2009 Silverado burning oil

[chrismoore701]

I bought a 2009 silverado with the 5.3 and it seems like I am burning oil. has 38,000 miles on it, just out of warranty as my luck has it. first oil change, the oil seemed low, just marked it up to that is what you get when buying a used car. 2nd oil change about 4500 miles, usually do 3000 but I lost track, anyways about 1 - 1.5 qts low. is there anything I can do? should I be worried? would Zmax do anything? I plan to keep this truck for a long time.

[75ChevyGuy]

I believe that is considered normal by GM standards. But I do know of a vehicle that came through the shop and they replaced the drivers side valve cover for a updated design. Something to do with the baffle that is inside the cover. Also check in the throttle body to make sure your not sucking it all up.

[truckdude239]

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/inde...owtopic=119671

[clinebarger]

I could'nt get the link to work Truckdude?

Using a heavy weight oil can cause this, Are you using 5W-30?

[truckdude239]

Document ID: 2524100
#10-06-01-008: Engine Oil Consumption on Aluminum Block Engines with Active Fuel Management (AFM) (Install AFM Oil Deflector and Clean Carbon from Cylinder) - (Aug 24, 2010)

Subject:

Engine Oil Consumption on Aluminum Block Engines with Active Fuel Management (AFM) (Install AFM Oil Deflector and Clean Carbon from Cylinder)



Models:

2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT





2007-2008 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe





2007-2008 GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra Denali, Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali, Yukon Denali XL





2008 Pontiac G8 GT





Equipped with Aluminum Block V8 Engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) (RPOs LC9, LH6, L76, LFA, L92)





with Greater than 45,000 km (28,000 mi)



http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/#ss1-2524100

<H3 style="MARGIN: auto 0in">Condition</H3>

Some customers may comment about engine oil consumption on vehicles with 45,000-56,000 km (28,000-35,000 mi) or greater. Upon further investigation, a technician may find that the engine uses 0.946 L (1 qt) of oil in as little as 1,200 km (800 mi). After this bulletin is completed, the vehicle should be driven 3,200-4,800 km (2,000-3,000 mi), then tested for oil consumption again.

http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/#ss2-2524100

<H3 style="MARGIN: auto 0in">Cause</H3>

This condition may be caused by an uncovered AFM valve that sprays oil on the bottom of the cylinders when the vehicle is in four cylinder mode. Over time, the rings cannot handle the volume and begin to stick with carbon. At that point, the vehicle oil usage may go up considerably.

http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/#ss3-2524100

<H3 style="MARGIN: auto 0in">Correction</H3>

A new AFM shield/ring cleaning process has been developed to restore the function of the rings. If the oil economy has not improved to no more than 0.946 L (1 qt) of oil consumed in 3200 km (2000 mi) after cleaning, it may be necessary to replace all of the pistons and piston rings.

Important: It is critical in this cleaning process that the engine/fuel injector cleaner remain in the cylinders for a minimum of 2.5 hours to fully clean the components. The cleaner solution must be removed before a maximum of three hours.

Verify the oil consumption concern following Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-011F. If oil consumption is found, continue on with this bulletin.
Remove the spark plugs and ensure that none of the pistons are at top dead center (TDC).
Clean the pistons by putting 118-147 ml (4-5 oz) of Upper Engine and Fuel Injector Cleaner, GM P/N 88861802 (in Canada, use 88861804), in each cylinder. Allow the material to soak for at least 2.5-3.0 hours, but no more than three hours and then remove the cleaner. A suggested method of removing the cleaner is cranking engine over. Make sure to unplug the ignition coils and fuel injector before cranking the engine over. Also make sure that the painted surfaces are covered so no damage is done.
Remove the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement in SI.

http://gsi.xw.gm.com...o?image=2474205
Remove the AFM valve (1).

http://gsi.xw.gm.com...o?image=2474207
Install the new shield (1), GM P/N 12639759, and tighten the AFM valve to the oil pan to 28 N·m (20 lb ft).

Important: Ensure that the engine cleaner is thoroughly removed before reinstalling the spark plugs. Failure to do so may result in a hydro-lock condition.

