Thread: Using 2 qts betweenoil changes '06 GXP

I've seen bad pcv valves cause oil loss. With the miles on your car I wouldn't think that that is the problem though unless you never change your oil. Off topic, is your 86 gn a hot air car or intercooled?

My 05 GXP was burning oil like crazy. I took it to the dealership and they replaced the rear valve cover. It sounds crazy but it actually worked. They said they redesigned it and it had something with the oil flow thru the cover???.
I thought it was a valve seal or something. But it worked. Car has been fine since. Might be someting to look into. I have the extended GM warranty so am not ure on the cost to do it. It was covered. Just a thought.
Also, I remember doing a search and there is a TSB out on the 06+ burning oil becaue of a valve issue. The solution was to replace the head. Try doing a search on google and you will find it.

Originally Posted by tta1401

Yea, stupid car uses about 2 qts of oil between changes. NOT GOOD. Tried doing a search on here and no one else seems to have that problem. Googled it and only a few came up with no solutions. From what I gathered from searching, GM says that 1 qt every 2000 is normal. Buddy of mine says to check for to see if there is a vacuum line from the crankcase to the intake and if so to throw a catch can between it. His GTO was doing that and it solved his problem. Had about 1/2 to 3/4 of a quart in the catch can between oil changes. Says the LS motors use oil. My old '99 WS6 didn't use any so ? BTW, I don't drive the car hard at all and it has 25K miles on it. Any ideas?

TIA,

Originally Posted by tta1401

Thanks for the info. I will have to look into it. I do have a thrid party warranty on it. I will have to talk to a service tech to see if I have a good chance of them covering it.

I will try to get a part number for the new cover and look at my reciept. The GXP will be going in for new wheel bearings in a few weeks so I will ask them what they did exactly.

Originally Posted by tta1401

The one thing that leads me to believe that I am not leaking any oil is that I have no oil stains and it is bone dry underneath the car.

I never had a leak either. It was coming out of the exhaust. I had a blue puff of smoke come out of the exhaust everymorning after the car sat overnight. Check and see. Use your remote start and stand behind the car in the morning.
The dealer had my car for 5 days. I had a busted engine mount, new a/c compressor, new swaybar links (for the 3rd time), and they put a new intermeidiate steering shaft in, and the valve cover for the rear. Car runs awsesome now and doesnt burn any oil. I drvie the 02 GTP in the winter so I only have 4K on it since the work was done this summer.
Only has 42K on it. Yes I drive it hard. I love warranties. New trans will be coming soon. I only change the oil when the computer says to and I use Mobile one so it drove me nutz while it was burnng oil. Been doing that on all my gm cars. My 02 has 155K on it and not a single engine problem and it gets beat on daily as well.

Originally Posted by tta1401

If there was any smoke coming from the exhaust than that wouldn't be a valve cover leak, right? What you are desribing woud lead me to believe it's the valve seals. I was always told blue smoke was from a head gasket gone bad (coolant). Been there with two of my Buicks blowing the gaskets. I could be wrong though. I guess I am confused. I hope it would be a valve cover gasket and not the valve seals or any other seal for that matter (rear main would suck)! I am just scared to take it in for warranty work and find out my warranty (not factory) won't cover it. I s a repuatable(sp?) company too. I think its time to trade it in.

Blue smoke out the tail pipe is usually a vavle seal or valve issue. I thought I would be getting a new head for sure. But, according the pontiac dealership, it was something in the "old Vavle cover" not the gasket that was causing a problem. I can not see how that is, but whatever they did it stopped it.
Who knows, maybe the pulled the head and redid the seals. They had it for 5 days. All I know is that it doesnt smoke or burn oil anymore. i would think your 3rd party warranty would cover that even if it is vavle seals or a valve problem.
I will call a friend that works for pontiac and see if I can get you some information.

it seemed my car burned more oil when i used mobile 1 syn versus castrol syn or Kendell syn. most people go trough 1/2 to full quart between oil changes yours seems a bit excessive though.

i am having the same problem with my 06 gxp. i use about a quart inbetween oil changes. At first i noticed the smoke when i first started the car but now im noticing it happening more often especially under hard acceleration. So any new information on this would be greatly appreciated.

I would look into the rear valve cover option. I am a gm tech and I know we had issues with the trucks with excessive oil consumption- the fix was to replace the pcv valve and modify the oil baffle in the valve cover. you may have a similair issue- the new valve cover may help. the new pcv valve was not even a valve- just had a small hole to regulate a constant supply of vaccum to pull out crankcase vapours. I'm guessing the valves may have been sticking open and allowing excessive oil vapour to be pulled from the crankcase and burned. I searched gm service information: hope this helps.

