ls camaro burning >1.5 quarts every 1000 miles - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

pepceee · 03-15-2015, 10:18 PM

Hey guys, ive been watching the forum for a while but my car has gotten to the point where I need some advice from other Camaro owners. Heres the rundown.

I bought an 2011 LS Camaro last year with around 52k miles on it. It was my first newer car and seemed like a good idea at the time. I still don't necessarily think it was a bad idea. After about 3k miles driving however I noticed that my dipstick was bone dry. I top it off and take it in to the dealership and they schedule consumptions tests. I did four consumptions tests where it came in 2 quarts low, "not low", 1.5 quarts low, and 2 quarts low again.

After these tests, the dearlership initially tried to say that the oil consumption level was normal, or that it was caused because I have a manual transmission and the oil is being sucked in by engine braking?
I don't drive my car hard enough to warrant 2 quarts of oil be sucked every 1000 miles, that sounded like crazy talk to me.

They also said it was an anomaly that my car burned oil and they have never seen this issue with a v6 camaro, but after mentioning some of the posts I saw on here with other people had trouble with the v6 engines they decided to fix the issues by replacing the piston rings only. I think I saw a thread a while back where someone eventually had the engine replaced due to oil consumption issues due to it blowing up, so I am almost certain this isn't an anomaly as they claim.

They replaced the piston rings back in October, and I checked the oil about 2000 miles later and noticed it was a little low but didn't think anything of it. Another 2000 miles later, (total of 4000 miles since the piston ring repair to fix the oil consumption) I take the car back to the dealership for an oil change. Right before I drop the car off I check the oil again, and to my surprise the dip stick is bone dry again. I had to take it out and check it a few times to believe what I was seeing. The guy takes it back and gives it an oil change noting that the car was "6 quarts low"..... The 3.6l only holds 6 quarts...

The dealerships response was to start the consumption tests over again and go from there. I kind of feel like im getting the run around so im going to call Chevrolet/Gm about the warranty process and see if I can get any more information. But can anyone of the guys who were having issues with the 3.6l burning oil chime in on my situation, the ridiculous amount of oil its burning, and how you were able to resolve the situation? Thanks

enzia35 · 03-15-2015, 11:03 PM

Did you do a rotary swap? Haha.

pepceee · 03-15-2015, 11:40 PM

no rotary swap.. ony real work done prior to me buying car was clutch work.

cajun1le · 03-16-2015, 12:12 AM

It is imperative that you document how much oil the engine is consuming every 500 or 1000 miles (date, miles and quarts added). Being that they changed the rings means that the dealer cares about your issue. Hopefully the next time you return your car to the dealer with the data that you've recorded, it will be enough for them to escalate the repairs/replacement.

My next door neighbor was in a similar situation with another car. As for my neighbors case, I informed them to record the oil consumption every 500 miles. In most cases anything more than a quart every 1000 miles is usually deemed excessive (which was the case on their car). Eventually, GM replaced the short block and the issue was resolved. I am in no way suggesting that this also applies to your case, but rather with the proper evidence in hand is helpful in getting your issue resolved.

ELIC1 · 03-16-2015, 11:24 AM

does your oil light come on. I would think if you are low it would come on right away.

nyrfan · 03-16-2015, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ELIC1

does your oil light come on. I would think if you are low it would come on right away.

There is no low oil light on the V6, at least not 2010-2013, not sure on 14 & 15.

Scalded Dog · 03-16-2015, 11:43 AM

My 2011 1LT with 94,000 miles has never lost a drop of oil... regular oil changes at intervals per DIC indication (typically is at about 6000 miles per), but other than that, the thing has yet to need any top- off in between oil changes.

Mine is not manual, but I do run it a lot in "manual" mode, meaning that I do a lot of engine braking. I live on a mountain and commute, riding the gears down the mountain each day. And, I drive the thing very hard. Your dealer's explanation that your manual trans causes your engine to suck oil up and leave it somewhere else does not seem valid.

CruisingSpeed · 03-16-2015, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyrfan

There is no low oil light on the V6, at least not 2011-2013, not sure on 14 & 15.

WTF!!! Are you sure?

cajun1le · 03-16-2015, 12:09 PM

This is rather lengthy but I'm fairly certain that the dealer confered this to you when they suggested to run a second oil consumption tests. Below is an excerpt from the oil consumption TSB # 01-06-01-011H: Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines - (Oct 29, 2013).

