Excess oil in the PCV system

[rmnc3r]

Is there a TSB on this or has GM not recognized a problem yet?

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by rmnc3r

Is there a TSB on this or has GM not recognized a problem yet?

I'll look at my paperwork tonight to see if there is a TSB listed.

[SC2150]

I cannot think of anyway that a leak of the valley cover could cause this....it would allow the crankcase to not evac properly, but that would result in LESS oil in the intake air charge....

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by SC2150

I cannot think of anyway that a leak of the valley cover could cause this....it would allow the crankcase to not evac properly, but that would result in LESS oil in the intake air charge....

My mechanic (dealership's long time Vette mechanic) said this was quite common in the Vette and why it was replaced. It seems to have worked for mine, but knowing why is always nice. The guy is so busy that I hate to bother him, but may have to.

Rick if you see this can you shoot him a text for me?

[SC2150]

Let me know how he explains it. Never to old to learn something new!

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by SC2150

Let me know how he explains it. Never to old to learn something new!

Will do, and I agree.

[rmnc3r]

Originally Posted by IndeedSS1

My mechanic (dealership's long time Vette mechanic) said this was quite common in the Vette and why it was replaced.

I Googled and found this about the 'vette

http://www.rjsmith.com/gm-894549.html

May be a similar problem with the LS3??

Condition
Some owners may comment on higher than expected oil consumption. When checked the oil consumption could be in the range or 400-600 miles per quart (700-1000 km/L).

Cause
The cause for this condition may be an interaction between the piston rings and the cylinder bore in vehicles that are operated at higher RPMs -- typically manual transmission vehicles driven in a manner where the engine is frequently or consistently operating at greater than 3200 RPM.
On the LS6 engine only, the engine has a unique aluminum valley cover that has composite oil separating baffles and PCV plumbing incorporated. In some cases, the PCV baffles may not be properly sealed to the valley cover, causing oil to enter the PCV system.

Correction
On the LS6 engine only, replace the engine valley cover if oil is found behind the throttle or intake manifold before replacing the piston rings. Refer to Engine Valley Cover Replacement in the Engine Mechanical - 5.7L subsection of the Corvette Service Manual.
A new set of piston rings is currently available through GMSPO. The new rings are part of a complete piston ring kit. Install only the number 2 compression ring and the oil expander ring from the piston ring kit. All other rings in the kit should be discarded.

[IndeedSS1]

^^^ nice find. This probably makes sense if they are similar.

I have a call into the mechanic that did my work. He was at lunch so they left a message for him. Hope to hear something soon though.

[MTI Racing Kevin]

check out these catch cans, we have 3 different sizes for any application. We run these on all supercharged, turbocharged, or any high performance application. PM for more info

[SC2150]

Originally Posted by rmnc3r

I Googled and found this about the 'vette

http://www.rjsmith.com/gm-894549.html

May be a similar problem with the LS3??

Condition
Some owners may comment on higher than expected oil consumption. When checked the oil consumption could be in the range or 400-600 miles per quart (700-1000 km/L).

Cause
The cause for this condition may be an interaction between the piston rings and the cylinder bore in vehicles that are operated at higher RPMs -- typically manual transmission vehicles driven in a manner where the engine is frequently or consistently operating at greater than 3200 RPM.
On the LS6 engine only, the engine has a unique aluminum valley cover that has composite oil separating baffles and PCV plumbing incorporated. In some cases, the PCV baffles may not be properly sealed to the valley cover, causing oil to enter the PCV system.

Correction
On the LS6 engine only, replace the engine valley cover if oil is found behind the throttle or intake manifold before replacing the piston rings. Refer to Engine Valley Cover Replacement in the Engine Mechanical - 5.7L subsection of the Corvette Service Manual.
A new set of piston rings is currently available through GMSPO. The new rings are part of a complete piston ring kit. Install only the number 2 compression ring and the oil expander ring from the piston ring kit. All other rings in the kit should be discarded.

Now that makes perfect sense. It is not the valley cover itself leaking, but the PCV baffel system integrated into it. That will shurely cause the issue to be worse.

Kevin, those all appear to be breathered containment cans like we use for the vacuum pump, coolant, and trans to meet tech specs. The engine needs a system that evacs the crankcase for street use. They look like awesome quality overflow cans though.

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by SC2150

Now that makes perfect sense. It is not the valley cover itself leaking, but the PCV baffel system integrated into it. That will shurely cause the issue to be worse.

That sounds familiar. And after looking at the parts list on one of the GM sites, that baffle system does seem to come as part of the cover.

I checked my receipt and it only listed the complaint, the diagnosis, and what was done. I assume since there wasn't a TSB listed, there isn't one yet. Unfortunately the mechanic was too busy to get back with me. However, it seems like you guys have figured out why the cover.

[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?