Using oil between changes
 

Has anyone else here noticed there H3 using oil between oil changes? I am using mobil1 synthetic and going on a 6000 mi schedule. At about 600 mi left before changing it again I checked the level on the dipstick and it was low I had to add 3 qt. :eek: This isn't normal, I haven't seen one drop of oil anywhere I park either. The truck has 11400 mi on it.

Re: Using oil between changes
 

I just switched to Mobile 1 (about 200 miles ago). I'll keep an eye on it.

Re: Using oil between changes
 

I switched to mobile 1 at 12,000 miles,I just changed it at 18,000 checked level 1 week before oil change it was at full.:D 3 qt's down is alot:eek:

Re: Using oil between changes
 

I think yopu should get your rig into the dealer! That seems like alot to be low...unless it was misfilled?!?!?!?!

Re: Using oil between changes
 

I have not had that issue. I just switched to Royal Purple. 3 quarts is a lot to lose, it should take 1 qt to go from E to F on the dipstick. Any oil residue around the oil pan drain bolt or oil filter? Does your rig smell like burnt oil after driving for awhile? All worth checking out.

Re: Using oil between changes
 

I am running Mobil 1 EP w/ Mobil 1 oil filters. 7500 miles so far on this OCI and not a drop used. Completely full. Something is really wrong if you are burning that much oil...

Re: Using oil between changes
 

Take it to the dealer and have them do an oil use check. They will fill up the engine, seal it, and have you check it every few hundred miles. Then after a set period they will determine the oil usage.
Every engine uses oil, it has to, if not the rings would be sliding on dry cylinder walls and that is not good. However, oil usage is low, and 3 qts in 5500 miles is excessive.

Re: Using oil between changes
 

3 Quarts:crying: Monitor carefully something wrong!

Re: Using oil between changes
 

Just switched to mobile 1. thinking maybe it wasn't filled to beguin with?

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I checked it a month or so ago and it was full. Taking it to the dealer tomorrow, and have it checked out. :confused:

Re: Using oil between changes
 

No measurable usage (via dipstick) between changes using regular oil.

S.

Re: Using oil between changes
 

Just wondering :confused: Wouldnt(or shouldnt) the oil light go on at 2 or 3 quarts low.:confused:

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That's what brought it to my attention. When I took a few sharp turns I heard a ding and the light illuminated for a second then went out.

Re: Using oil between changes
 

I swicthed to Castrol synthetic @10,500 sitting at 18,500 now, dipstick still shows full and the last email from onstar showed 63% oil life left. Something is not right with the engine!!!!

Re: Using oil between changes
 

Yeah I called the dealer today, they want me to put some miles on it this weekend and monitor the oil. Tuesday they want me to bring it in to look at it.

Re: Using oil between changes
 

In about 1998 during the early LS1 days, GM had a piston ring fluttering issue that caused much higher than normal oil consumption. Many people went to the dealer after loosing a quart or more in 3000 miles and they were told that this amount of oil loss was not excessive. Be persistent with the dealer - hold your ground.

Re: Using oil between changes
 

Would that have something to do with the clattering sound I get when backing out of the accelerator?

Re: Using oil between changes
 

I don't know. LS1's had some piston slap issues and the I5 has a special table for piston slap when cold. Do you hear the noise when cold?

Do you notice and blueish smoke coming from the exhaust? I'm wondering if you have a valve guide issue that is making some noise and letting oil get burnt in the combusion.

F5 is a good one to ask about this.

Re: Using oil between changes
 

It generally does it when I am doing 30 mph or higher, and is usually warm. As for blueish smoke I haven't noticed any smoke.

Re: Using oil between changes
 

Have the dealer run an oil usage test on the vehicle. They top off the oil, seal the stick and the drain plug and have you come back at different dates to have it checked.
If an engine has piston slap, it goes away when the engine warms and parts start to expand.

Re: Using oil between changes
 

Checked the oil today and I am 1/2 quart low. I topped it off on wed. and after about 400mi this weekend I am low again. :confused: Tomorrow it goes into the dealer.

Re: Using oil between changes
 

Good luck! I hope the dealer has a good tech. If not, this can get pretty ugly.

Re: Using oil between changes
 

Have you looked to see if there is any oil traces on the block?

Re: Using oil between changes
 

I have not noticed any oil traces on the block and I did drop the H3 at the dealer today. This sure sucks being without it , but they are going to call me tomorrow. But that doesn't mean anything.:confused:

Re: Using oil between changes
 

Well I am now back in possession of my H3 :D . The dealer is running an oil consumption diagnosis, after 1500 mi I am to take it back in for a check. If there is no oil used in the 1st 1500 mi I am to return it at 3000 mi. Document ID # 1271371 2006 Hummer H3 states " Excessive oil consumption (not due to leaks) is the use of 0.95L (1.0qts) or more of engine oil within 2,414 kilometers (1,500 miles)

Re: Using oil between changes
 

And if you look the oil pan has a seal on it (or should have) and the dipstick is also sealed (again, should be).

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This may be a silly question but if it is more than a quart low at the 1st check than what?

Re: Using oil between changes
 

Then they have to diagnose the question, "why is it using oil." This is normally followed by a compression and leak down test. Compression test will tell the condition of the cylinder head gasket, valves and cylinder rings. A leak down test will show what is specifically wrong in a cylinder if it fails a compression test. They apply high pressure to the cylinder via the spark plug hole, and where the air leaks out determines where the problem is.
If all are ok, then they have to look for a leak. Very seldom, but aluminum castings can be porous, allowing oil to leak out the pores of the aluminum. This usually shows oil streaks on the external engine surfaces.
In the early days of aluminum engines, this was not unusual. In the modern process, especially lost foam, it is unusual, but can happen.

If rings are bad, they will rebuild the engine, if valves are bad, they will replace the head, if gaskets are bad, they will replace a gasket. If the engine block is porous, they will usually replace the short block of the engine (engine block, pistons, crank, etc. but not the cylinder head). All depends on how they are servicing the engine.

Re: Using oil between changes
 

Thanks for all the info, I will keep you updated when I find out more.:beerchug:

Re: Using oil between changes
 

Well I am back with some info as to why my engine was using oil between changes. My dealer performed an oil consumption test, I was instructed to put on 1,500 mi then return to the dealer for a check. I was 2qts low again :confused: I was set up in a loaner H3 and was told I would be called back tomorrow. The tech called me back the following day as promised and told me that there is a service bulletin on the cam cover and the cam cover gasket. This is what was allowing the oil to be burned off, so if anyone notices any abnormal oil consumption this may be the reason. I will be monitoring the oil more closely and keep you guys informed of any more problems.

Re: Using oil between changes
 

Good to know, but I can't find the bulletin; wonder if they are talking about a notification from technical assistance? I have to assume the dealer added flourescent dye to the oil when they did the oil change, this should have located the oil leak with a black light. (Just talking to myself.)

Hope this fixes the problem.

Re: Using oil between changes
 

They did put dye in the oil although I couldn't figure out why. Now that I know it was florescent it all adds up now. :clapping:

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Well what I thought was the fix for my oil consumption problem ended up not being the problem. :( After driving almost 400mi I checked the oil level and I was 1/2 a quart low again. So I will be taking it to the shop again on Monday,will keep you updated . :confused:

Re: Using oil between changes
 

Any updates on this? This follow-up thread didn't answer much