Excess oil in the PCV system

[BigSSexy]

From past experience with engine break in, it's usually best to do the break in with dino oil. Do the Camaros come with synthetic as factory fill? This may be related some of the issues with things seating properly. Just did an oil change at 7272mi with mobil 1 5w30 synthetic, was before the time it was needed but I want to have a fresh start at documenting this.

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by BigSSexy

From past experience with engine break in, it's usually best to do the break in with dino oil. Do the Camaros come with synthetic as factory fill? This may be related some of the issues with things seating properly. Just did an oil change at 7272mi with mobil 1 5w30 synthetic, was before the time it was needed but I want to have a fresh start at documenting this.

Yes, just like the Vettes is comes with synthetic.

[2011WhiteSS]

Done the check in the valve cover by blowing through the tube and all seem ok. Now it's down to the valley pan being the issue with the excess oil consumption.

If the p/n has been posted I apologize but I must of missed it in the 4 pages of post. Could someone post the correct p/n for it please.

My dealer refuses to acknowledge any problem so I'll fix it myself. I won't let their ignorance ruin my engine and enjoyment of my car.

Thanks

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by 2011WhiteSS

Done the check in the valve cover by blowing through the tube and all seem ok. Now it's down to the valley pan being the issue with the excess oil consumption.

If the p/n has been posted I apologize but I must of missed it in the 4 pages of post. Could someone post the correct p/n for it please.

My dealer refuses to acknowledge any problem so I'll fix it myself. I won't let their ignorance ruin my engine and enjoyment of my car.

Thanks

Well I just looked though the posts and found #27 to have a part number.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-Part-1259...-/270979383983

[2011WhiteSS]

Thank you.

[VQ35DE]

As far as I know this TSB revision "E" is the latest.

#10-06-01-008E: Engine Oil Consumption on Aluminum
Block/Iron Block Engines with Active Fuel Management (AFM) (Install AFM
Oil Deflector and Clean Carbon from Cylinder and/or Install Updated
Valve Cover) - (May 30, 2012)


Subject: Engine
Oil Consumption on Aluminum Block/Iron Block Engines with Active Fuel
Management (AFM) (Install AFM Oil Deflector and Clean Carbon from
Cylinder and/or Install Updated Valve Cover)






Models: 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT




2007-2011 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe





2010-2011 Chevrolet Camaro





2007-2011 GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra Denali, Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali, Yukon Denali XL





2008-2009 Pontiac G8 GT





Built Prior to February 1, 2011 (Updated Valve Cover) and October 2010 (AFM Shield)





Equipped with Any of the Following Engines:





- Aluminum Block V8 Engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) (RPOs L94, LZ1, L99, LC9, LH6, L76, LFA, L92)





- Iron Block V8 Engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) (RPOs LMG, LY5)





- Hybrid
Engine (RPO LFA - Only Applies to Hybrid Models Built July 7, 2009 -
February 1, 2011 - Prior Builds Not Cast For AFM Valve)







Attention: This
bulletin does not apply to the Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer and
GMC Envoy equipped with LH6 due to a different design oil pan and AFM
pressure relief valve.



This bulletin is being revised to add the 2011 model year,
breakpoint dates and update the Condition, Cause and Warranty
Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 10-06-01-008D
(Section 06 - Engine/Propulsion System).




Condition

Some customers may comment about engine oil consumption of vehicles
with higher mileage (approximately 48,000 to 64,000 km (30,000 to
40,000 mi) and a service engine soon light being on and/or rough running
engine. Verify that the PCV system is functioning properly. If
diagnostic procedures indicate that oil consumption is piston/piston
ring related, verify that oil consumption is greater than 0.946 L
(1 qt)
in 3,200 km (2000 mi). If these conditions are met and oil consumption
is greater than 0.946 L (1 qt) in 3,200 km (2000 mi), perform the
service indicated in this bulletin.





Cause

This condition may be caused by two conditions. Oil pulled through
the PCV system or oil spray that is discharged from the AFM pressure
relief valve within the crankcase. Under most driving conditions and
drive cycles, the discharged oil does not cause a problem. Under certain
drive cycles (extended high engine speed operation), in combination
with parts at the high end of their tolerance specification, the oil
spray quantity may be
more than usual, resulting in excessive deposit formation in the piston
ring grooves, causing increased oil consumption and cracked or fouled
spark plugs (#1 and/or #7). Refer to the latest version of Corporate
Bulletin Number 12-06-01-001A.




Correction

Aluminum or Cast Iron Block - Oil in Intake Manifold - Install Updated Valve Cover on All Models Built Prior to February 1, 2011

[VQ35DE]

My copy of revision "E" did not contain ALL the "CORRECTION" part of the TSB. I found revision "D" in it's entirety .


TECHNICAL

Bulletin No.: 10-06-01-008D

Date: January 17, 2012

Subject: Engine Oil Consumption on Aluminum Block/Iron Block Engines with Active Fuel Management (AFM) (Install AFM Oil Deflector and Clean Carbon from Cylinder)
Models:
2007-2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT
2007-2010 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe
2010 Chevrolet Camaro
2007-2010 GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra Denali, Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali, Yukon Denali XL
2008-2009 Pontiac G8 GT

Equipped with Aluminum Block V8 Engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) (RPOs L94, LZ1, L99, LC9, LH6, L76, LFA, L92)

RPO LFA (Hybrid Engine) ONLY - Built After July 7, 2009

or Equipped with Iron Block V8 Engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) (RPOs LMG, LY5)
Attention:
This bulletin does not apply to the Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy equipped with LH6 due to a different design oil pan and AFM pressure relief valve.

Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to update the parts information to include the oil pan gasket. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 10-06-01-008C (Section 06 - Engine/Propulsion System).

