4.8 Oil Consumption

CapnDean · February 15, 2002

I don't want em to monkey with my engine. I love the way it runs, I love the mileage I am getting.

I used 3 qts between 9k & 12K miles. The 'check engine oil level' light came on. Mind you 1500 of those miles were at high speed towing an empty flatbed trailer. (Unusual for me)

So the dealer is doing an oil consumption test on me...and I used 1/2 a qt in 500 miles so far. I do get the occasional blue cloud - - but it is not a frequent occurrence. The blue cloud deal is EXACTLY like an old 350 with bad valve guide seals...only that bad valve guides will smoke EVERY time you start it up.

Anybody know what the general calls excessive oil use?

If I don't have to add any between changes...I'll leave it alone. I think my road trip might have cost me a little extra oil. Otherwise..to be honest...I don't usually check it PERIOD.

I figure that if I change it at 3K it should be ok. It is nice to know that there is a warning light that tells me if it is low!

Anybody else had this prob?

Dean

bassdog · February 15, 2002

capn,

Check out the post in Engine's for the 5.3L...sounds like the same problem.

Shaners · February 15, 2002

GM says a quart every 2000 miles is OK, any more is excessive. All engines should use a little oil, but not as much as you have. I have found in the past when I work my engine hard (towing) I do tend to use more oil between changes...

Keep us informed as to what the dealer says!!!

CapnDean · February 18, 2002

Hmmmm. My friends are wearing me out over this! "Oh no...here we go again" {You'd have to know the saga of my Pinging Dodge Ram} Anyway, I am not concerned about this and am in no way preparing to do the lemon law thing.

I suspect that I am going to be burning more than one quart every 2K miles. In fact, if the first test is any indicator, I should be using about a quart per thousand for around town no towing driving. I suspect that the only deal there will be spark plug fouling over time.

Dang, I sure don't want em fooling with this engine...it runs sooooo good and gets such good mileage.

Anybody else out there have an ext cab 2wd with 4.8 - -seeing 18-20 mpg? I guess if it's normal then tearing down this motor will be okay. Otherwise?

I'll tell the dealer that I can afford a couple of quarts here & there.

Dean