#PIP4492K: Excessive Oil Consumption And/Or Blue Exhaust Smoke - Possible PCV Baffle Or Lifter - (Feb 1, 2010)bject:Excessive Oil Consumption and/or Blue Exhaust Smoke - Possible PCV Baffle or Lifter

Models:2009 Buick Lacrosse Super, Allure Super (Canada Only)

2004-2006 Buick Rainier

2004-2008 Cadillac CTS-V

2003-2010 Cadillac Escalade

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS (Only Models with RPO L99)

2003-2007 Chevrolet Corvette

2009-2010 Chevrolet Colorado

2003-2010 Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe,

2006-2009 Chevrolet Impala

2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR

2003-2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer

2008-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer

2009-2010 GMC Canyon

2003-2006 GMC Envoy

2008-2009 GMC Envoy

2003-2010 GMC Savana, Sierra, Yukon

2003-2010 Hummer H2

2008-2010 Hummer H3

2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix

2008-2010 Pontiac G8

2005-2006 Saab 97x

2008-2009 Saab 97x

With any of the following V8 Engine RPO Codes

4.8L - L20, LR4, LY2

5.3L - L33, L59, LH8, LH9, LM7, LMF, LMG, LS4, LY5, LC9, LH6 (*except 2007 model year LC9 and LH6)

6.0L - L76, L77, L96, LFA, LQ4, LQ9, LS2, LY6, LZ1

6.2L - L92, L94, L99, L9H

This PI was superseded to remove the 2007 LH6 and 2007 ST models since these have been incorporated into PIP4574. Please discard PIP4492J.
Important:

This PI does not apply to 2007 model year vehicles equipped with the 5.3L Engine RPO Code LC9 or LH6. Please refer to the latest version of PIP4574 for 2007 model year vehicles equipped with RPO Code LC9 or LH6 Engines that have an oil consumption concern. For all others, refer to the recommendations below.
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/Concern:

On rare occasions, some customers may complain of excessive oil consumption and/or blue exhaust smoke. Upon inspection, obvious oil will be found in the intake manifold and/or PCV vacuum tube.
This may be the result of:

• A PCV fresh air hose that is pinched or restricted by plastic casting flash (this would normally be a concern since new, or shortly after engine repairs).

• Plugged PCV baffle drain holes in the valve cover that has the PCV vacuum pipe attached to it (this would normally be a concern at high mileage).

• An improperly sealed PCV valve cover baffle (this would normally be a concern since new, or shortly after valve cover replacement).

• Over-aggressive valve lifters (generally occur at low mileage - less than 10,000 miles or so).

Recommendation/Instructions:

Important: This PI does not apply to 2007 model year vehicles equipped with the 5.3L Engine RPO Code LC9 or LH6. Please refer to the latest version of PIP4574 for 2007 model year vehicles equipped with RPO Code LC9 or LH6 Engines that have an oil consumption concern.
If bulletin 01-06-01-011 identifies excessive oil consumption but SI diagnosis does not isolate the cause of it, inspect the PCV vacuum pipe to see if obvious oil drips out of it and look through the throttle body opening to see if there is obvious standing oil in the bottom of the intake manifold (normally a 1/4 quart or more if this PI applies). If there is obvious oil in the PCV vacuum pipe or in the bottom of the intake, perform the steps below and re-evaluate the oil consumption concern:

1. Inspect the fresh air hose/pipe and all related connections to make sure that no restrictions exist (plastic casting flash, pinched hose, etc.), which may cause excessive crankcase vacuum. Repair the restriction as necessary. Generally, the oil consumption would have been a concern since new, or shortly after engine repairs, if this is the root cause.
2. Inspect the PCV baffle drain holes shown below to see if they are plugged with hardened oil deposits. These are located in the valve cover that has the PCV vacuum pipe attached to it. If they are plugged, replace the valve cover, ensure that the customer is changing their oil according to the maintenance schedule in their owner's manual, and re-evaluate the concern. Generally, the oil consumption would not have appeared until several thousand miles accumulated if this is the root cause.Important: If this step leads to valve cover replacement, perform step 3 on the replacement valve cover before installing it.
3. PCV Baffle Drain Holes:
   
