out.

timcosco · January 4, 2002

I am also curious how people see the exhaust when they start their trucks because the exit is on the passenger side?

Like I said, it was a *giant* cloud of smoke. ???

More info...

GM Bulletin #01-06-01-011 states oil consumption of 1 qt. per 2000 miles is acceptable.

GM Bulletin #01-06-01-029 describes replacing PCV valve type 948C with PCV valve type CV2001-C.

This might be old news, but hey... I'm a forum newbie... found at: http://www.geocities.com/crackeregg/CKtruc.../bulletins.html

Tim

BgBlkAvalanche · January 4, 2002

Mine was a classic one for this same problem. The start up cloud was very intermintent, but when it happened it was after a 4 hour or more sit, after good freeway run of 1 hour. It would literally fill my garage with smoke, or if at work outside, it would pass the passenger window as a low hovering cloud!

The oil use was up to 1 quart at 1800 miles.

But, the new PCV has solved both of these issues ,...so far.

CapnDean · January 7, 2002

Ut ohhhhhh:

It happened to the Capn! For starters: I have never checked the oil in my truck. I have it changed religiously at 3K miles (I am due for my 12K change any day now). I know better than to not check it...but I have just been lazy.

Last weekend...I made a long round trip where I drove it pretty hard. @ 1500 miles towing an unloaded 8x16 flatbed trailer. I drove 85 miles an hour and actually got surprisingly good mpg. I did not experience the blue cloud at any time. I have to date seen the cloud about 3 times. It's odd about when it occurs.

Yesterday: (300 miles before 12K oil change) a light on the dash tells me: "Check Engine Oil Level" low & behold I am reading no oil on the dipstick. It takes nearly 3 qts to bring it up to full.

Potential Scenarios:

#1 The jiffy lube guy underfilled me last time.

#2 I have been consuming oil all along.

#3 My long highway trip was taxing on the engine.

#4 I need that TSB for the PCV thing.

Could somebody email the TSB to me?

[email protected]

I am at school and I cannot access the crakeregg site due to the schools padlock on the internet. Tks

Capn