OK, so I pulled my car into the garage and the car was idling a bit funny, so I am thinking "ahhh crap" pop the hood, everything looks and sounds fine. Car is not knocking, not hissing, not making any unusual noises. Turn the car off, and check the oil. Car has little to no oil in it.
I am thinking leak or blow by (bad ring lad).

So, I top up the car with oil. Nothing leaking under the car. Ok, turn the car, look for leaks nothing. I grab a friend to stand behind the car, give it a few kicks, no leaks still and no smoke. Give it a couple of more kicks, this time hitting boost and still nothing. Now I am stumped. The car is also idling perfectly fine now too. Took it for a light spin, pull into the garage no leaks and the car is still at the same level when I topped it off. I will obviously check under the car tomorrow before I go to work, and since I park in the same spot every day, I will check for oil there but at this point I am a bit stumped.

The car has had no unusual signs, no misfires or misses. No weird noises.

 

Subject: Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines #01-06-01-011D - (04/03/2007)

Models: 1998-2007 GM Passenger Cars and Gasoline Powered Light Duty Trucks Under 8500 LB GVW (Including Saturn)

2003-2007 HUMMER H2

2006-2007 HUMMER H3

2005-2007 Saab 9-7X

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This bulletin is being revised to include information on manual transmission vehicles and additional warranty statements. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-011C (Section 06 -- Engine/Propulsion System).


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All engines require oil to lubricate and protect the load bearing and internal moving parts from wear including cylinder walls, pistons and piston rings. When a piston moves down its cylinder, a thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall. During the power stroke, part of this oil layer is consumed in the combustion process. As a result, varying rates of oil consumption are accepted as normal in all engines.

Oil Consumption
The accepted rate of oil consumption for engines used in the vehicles referenced is 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi).

Important: Certain 2006 and 2007 models have a new GM Extended Warranty. Please refer to the appropriate Owner's Manual for warranty information.

This rate only applies to personal use vehicles, under warranty, that are driven in a non-aggressive manner and maintained in accordance with the appropriate maintenance schedule, with less than 58,000 km (36,000 mi), or 80,450 km (50,000 mi) for Cadillac, driven at legal speeds in an unloaded (for trucks) condition.

Important: This rate does not apply to vehicles that are driven in an aggressive manner, at high RPM, high speeds, or in a loaded condition (for trucks). Oil consumption for vehicles driven under these conditions will be more.

Many factors can affect a customer's concern with oil consumption. Driving habits and vehicle maintenance vary from owner to owner. Thoroughly evaluate each case before deciding whether the vehicle in question has abnormal engine oil consumption.

Gasket and External Leaks
Inspect the oil pan and engine covers for leakage due to over-tightened, damaged, or out of place gaskets. Inspect oil lines and fittings for signs of leakage.

Improper Reading of the Oil Level Indicator (Dipstick)
Verify that the dipstick tube is fully seated in the block. When checking the oil level, make sure the dipstick is wiped clean before taking an oil level reading and fully depress the dipstick until the shoulder bottoms out on the dipstick tube. The dipstick should be the proper part number for the engine/vehicle that is being checked.

Notice: Operating your vehicle with an oil level that is below the minimum level indicated on the engine oil dipstick can result in severe engine damage. Repairs resulting from operating an engine with insufficient oil are not covered under the terms of the New Vehicle Warranty.

Important: Refer to Owner Manual in SI for checking and adding engine oil.

Not Waiting Long Enough After Running Engine to Check Oil Level
Some engines require more time than others for the oil to drain back into the crankcase. To assure a sufficient amount of oil has drained back to the crankcase, and an accurate reading can be obtained, the vehicle should be allowed to sit for at least 15 minutes, after the engine has been shut off, before taking an oil level reading. In order to ensure accurate results, the temperature of the oil should be close to the same temperature as the last time the oil level was checked.

Important: This does not apply to 2006 and 2007 Corvette ZO6 equipped with the 7.0L LS7 engine (dry sump). Follow the instructions in the Owner's Manual for checking the oil in this application.

Improper Oil Fill After an Oil Change
Following an oil change, verify that the proper amount and type of oil was put in the engine and that the oil level on the dipstick is not above the full mark or below the add marks. Refer to the Owner's Manual or Service Manual for information on recommended oil quantity, viscosity, and quality.

Aggressive Driving, High Speed or High RPM Driving
Aggressive driving and/or continuous driving at high speeds/high RPMs will increase oil consumption. Because this may not always be an everyday occurrence, it is hard to determine exactly how much the oil economy will be affected.

A higher rate of oil consumption is normal for vehicles equipped with manual transmissions that are driven aggressively. By "aggressive," we mean operation at high RPM (3,000 RPM to redline), with frequent use of engine braking (using the engine to slow the vehicle). Vehicles that are driven aggressively may consume engine oil at a rate of up to 0.946 L (1 quart) every 805 km (500 mi). This is normal for a vehicle that is driven aggressively. No repair is necessary. This characteristic does, however, require the owner to check the engine oil level at sufficiently frequent intervals, especially when driving aggressively, to assure the oil level remains within the recommended operating range. As the Owner’s Manual recommends, you should check the oil level every time you get fuel.

Towing or Heavy Usage
Towing a trailer will increase oil consumption and may cause oil consumption to fall below the normal accepted rate referenced in this bulletin for an unloaded vehicle in a personal use application. Large frontal area trailers will further increase the work required from the engine, especially at highway speeds, and thus increases the rate of oil consumption.

Crankcase Ventilation System
Verify that the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is operating properly. Blockages, restrictions, or damage to the PCV system can result in increased oil use.

