Excess oil in the PCV system

[rmnc3r]

So,
The installed Valley Cover itself is bad or is it a design defect inherent in all Valley Covers for the (LS3) engine.

The OP showed that the oil was less in the CC was less after the Valley Cover was replaced.

Just so I'm giving correct information to my dealer; he should replace the Valley Cover, which SHOULD minimize the Oil Loss?

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by rmnc3r

So,
The installed Valley Cover itself is bad or is it a design defect inherent in all Valley Covers for the (LS3) engine.

The OP showed that the oil was less in the CC was less after the Valley Cover was replaced.

Just so I'm giving correct information to my dealer; he should replace the Valley Cover, which SHOULD minimize the Oil Loss?

Not all have this issue based on the amount of oil some others have collected. It seems to be random. As SC2150 said, it appears there is a problem with the intergrated PCV baffle and the cover.

My service invoice states.

Customer advises he has a catch can on PCV system. Customer is catching an ounce every 300 miles. ADVISE
Valley cover
remove throttle body and inspect found excessive oil in intake suspect valley cover leaking. Remove intake ans replace valley reinstall intake.

Qt - 1 Part # 12599296 Description - cover 3.265

Hope this helps.

[beesting'78]

Glad to hear you got that fixed . How long did they end up hNGOng your car?

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by beesting'78

Glad to hear you got that fixed . How long did they end up hNGOng your car?

Hey man how's it going? I think they had my car for a total of 7 days. But, I had a long list of stuff for them to fix including doing paint work because of the spoiler, so it was cool.

Oh btw, I'm going to install a chrome catch can this weekend, so my black anodized Elite one will be for sale.

[GJG]

ok....now i need to see a diagram of this valley cover that has composite oil separating baffles and PCV plumbing incorporated....so i can better visualize the PCV baffles which may not be properly sealed to the valley cover ................LOL

[beesting'78]

I think I will grab that from you . Again thank you for the other parts. I will give you a call this weekend

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by beesting'78

I think I will grab that from you . Again thank you for the other parts. I will give you a call this weekend

Cool, I'll should be around all weekend.

Threadjacking my own thread



To anyone wondering about their PCV system you need a catch can. Had I not installed one of these it would have taken me a long time to find out something was wrong. And on a related note keep an eye on your oil level just in case.

[SC2150]

Originally Posted by IndeedSS1

Cool, I'll should be around all weekend.

Threadjacking my own thread



To anyone wondering about their PCV system you need a catch can. Had I not installed one of these it would have taken me a long time to find out something was wrong. And on a related note keep an eye on your oil level just in case.

Good point! Post the chrome pics when installed, sure to set off the engine compartment. No matter who's can you go with out of the well known ones, every car can benefit from one.

[csjcsj]

I have an Elite Catch Can also and I have noticed that about Every 3 or 4 weeks when I check it, it is about half full, so am I taking it I may be having the same problem? I just thought this is normal...

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by SC2150

Good point! Post the chrome pics when installed, sure to set off the engine compartment. No matter who's can you go with out of the well known ones, every car can benefit from one.

Because it can't be said enough, reinforced in bold.

I'm new to the LSx engines and am amazed how much oil goes through the PCV system, even when running normally. My L67 didn't seem to get that much oil in the intake. But installing a catch can on one of those isn't that easy because of the M90 blower and the location of the PCV passages.

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by csjcsj

I have an Elite Catch Can also and I have noticed that about Every 3 or 4 weeks when I check it, it is about half full, so am I taking it I may be having the same problem? I just thought this is normal...

Yours sounds like it may have the same problem as mine. When you get ready to take it to the dealership, it helps to keep track of the miles and dump the oil in a empty water bottle so the service manager can have a visual.
I beleive someone said a couple of tablespoons between oil changes would be in the normal range.

[jmcbeth]