Reinstall the spark plugs.
Reinstall the oil pan. Refer to the Oil Pan Installation procedure in SI.
Re-evaluate the oil consumption. Document on the repair order. If the oil consumption is still greater than 0.946 L (1 qt) in 3,200 km (2000 mi), replacement of the pistons and rings will be required.

http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/#ss4-2524100

<H3 style="MARGIN: auto 0in">Parts Information</H3>

Part Number

Description

Qty

12639759

DEFLECTOR-OIL PRESS RLF VLV

1

88861802 (in Canada, use 88861804)

CLEANER, F/INJR 16 OZ LIQUID POUR (Upper Engine and Fuel Injector Cleaner)

3
http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/#ss5-2524100

<H3 style="MARGIN: auto 0in">Warranty Information</H3>

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

J7555*

Install AFM Oil Deflector and Clean Carbon from Cylinder

3.5 hrs

Install AFM Oil Deflector and Clean Carbon from Cylinder (G8 Only)

10.5 hrs

*This is a unique labor operation for bulletin use only. It will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.


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.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

© 2010 General Motors. All rights reserved.

[truckdude239]

thi was copy pasted from another site so links ,might not work

[919cw313]

If there is an issue, it should be covered under the powertrain warranty.

1 quart every 3000 miles may be considered normal, ask a dealer.

[chrismoore701]

How long should the power train warranty be for? I don't remember.

[chrismoore701]

I am using 5w-30 which is recommended

[djinva]

2009 would have a 100k drivetrain warranty. My 07 Avalanche also uses a little oil but I thought it was just because the 5-30 is so thin, I am going to check into the above bulletin.

[rollinhard]

My wife's 2010 sierra with afm 5.3 was using oil. I switched it over to Mobil 1 5w30 full synthetic like guys were saying to do and now it doesn't seem to use any. Not sure y but 6000 miles and no oil loss.

[jasonhall]

I own a 2009 with 33xxx miles and I am losing oil also . Now taking it to the dealer every 500 miles to record oil consumption
Posted via Mobile Device

[lolife99]

It's a pretty common problem.
Search the Internet.
Usually a piston change is required to make it stop.

I just saw my GM mechanic buddy working on a 2010 suburban with 57k miles.
Swapping pistons.
It was using a quart in 300-500 miles.
Posted via Mobile Device

[jasonhall]

It's crazy to have these problems with newer trucks. I bought this truck ,so I would not have these problems. Hell my 69 with the old 454 did not use hardly any oil. My 98 and 2000 silverados had no big issues what so ever.
Posted via Mobile Device

[72BlckButy]

Originally Posted by lolife99

It's a pretty common problem.
Search the Internet.
Usually a piston change is required to make it stop.

I just saw my GM mechanic buddy working on a 2010 suburban with 57k miles.
Swapping pistons.
It was using a quart in 300-500 miles.
Posted via Mobile Device

I believe you referred to the consistency as.... "varnish."

[lolife99]

Yep.
The owner wasn't changing the oil either.
But if I had to add a quart every 500 miles,... Is there really a need to change it?
Posted via Mobile Device

[72BlckButy]

LOL... No.

[jasonhall]

My truck is burning a half a quart every 500 miles .. Does the piston swap solve the problem ? Whats different about the new pistons?
Posted via Mobile Device

[LEEVON]

It's the dang AFM, and the VLOM is the oiling system that is referred to in the bulletin. It genius but the whole system contributes to a range of issues. Collapsed lifters, oil consumption, carbon build-up, etc. That's why I had it turned off in my 2008, without any noticeable drop in mileage. My wife's 2009 Suburban has had the collapsed lifters on the inactive cylinders which wiped out the cam. We found this out AFTER buying it from it's service history. I've got me eye on the oil consumption now.

IF I had the consumption problem, I'd stay on the dealership until they performed the service and if that did the trick have the AFM turned off.

[jasonhall]

My truck does not have the shut down of cylinders . I have a few more months before the next oil change, before the dealer will jack with it.
Posted via Mobile Device