5.3l Engine Smoking

05SierraZ71 · July 14, 2009

I have a 2005 GMC Sierra with the 5.3L (L33), with approximately 65,000 miles on it. Within the past year I have noticed it seems to be using more oil than normal... Also after sitting for a day or two, when I go to start it up, it runs pretty rough and smokes quite a bit for a minute, then it goes away. And now it seems like it is happening more often. I know the easy answer would point to valve seals, or guides... Just wondering if this is common, and if anyone has any advice.

I like my truck, but if this is happening at 65,000 miles it makes me wonder what is next, maybe time to trade it in.

Thanks for the help.

Zembonez · July 14, 2009

I would say it is quite unusual for the 5.3. Many are running fine at 200,000 miles and using little oil. You might have a cracked ring or some other unusual issue. Might want to do a leakdown test on the engine to see what's up.

05SierraZ71 · July 15, 2009

I would say it is quite unusual for the 5.3. Many are running fine at 200,000 miles and using little oil. You might have a cracked ring or some other unusual issue. Might want to do a leakdown test on the engine to see what's up.

Yeah I think I am going to take off the valve covers and have a look. I still cant believe at 65,000 miles this is happening.

Draenor · July 15, 2009

Might want to do a leakdown test on the engine to see what's up.

Where I would start too.

Have you been giving regular oil changes?

alwcurlz · July 15, 2009

I have a 2005 GMC Sierra with the 5.3L (L33), with approximately 65,000 miles on it. Within the past year I have noticed it seems to be using more oil than normal... Also after sitting for a day or two, when I go to start it up, it runs pretty rough and smokes quite a bit for a minute, then it goes away. And now it seems like it is happening more often. I know the easy answer would point to valve seals, or guides... Just wondering if this is common, and if anyone has any advice.

I like my truck, but if this is happening at 65,000 miles it makes me wonder what is next, maybe time to trade it in.

Thanks for the help.

Have you checked the PCV valve? What kind of driving does your truck get?

Zembonez · July 15, 2009

I have a 2005 GMC Sierra with the 5.3L (L33), with approximately 65,000 miles on it. Within the past year I have noticed it seems to be using more oil than normal... Also after sitting for a day or two, when I go to start it up, it runs pretty rough and smokes quite a bit for a minute, then it goes away. And now it seems like it is happening more often. I know the easy answer would point to valve seals, or guides... Just wondering if this is common, and if anyone has any advice.

I like my truck, but if this is happening at 65,000 miles it makes me wonder what is next, maybe time to trade it in.

Thanks for the help.

Have you checked the PCV valve? What kind of driving does your truck get?

Good point. It's just not normal for these engines to have this issue... at least not as a mechanical issue. Might be worth running it by a good shop that works on a lot of GM stuff (key point here) and see what they say. High volume shops see a LOT of issues that we might not hear about here.

alwcurlz · July 15, 2009

I have a 2005 GMC Sierra with the 5.3L (L33), with approximately 65,000 miles on it. Within the past year I have noticed it seems to be using more oil than normal... Also after sitting for a day or two, when I go to start it up, it runs pretty rough and smokes quite a bit for a minute, then it goes away. And now it seems like it is happening more often. I know the easy answer would point to valve seals, or guides... Just wondering if this is common, and if anyone has any advice.

I like my truck, but if this is happening at 65,000 miles it makes me wonder what is next, maybe time to trade it in.

Thanks for the help.

Have you checked the PCV valve? What kind of driving does your truck get?

Good point. It's just not normal for these engines to have this issue... at least not as a mechanical issue. Might be worth running it by a good shop that works on a lot of GM stuff (key point here) and see what they say. High volume shops see a LOT of issues that we might not hear about here.

Yeah, best to have a shop look at it, and a GM house that could check on any TSB issues.

The other thing too, is there is a TSB on excess oil consumption/sticky throttle but, the sticky throttle was for just the 99-02, as they are cable operated, and 03 on up is drive by wire servo. I would imagine that 05 model wouldn't have that issue.

05SierraZ71 · July 17, 2009

I have changed the oil well before the change engine oil light comes on, usually every 3-4,000 miles. Have always used Mobil synthetic 5w30... PCV valve? I will have to look into that. As far as the sticky throttle tsb, I have had no issues with the throttle sticking.

Draenor · July 17, 2009

I have a 2005 GMC Sierra with the 5.3L (L33), with approximately 65,000 miles on it. Within the past year I have noticed it seems to be using more oil than normal... Also after sitting for a day or two, when I go to start it up, it runs pretty rough and smokes quite a bit for a minute, then it goes away. And now it seems like it is happening more often. I know the easy answer would point to valve seals, or guides... Just wondering if this is common, and if anyone has any advice.

I like my truck, but if this is happening at 65,000 miles it makes me wonder what is next, maybe time to trade it in.

Thanks for the help.

Have you checked the PCV valve? What kind of driving does your truck get?

Good catch, forgot about this.

nova411 · February 22, 2010

Hi,

I was wondering if you found the problem with your truck? I have the exact same problem at 70,000 miles. Also these trucks do not have a conventional PCV valve to change. The PCV system is internal in the engine.

Thanks!