Everyone, just found out there is a TSB on this issue. Here it is (I am experiencing quart loss every 500 miles):
*
Some customers may comment on any of the following conditions:
****•*Excessive oil consumption.
****•*
Blue exhaust smoke.
****•*
The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated.
The technician may observe DTC P0300 set as current or in history.
This condition may be caused by one or more of the following:
****•*
A PCV tube that is pinched or restricted by casting flash.
****•*
The PCV baffle drain holes may be plugged.
****•*
A malfunctioning PCV orifice.
****•*
The PCV system pulling an excessive amount of oil through the left valve rocker arm cover.
****•*
Overactive valve lifters spraying an excessive amount of oil onto the underside of the left valve rocker arm cover.
Recommendation/Instructions
*
Perform a complete visual inspection of the engine. Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in SI.
Remove the left side valve rocker arm cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Left Side in SI.
Important:*If the valve lifters ARE overactive, this step will result in oil being sprayed in the engine area.
Start and idle the engine.
⇒
If idling the engine DOES RESULT in an excessive amount of oil being sprayed from ANY valve lifter, replace ALL 8 valve lifters AND then PROCEED to Step 4. Refer to Valve Lifter Replacement (With AFM) in SI.
⇒
If idling the engine DOES NOT result in an excessive amount of oil being sprayed from ANY valve lifter, then PROCEED to Step 4.
Inspect the crankcase ventilation system. Refer to Crankcase Ventilation System Inspection/Diagnosis and Crankcase Ventilation System Description in SI.
Inspect the PCV tube for oil dripping out of it. Refer to Positive Crankcase Ventilation Hose/Pipe/Tube Replacement in SI.
Look through the throttle body opening for oil collecting in the bottom of the intake manifold.
⇒
If oil is observed leaking from the PCV tube or accumulating in the intake manifold, then REPLACE the left bank valve rocker arm cover AND the PCV tube with the revised parts listed in the Parts Information section below. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Left Side and Positive Crankcase Ventilation Hose/Pipe/Tube Replacement in SI.
*
*

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by jmcbeth

Everyone, just found out there is a TSB on this issue. Here it is (I am experiencing quart loss every 500 miles):
*
Some customers may comment on any of the following conditions:
****•*Excessive oil consumption.
****•*
Blue exhaust smoke.
****•*
The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated.
The technician may observe DTC P0300 set as current or in history.
This condition may be caused by one or more of the following:
****•*
A PCV tube that is pinched or restricted by casting flash.
****•*
The PCV baffle drain holes may be plugged.
****•*
A malfunctioning PCV orifice.
****•*
The PCV system pulling an excessive amount of oil through the left valve rocker arm cover.
****•*
Overactive valve lifters spraying an excessive amount of oil onto the underside of the left valve rocker arm cover.
Recommendation/Instructions
*
Perform a complete visual inspection of the engine. Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in SI.
Remove the left side valve rocker arm cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Left Side in SI.
Important:*If the valve lifters ARE overactive, this step will result in oil being sprayed in the engine area.
Start and idle the engine.
⇒
If idling the engine DOES RESULT in an excessive amount of oil being sprayed from ANY valve lifter, replace ALL 8 valve lifters AND then PROCEED to Step 4. Refer to Valve Lifter Replacement (With AFM) in SI.
⇒
If idling the engine DOES NOT result in an excessive amount of oil being sprayed from ANY valve lifter, then PROCEED to Step 4.
Inspect the crankcase ventilation system. Refer to Crankcase Ventilation System Inspection/Diagnosis and Crankcase Ventilation System Description in SI.
Inspect the PCV tube for oil dripping out of it. Refer to Positive Crankcase Ventilation Hose/Pipe/Tube Replacement in SI.
Look through the throttle body opening for oil collecting in the bottom of the intake manifold.
⇒
If oil is observed leaking from the PCV tube or accumulating in the intake manifold, then REPLACE the left bank valve rocker arm cover AND the PCV tube with the revised parts listed in the Parts Information section below. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Left Side and Positive Crankcase Ventilation Hose/Pipe/Tube Replacement in SI.
*
*

Wow, a qt per 500 miles, that is something completely different. I didn't have any of the systoms listed. Thanks for posting this, since it may be helpful to others searching for resolutions. Do you have the TSB number or at least the list of vehicles/years affected?

[csjcsj]

Originally Posted by IndeedSS1

Yours sounds like it may have the same problem as mine. When you get ready to take it to the dealership, it helps to keep track of the miles and dump the oil in a empty water bottle so the service manager can have a visual.
I beleive someone said a couple of tablespoons between oil changes would be in the normal range.

I will do this starting this weekend. Thanks for pointing this out. I just wonder if my mods will keep a dealer from correcting the problem!!!!!!!!

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by csjcsj

I will do this starting this weekend. Thanks for pointing this out. I just wonder if my mods will keep a dealer from correcting the problem!!!!!!!!

I don't see how they could deny you, based on your mod list. I went in stock with this issue, except for the catch can. You can point them to this thread, if need be. I'd also ask them if they have a Corvette mechanic, and nicely request if that person could look it over. There is a good possibility this person will know right away what needs to be done.

Good luck and let us know how it goes for you.