   
4. Inspect the PCV baffle to ensure that it is properly sealed to the valve cover by flipping it over and adding a little oil to the baffle to valve cover joint as shown below. The oil should stay in place as shown on the 2 outer valve covers below. If the oil drains into the PCV baffle as pointed out on the middle valve cover below, replace the valve cover. Generally, the oil consumption would have been present early in the life of the vehicle or shortly after valve cover replacement if this is the root cause.Important: If this step leads to valve cover replacement, perform this step on the replacement valve cover before installing it.
5. PCV Baffle Comparison
   
   
6. If there is no problem found above but there is obvious oil in the PCV vacuum pipe or bottom of the intake manifold, this may be the result of the PCV system ingesting excessive oil due to an over-aggressive lifter. Sometimes this may occur intermittently so inspecting the lifter flow may or may not isolate the suspect lifter. As a result, all 16 lifters should be replaced if steps 1-3 above do not isolate the cause of excessive oil in the intake.

Important: If Step 2 or 3 leads to valve cover replacement, perform Step 3 on the replacement valve cover before installing it.
Important: Drain/clean the oil out of the intake manifold and install the intake with new intake gaskets before releasing the vehicle to the customer. If this is not performed, the customer may return with an exhaust smoke complaint even though their oil consumption complaint may be repaired.
Important: Make sure that the replacement lifters do not have any sign of debris in the plunger area as shown in the bottom-center lifter below. If there is debris present, remove it with some light shop air. Do not stick anything in the plunger area to remove it such as a screwdriver.
Example of Debris in Lifter




Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

Originally Posted by turbo dave

I would look into the rear valve cover option. I am a gm tech and I know we had issues with the trucks with excessive oil consumption- the fix was to replace the pcv valve and modify the oil baffle in the valve cover. you may have a similair issue- the new valve cover may help. the new pcv valve was not even a valve- just had a small hole to regulate a constant supply of vaccum to pull out crankcase vapours. I'm guessing the valves may have been sticking open and allowing excessive oil vapour to be pulled from the crankcase and burned. I searched gm service information: hope this helps.


#PIP4492K: Excessive Oil Consumption And/Or Blue Exhaust Smoke - Possible PCV Baffle Or Lifter - (Feb 1, 2010)bject:Excessive Oil Consumption and/or Blue Exhaust Smoke - Possible PCV Baffle or Lifter

Models:2009 Buick Lacrosse Super, Allure Super (Canada Only)

2004-2006 Buick Rainier

2004-2008 Cadillac CTS-V

2003-2010 Cadillac Escalade

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS (Only Models with RPO L99)

2003-2007 Chevrolet Corvette

2009-2010 Chevrolet Colorado

2003-2010 Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe,

2006-2009 Chevrolet Impala

2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR

2003-2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer

2008-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer

2009-2010 GMC Canyon

2003-2006 GMC Envoy

2008-2009 GMC Envoy

2003-2010 GMC Savana, Sierra, Yukon

2003-2010 Hummer H2

2008-2010 Hummer H3

2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix

2008-2010 Pontiac G8

2005-2006 Saab 97x

2008-2009 Saab 97x

With any of the following V8 Engine RPO Codes

4.8L - L20, LR4, LY2

5.3L - L33, L59, LH8, LH9, LM7, LMF, LMG, LS4, LY5, LC9, LH6 (*except 2007 model year LC9 and LH6)

6.0L - L76, L77, L96, LFA, LQ4, LQ9, LS2, LY6, LZ1

6.2L - L92, L94, L99, L9H

This PI was superseded to remove the 2007 LH6 and 2007 ST models since these have been incorporated into PIP4574. Please discard PIP4492J.
Important:

This PI does not apply to 2007 model year vehicles equipped with the 5.3L Engine RPO Code LC9 or LH6. Please refer to the latest version of PIP4574 for 2007 model year vehicles equipped with RPO Code LC9 or LH6 Engines that have an oil consumption concern. For all others, refer to the recommendations below.
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/Concern:

On rare occasions, some customers may complain of excessive oil consumption and/or blue exhaust smoke. Upon inspection, obvious oil will be found in the intake manifold and/or PCV vacuum tube.
This may be the result of:

• A PCV fresh air hose that is pinched or restricted by plastic casting flash (this would normally be a concern since new, or shortly after engine repairs).

• Plugged PCV baffle drain holes in the valve cover that has the PCV vacuum pipe attached to it (this would normally be a concern at high mileage).

• An improperly sealed PCV valve cover baffle (this would normally be a concern since new, or shortly after valve cover replacement).

