Ugh! 3 Quarts Low ~3500 miles.

[rich2342]

Took my car into Chevy today for an oil change after only 3500 miles and asked them to check how much came out.

Well only 5qts!! Last oil change was not at dealer and they supposedly used 8 qts possibly semi sythetic according to reciept.

What damage might have been done, and is this type of consumption normal for the LS3??

I will have to check at frequent intervals for future loss.

Anyone have any inputs?

[RankSS]

Too many variables. How much really went in? How much really came out? Watch the dipstick going forward. At the add mark it is down 1 quart.

[rich2342]

According to reciept, 8 qts semi synthetic 5w-30.

Reset mileage and was under 3500. Oil light popped on about 300 miles ago and added half qt becuase I cant read the stick at all. Didnt want to overfill and thus brought in for change and asked about the qty out.

[CamaroFred]

Have you checked it again since the change? I always check the next morning in case there is a leak. If you were 3 quarts low there wouldn't be anything on the stick, making it impossible to read.
Fortunately for us, the extra quarts are more for cooling than lubing so it's unlikely you would have any damage.

[rich2342]

Just had it changed yesterday. I have not checked it yet. I was going to to do the 500 mile check. I should check today.

[Eddiefuzz]

I have to ask, why can't you"read" the stick?? I check my oil level every week, always. Like CamaroFred said,"In case there is a leak". Mind Blown!

[rich2342]

Does anyone have a picture of the ss stick. Where are the readings? There are 5 dots on the back of the stick. I believe mine is not reading on the top two after 1k. 2qts low, yes or no?

[ChibiBlackSheep]

Originally Posted by rich2342

Does anyone have a picture of the ss stick. Where are the readings? There are 5 dots on the back of the stick. I believe mine is not reading on the top two after 1k. 2qts low, yes or no?

Turn the stick around. Those 5 dots are impressions on the other side. Your car should have oil SOMEWHERE within that range of dots.

If the dipstick is dry it is over 1 quart low. Add 1 quart, wait 5 minutes, check the dipstick again. If it's still dry add another quart.

You just need a defined oil line somewhere within the 5 dots.

[hunter1660]

If it's using that much oil,there should be a puddle under it or blue smoke fogging out the exhaust...my bet is it only had 5 qts. Added at time of change.

[rich2342]

I verified with the service manager to see what came out, and obviously to fill to capacity. He spoke with the tech, 5 came out but, that oil was from an independant shop and I verified 8 were added.

[polizzio]

Originally Posted by Eddiefuzz

I have to ask, why can't you"read" the stick?? I check my oil level every week, always. Like CamaroFred said,"In case there is a leak". Mind Blown!

+1 here.

[Stingr69]

Originally Posted by hunter1660

If it's using that much oil,there should be a puddle under it or blue smoke fogging out the exhaust...my bet is it only had 5 qts. Added at time of change.

This.

The tech only put 5 quarts in at the last oil change.

Add oil, check the dipstick and drive it for another 3500 miles and see what the dipstick shows. I bet it will be fine.

[songsj]

My money is also on only 5 went in.

[Reichler]

Originally Posted by rich2342

I verified with the service manager to see what came out, and obviously to fill to capacity. He spoke with the tech, 5 came out but, that oil was from an independant shop and I verified 8 were added.

How exactly did you verify 8 qts were added? By a receipt? If so, no, that’s not verifying. Never, EVER, let someone else change your oil without immediately checking the level after they are done. If you didn’t, and drove 3k miles, then either they didn’t add the correct amount of oil or your engine is burning/leaking it.