[jmcbeth]

Originally Posted by IndeedSS1

Wow, a qt per 500 miles, that is something completely different. I didn't have any of the systoms listed. Thanks for posting this, since it may be helpful to others searching for resolutions. Do you have the TSB number or at least the list of vehicles/years affected?

I'll see if I can get that info. I believe the supercharger exacerbates the problem...

[rmnc3r]

I took mine in last night. The Service Tech seemed dubious about my assessment.
It would be helpful if I can reference the applicable current TSB # mentioned in post #37 instead of the earlier one I found for the 99-02 LS6.

[camaro52010]

Originally Posted by jmcbeth

I'll see if I can get that info. I believe the supercharger exacerbates the problem...

No Supercharger here but 4 to 8 ozs. of oil every other week so 200 to 400 miles. Dip stick never low ? Have not added any oil although I have emptied probably a quart out of the elite catch can.

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by camaro52010

No Supercharger here but 4 to 8 ozs. of oil every other week so 200 to 400 miles. Dip stick never low ? Have not added any oil although I have emptied probably a quart out of the elite catch can.

I have a hard time getting a good read on the dipstick. That said, you definitely should see the level drop.

[rmnc3r]

Well, as anticipated, my local dealer is unable to find the current TSB regarding this issue. He wants to do an Oil Change, put the PCV back to OE, run the car for 1k miles and do a recheck for consumption.

Jmcbeth; can you please post the TSB # that you posted about?


SIGH!!

[jmcbeth]

I asked, awaiting response. Will let you know as soon as I find out.

[justa25thTA]

Originally Posted by jmcbeth

Everyone, just found out there is a TSB on this issue. Here it is (I am experiencing quart loss every 500 miles):
*
Some customers may comment on any of the following conditions:
****•*Excessive oil consumption.
****•*
Blue exhaust smoke.
****•*
The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated.
The technician may observe DTC P0300 set as current or in history.
This condition may be caused by one or more of the following:
****•*
A PCV tube that is pinched or restricted by casting flash.
****•*
The PCV baffle drain holes may be plugged.
****•*
A malfunctioning PCV orifice.
****•*
The PCV system pulling an excessive amount of oil through the left valve rocker arm cover.
****•*
Overactive valve lifters spraying an excessive amount of oil onto the underside of the left valve rocker arm cover.
Recommendation/Instructions
*
Perform a complete visual inspection of the engine. Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in SI.
Remove the left side valve rocker arm cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Left Side in SI.
Important:*If the valve lifters ARE overactive, this step will result in oil being sprayed in the engine area.
Start and idle the engine.
⇒
If idling the engine DOES RESULT in an excessive amount of oil being sprayed from ANY valve lifter, replace ALL 8 valve lifters AND then PROCEED to Step 4. Refer to Valve Lifter Replacement (With AFM) in SI.
⇒
If idling the engine DOES NOT result in an excessive amount of oil being sprayed from ANY valve lifter, then PROCEED to Step 4.
Inspect the crankcase ventilation system. Refer to Crankcase Ventilation System Inspection/Diagnosis and Crankcase Ventilation System Description in SI.
Inspect the PCV tube for oil dripping out of it. Refer to Positive Crankcase Ventilation Hose/Pipe/Tube Replacement in SI.
Look through the throttle body opening for oil collecting in the bottom of the intake manifold.
⇒
If oil is observed leaking from the PCV tube or accumulating in the intake manifold, then REPLACE the left bank valve rocker arm cover AND the PCV tube with the revised parts listed in the Parts Information section below. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Left Side and Positive Crankcase Ventilation Hose/Pipe/Tube Replacement in SI.
*
*

So if there are revised parts, does that mean the newer engines will have them? That would make too much sense.

[camaro52010]

Originally Posted by IndeedSS1

I have a hard time getting a good read on the dipstick. That said, you definitely should see the level drop.

That what I am expecting but not so far.

[rmnc3r]

TSB?

Anyone?

TSB??

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by rmnc3r

TSB?

Anyone?

TSB??

You really shouldn't need a TSB. Mine wasn't replaced based on a TSB, just on the facts. I kid you not, the mechanic I wanted to look at mine, walked up while the service manager was filling out the ticket. I told him what was going on and he said "I bet it's the valley cover, but we'll check it out". He even checked my plugs to make sure none of them were fouled because of the oil that had gone through before the catch can was installed.

Maybe I'm lucky to have at least one outstanding mechanic and a pretty good service department to boot.

When you can't good good service, doesn't it make you want to thump someone on their melon?

What symtoms are you experiencing?