Oil Dilution (Fuel and Water)
On vehicles that are usually driven short distances, less than 8 km (5 mi), especially in colder weather, unburned fuel and condensation generated from cold engine operation may not get hot enough to evaporate out of the oil. When this occurs, the dipstick may indicate that the oil level is over-full. Subsequent driving on a trip of sufficient length to enable normal engine operating temperature for 30 minutes or more, in order to vaporize excess moisture and fuel, may give the customer the impression of excessive oil consumption.

Engine Temperature
If an engine is run at overheated temperatures (see Owner's Manual or Service Manual) for more than brief periods, oil will oxidize at a faster than normal rate. In addition, gaskets may distort, piston rings may stick, and excessive wear may result. Verify that all cooling system components are in proper working order.

Engine Wear
Piston scuffing, excessive piston-to-wall clearance, tapered or out of round cylinders, worn, damaged or improperly installed valve guides, seals and piston rings will all cause an increase in oil consumption.

Measurement of Oil Consumption
Engines require a period of time to BREAK IN so that moving parts are properly seated. Therefore, oil economy should not be tested until the vehicle has accumulated at least 6400 km (4000 mi). An exception would be allowed only if an engine is reported to be using more than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 1600 km (1000 mi).

Verify that the engine has no external leaks. Repair as necessary.
Verify that the engine is at normal operating temperature (see Owner's Manual or Service Manual).
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Wait at least 15 minutes, after the engine is shut off, before checking the oil level to make sure that the oil has had time to drain back into the crankcase.
Verify that the oil level is at, but not above, the full mark on the dipstick, and that the proper viscosity and quality oil are being used as recommended in the Owner's Manual.
Record the vehicle mileage, date, and exact oil level on the form included in this bulletin.
Ask the customer to verify the oil level, each time the vehicle is fueled, following steps 1-6 and return the vehicle to the dealership if the oil level is found at or below the add mark, 0.946 liter (1 qt) low. If the oil level remains above the add mark, the customer should continue to operate the vehicle and verify the engine oil level until 3200 km (2000 mi) has accumulated before returning to the dealership for a final evaluation.
If the final evaluation shows that the engine uses more than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi), follow the published symptom diagnostics as described in the appropriate Service Manual. If the oil consumption test shows that the engine uses less than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi), explain to the customer that their engine meets the guidelines for oil consumption.

Oil Consumption Diagnosis
Excessive oil consumption, not due to leaks, is the use of 0.9 L (1 qt) or greater of engine oil within 3 200 kilometers (2,000 miles). The causes of excessive oil consumption include the following conditions:

• External oil leaks

Tighten bolts and/or replace gaskets and oil seals as necessary.

• Incorrect oil level or improper reading of oil level indicator

With the vehicle on a level surface, allow adequate drain down time and inspect for the correct oil level.

• Improper oil viscosity

Use recommended SAE viscosity for the prevailing temperatures.

• Continuous high speed driving and/or severe usage

• Crankcase ventilation system restrictions or malfunctioning components

• Valve guides and/or valve stem oil seals worn, or the seal omitted

Ream guides and install oversize service valves and/or new valve stem oil seals.

• Piston rings broken, improperly installed, worn, or not seated properly

Allow adequate time for rings to seat. Replace broken or worn rings, as necessary.

• Piston improperly installed or mis-fitted

 

I checked my oil about 2 days ago, it was perfectly fine. When i checked my oil tonight it wasn't even registering on the dip stick.

I am a frequent user of engine braking, and i was driving a bit aggressive the last few days. But i have done this in the past with no problems. But at least this makes me worry a bit less about what is going on. Thanks

 

I'd keep an espically close eye on it. I was looking for a bullitin that said something about excessive oil consumption, but with the 3-way cat on these cars, you may not or just barely notice any tell tale blue smoke, due to the cat doing its job.

 

I have a high flow cat on my car, but i might stick my test pipe in there just to be safe then.

 

It's let you know for sure if it was smoking through the rings. also check your coolant reserve tank. see if things are nice clear orange, cause if its muddy brown you got oil contamination.

 

Checked everything today, still no leaks.

Did a compression test as well
#1 #2 #3 #4
125 130 150 115

So going by the 75% rule everything just squeaks by but it almost looks like she is puffing black smoke now. I also threw a code but of course my areoforce is being stupid and stoped working before i could read it. I will be going out later to read it.

Car is idling a bit funny too, thinking i might be joining the build club.

 

Nothing in the coolant?

How did the plugs look?

 

Nothing in the coolant, plugs were a bit black, but nothing on or near the elctrodes

 

With #4 down like that coompared to the other 3. Sounds like 'ol Number 4 pullin' into the station.

 

ya, thats what i was worried about

 

Ok, I went and checked the dip stick again today, and it was still 3 notches on the reader. I looked at the coolant, and it looks like it down a bit.

I went and fired up the car, everything sounded great. Idle was good, nothing ticking again, then all of a sudden the white smoke started coming out the tail pipe agian. I then proceed to check the oil again with the car running, and when i pulled the dip stick out there was no oil on the reader and there was a white smoke coming out of the dip stick tube. So i quickly turned the car off again and go a check the dip stick, IT WAS BACK TO 3 BARS.

Now I am really stumped. What is going on with my car. This would also explain the first night it happened, when i checked my oil there was none in the car so i filled it up to 4 bars checked the next day and it was an inch above the reader. Its almost like the car is holding the oil somewhere when it is on, and white smoke generally means coolant burning. Could a cracked head gasket be causing all of this?

It would be nice if a few of the others that have had motor problems would join in on the conversation.

 

That is off the wall dude. What kind of mod level are you at?

 

You should only check your oil with the engine off.
Engine compression varies quite a bit, that is definitely not a good sign.

 

i have been preaty much maxed out for about a year now, mod's are in vbgarage