• Over-aggressive valve lifters (generally occur at low mileage - less than 10,000 miles or so).

Recommendation/Instructions:

Important: This PI does not apply to 2007 model year vehicles equipped with the 5.3L Engine RPO Code LC9 or LH6. Please refer to the latest version of PIP4574 for 2007 model year vehicles equipped with RPO Code LC9 or LH6 Engines that have an oil consumption concern.
If bulletin 01-06-01-011 identifies excessive oil consumption but SI diagnosis does not isolate the cause of it, inspect the PCV vacuum pipe to see if obvious oil drips out of it and look through the throttle body opening to see if there is obvious standing oil in the bottom of the intake manifold (normally a 1/4 quart or more if this PI applies). If there is obvious oil in the PCV vacuum pipe or in the bottom of the intake, perform the steps below and re-evaluate the oil consumption concern:

1. Inspect the fresh air hose/pipe and all related connections to make sure that no restrictions exist (plastic casting flash, pinched hose, etc.), which may cause excessive crankcase vacuum. Repair the restriction as necessary. Generally, the oil consumption would have been a concern since new, or shortly after engine repairs, if this is the root cause.
2. Inspect the PCV baffle drain holes shown below to see if they are plugged with hardened oil deposits. These are located in the valve cover that has the PCV vacuum pipe attached to it. If they are plugged, replace the valve cover, ensure that the customer is changing their oil according to the maintenance schedule in their owner's manual, and re-evaluate the concern. Generally, the oil consumption would not have appeared until several thousand miles accumulated if this is the root cause.Important: If this step leads to valve cover replacement, perform step 3 on the replacement valve cover before installing it.
3. PCV Baffle Drain Holes:
   
   
4. Inspect the PCV baffle to ensure that it is properly sealed to the valve cover by flipping it over and adding a little oil to the baffle to valve cover joint as shown below. The oil should stay in place as shown on the 2 outer valve covers below. If the oil drains into the PCV baffle as pointed out on the middle valve cover below, replace the valve cover. Generally, the oil consumption would have been present early in the life of the vehicle or shortly after valve cover replacement if this is the root cause.Important: If this step leads to valve cover replacement, perform this step on the replacement valve cover before installing it.
5. PCV Baffle Comparison
   
   
6. If there is no problem found above but there is obvious oil in the PCV vacuum pipe or bottom of the intake manifold, this may be the result of the PCV system ingesting excessive oil due to an over-aggressive lifter. Sometimes this may occur intermittently so inspecting the lifter flow may or may not isolate the suspect lifter. As a result, all 16 lifters should be replaced if steps 1-3 above do not isolate the cause of excessive oil in the intake.

Important: If Step 2 or 3 leads to valve cover replacement, perform Step 3 on the replacement valve cover before installing it.
Important: Drain/clean the oil out of the intake manifold and install the intake with new intake gaskets before releasing the vehicle to the customer. If this is not performed, the customer may return with an exhaust smoke complaint even though their oil consumption complaint may be repaired.
Important: Make sure that the replacement lifters do not have any sign of debris in the plunger area as shown in the bottom-center lifter below. If there is debris present, remove it with some light shop air. Do not stick anything in the plunger area to remove it such as a screwdriver.
Example of Debris in Lifter




Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

I had this done on my 05 and it worked.

I have the same oil burning issue on my '06 gxp (4Q between last oil change ~ 4k miles ago).

I'm not really a car guy (love cars, but don't know how to fix em), so I'm trying to wrap my head around the options discussed here to fix the problem. Also trying to figure out which would be the cheapest fix, as my car is out of warranty now and I'm working with the dealer to try to get em to fix it for free as I brought up this oil burning problem a yr after I bought my car new - I know dealer is gonna want to do cheapest fix first.

Here is how I read the potential fixes to the problem (order of cheapest to most expensive fix):
1) A PCV fresh air hose that is pinched or restricted by plastic casting flash
2) Plugged PCV baffle drain holes in the valve cover that has the PCV vacuum pipe attached to it
3) An improperly sealed (rear) PCV Valve cover baffle
4) Valve stem "nick": http://www.aera.org/ep/techbulletins/Q1-2009/TB2505.pdf
5) Over-aggressive valve lifters

Are any of these 5 the same thing? Fixes to 1-3 and 5 is covered in turbo dave's post right?

Also, anyone got tips on how to get GM to fix problem out of warranty? I brought my car in LOTS of times while I was in warranty to try and fix oil burning problem, so I have the fact that my car is burning oil documented...