Condition

Some customers may comment about engine oil consumption of vehicles with higher mileage (approximately 48,000 to 64,000 km (30,000 to 40,000 mi). Verify that the PCV system is functioning properly. If diagnostic procedures indicate that oil consumption is piston/piston ring related, verify that oil consumption is greater than 0.946 L (1 qt) in 3,200 km (2000 mi). If these conditions are met and oil consumption is greater than 0.946 L (1 qt) in 3,200 km (2000 mi), perform the service indicated in this bulletin.

Cause

This condition may be caused by two conditions. Oil pulled through the PCV system or oil spray that is discharged from the AFM pressure relief valve within the crankcase. Under most driving conditions and drive cycles, the discharged oil does not cause a problem. Under certain drive cycles (extended high engine speed operation), in combination with parts at the high end of their tolerance specification, the oil spray quantity may be more than usual, resulting in excessive deposit formation in the piston ring grooves, causing increased oil consumption.

Correction



1) Old Design

2) New Design

PCV pullover or an overactive lifter can cause oil to be pulled through the PCV system even at low vehicle mileage. A correctly functioning PCV system will only leave a film of oil in the intake manifold. Inspect the intake manifold to see if there is any oil puddling in the bottom. If there is you will need to replace the Left valve cover. Two new left rocker arm covers have been released for trucks and vans. Technicians should replace the left rocker arm cover with GM P/N 12570427 for 2007-2008 or GM P/N 12642655 for 2009-2010. Refer to the Parts Information below for the Camaro. This rocker arm cover has a relocated PCV drain hole that prevents oil from entering the intake manifold. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Left Side in SI.
Note
These rocker covers are for specific years. The PCV orifice is different for each. The correct cover must be used or an SES light may set.

AFM - Oil Getting by Piston Rings - Aluminum Block

To correct this condition, perform the piston cleaning procedure as described in this document and install the new oil pan gasket per the procedure outlined in this document. Monitor oil consumption after this repair to ensure oil consumption has improved to acceptable levels.

If this repair does not correct the condition, it may be necessary to replace all of the piston assemblies (piston and rings) with new parts. Refer to SI for repair procedure.
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.

1. Verify the oil consumption concern following Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-011G. If oil consumption is found, continue on with this bulletin.

2. Remove the spark plugs and ensure that none of the pistons are at top dead center (TDC).

3. 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 the 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.

4. Remove the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement in SI.


5. Remove the AFM valve (1).


6. Install the new shield (1), GM P/N 12639759, and tighten the AFM valve to the oil pan to 28 Nm (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.

7. Reinstall the spark plugs. Replace the spark plugs if necessary due to full of carbon. Refer to the parts catalog.

8. Reinstall the oil pan. Refer to the Oil Pan Installation procedure in SI. Replace the oil pan gasket if necessary. Refer to the parts catalog. Replace the engine oil.

9. 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.

Note
It is not necessary to hone or deglaze the cylinder walls. Honing may induce unnecessary cylinder wall and / or piston ring damage if it is done incorrectly and/or not cleaned thoroughly. Cylinder walls should cleaned thoroughly with brake cleaner before installation of the new pistons and rings. Numerous engines replaced for oil consumption have been inspected. The cross hatch has been consistently good and is in specification. As a result, is should not be necessary to measure the cylinders if they pass the visual inspection.

Cast Iron Block - Oil Getting Past Rings
1. Verify the oil consumption concern following Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-011G. If oil consumption is found, continue on with this bulletin.

2. Remove the spark plugs and ensure that none of the pistons are at top dead center (TDC).

3. 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 the 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.

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.

4. Reinstall the spark plugs. Replace the spark plugs if necessary due to full of carbon. Refer to the parts catalog.

5. 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.

Note
It is not necessary to install the shield when doing the piston cleaning on a cast iron block engine since the cast iron block engine uses a different oil pump than an aluminum block engine, which results in a higher engine speed before the AFM pressure relief valve opens (cast iron block engines are less prone to the AFM oil spray condition described earlier). If you find it necessary to replace the pistons, only then should you add the shield.




Important
Some minor scratches may be noticed on the cylinder walls during piston and ring replacement. If the scratch cannot be felt when running your finger nail over it, the scratch is considered normal wear and the block or engine should not be replaced.

[SC2150]

Good info.

[ForgedReality]

These TSBs all mention AFM. So if you have a M6 (LS3), this isn't covered? Does it only affect autos?

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by ForgedReality

These TSBs all mention AFM. So if you have a M6 (LS3), this isn't covered? Does it only affect autos?

Manuals wouldn't be covered by the TSB. My (LS3) valley cover was replaced under warranty though. Lucky for me the Vette mechanic at my dealership is pretty smart and knew what to look for. I'm at 46K miles now and all is still good.

[davidcroft]

Originally Posted by ForgedReality

These TSBs all mention AFM. So if you have a M6 (LS3), this isn't covered? Does it only affect autos?

NOT COVERED ON AN LS3

If you are under your 5yr 100K powertrain this would be a covered repair. TSBs are to help technicians look for certain similar problems and are NOT common enough to issue a recall. chill out people.

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by davidcroft

NOT COVERED ON AN LS3

If you are under your 5yr 100K powertrain this would be a covered repair. TSBs are to help technicians look for certain similar problems and are NOT common enough to issue a recall. chill out people.

Mine was NOT taken care of under a TSB, it was strictly a warranty repair. Sematics, but it was not the L99 with AFM nor was the part the same.

[joekono]

Originally Posted by IndeedSS1

Even if your valley cover isn't leaking, without a catch can, there is oil going into your intake manifold. And yes you are correct, it's being burned. I highly recommend everyone run a catch can. There are at least 3 vendors on here selling good catch cans.

I believe a Catch Can was one of the first items I bought for my CamaroGen5.