Measurement of Oil Consumption
Engines require a period of time to BREAK IN so that moving parts are properly seated. Therefore, oil economy should not be tested until the vehicle has accumulated at least 6400 km (4000 mi). An exception would be allowed only if an engine is reported to be using more than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 1600 km (1000 mi).
1.Verify that the engine has no external leaks. Repair as necessary.
2.Verify that the engine is at normal operating temperature (see Owner's Manual or Service Manual).
3.Park the vehicle on a level surface.
4.Wait at least 15 minutes, after the engine is shut off, before checking the oil level to make sure that the oil has had time to drain back into the crankcase.
5.Verify that the oil level is at, but not above, the full mark on the dipstick, and that the proper viscosity and quality oil are being used as recommended in the Owner's Manual.
6.Record the vehicle mileage, date, and exact oil level on the form included in this bulletin.
7.Ask the customer to verify the oil level, each time the vehicle is fueled, following steps 1-6 and return the vehicle to the dealership if the oil level is found at or below the add mark, 0.946 liter (1 qt) low. If the oil level remains above the add mark, the customer should continue to operate the vehicle and verify the engine oil level until 3200 km (2000 mi) has accumulated before returning to the dealership for a final evaluation.
8.If the final evaluation shows that the engine uses more than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi), follow the published symptom diagnostics as described in the appropriate Service Manual. If the oil consumption test shows that the engine uses less than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi), explain to the customer that their engine meets the guidelines for oil consumption.

nyrfan · 03-16-2015, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CruisingSpeed

WTF!!! Are you sure?

100%. Although I meant to say 2010-12, I'm not sure on 13-15. And again this is only on the V6.

CruisingSpeed · 03-16-2015, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyrfan

100%. Although I meant to say 2010-12, I'm not sure on 13-15. And again this is only on the V6.

Ah sorry bout that. Isnt that wierd that there is no light for that? Shouldn't that be a requirement you know. I got a little confused there, had to go to the car and turn the key a little to check! Lol. 13 v6 does have a light. Well as long as they haven't changed from a red oil can! Lol

ELIC1 · 03-16-2015, 12:21 PM

have to ask i just checked my oil it looks like the level of oil is right up to the last dot on the dip stick that is closer to the bottom. my car has been sitting for 3 days in the cold is this normal

nyrfan · 03-16-2015, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CruisingSpeed

Ah sorry bout that. Isnt that wierd that there is no light for that? Shouldn't that be a requirement you know. I got a little confused there, had to go to the car and turn the key a little to check! Lol. 13 v6 does have a light. Well as long as they haven't changed from a red oil can! Lol

Just because the light is there does not mean there is a sensor to activate it. I can't remember for sure but I think my 2011 had the physical light as well but it was not active (no sensor). You may want to make a post in the V6 section to get the correct answer for the 13. Just so your not thinking you have a warning that you may not.

nyrfan · 03-16-2015, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ELIC1

have to ask i just checked my oil it looks like the level of oil is right up to the last dot on the dip stick that is closer to the bottom. my car has been sitting for 3 days in the cold is this normal

Normal.

03-15-2015, 10:18 PM	#1
pepceee Drives: 2011 LS Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Atlanta Posts: 5	ls camaro burning >1.5 quarts every 1000 miles Hey guys, ive been watching the forum for a while but my car has gotten to the point where I need some advice from other Camaro owners. Heres the rundown. I bought an 2011 LS Camaro last year with around 52k miles on it. It was my first newer car and seemed like a good idea at the time. I still don't necessarily think it was a bad idea. After about 3k miles driving however I noticed that my dipstick was bone dry. I top it off and take it in to the dealership and they schedule consumptions tests. I did four consumptions tests where it came in 2 quarts low, "not low", 1.5 quarts low, and 2 quarts low again. After these tests, the dearlership initially tried to say that the oil consumption level was normal, or that it was caused because I have a manual transmission and the oil is being sucked in by engine braking? I don't drive my car hard enough to warrant 2 quarts of oil be sucked every 1000 miles, that sounded like crazy talk to me. They also said it was an anomaly that my car burned oil and they have never seen this issue with a v6 camaro, but after mentioning some of the posts I saw on here with other people had trouble with the v6 engines they decided to fix the issues by replacing the piston rings only. I think I saw a thread a while back where someone eventually had the engine replaced due to oil consumption issues due to it blowing up, so I am almost certain this isn't an anomaly as they claim. They replaced the piston rings back in October, and I checked the oil about 2000 miles later and noticed it was a little low but didn't think anything of it. Another 2000 miles later, (total of 4000 miles since the piston ring repair to fix the oil consumption) I take the car back to the dealership for an oil change. Right before I drop the car off I check the oil again, and to my surprise the dip stick is bone dry again. I had to take it out and check it a few times to believe what I was seeing. The guy takes it back and gives it an oil change noting that the car was "6 quarts low"..... The 3.6l only holds 6 quarts... The dealerships response was to start the consumption tests over again and go from there. I kind of feel like im getting the run around so im going to call Chevrolet/Gm about the warranty process and see if I can get any more information. But can anyone of the guys who were having issues with the 3.6l burning oil chime in on my situation, the ridiculous amount of oil its burning, and how you were able to resolve the situation? Thanks

03-15-2015, 11:03 PM	#2
enzia35 Drives: '16 Garnet Red 1SS Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: College Station, TX Posts: 3,449	Did you do a rotary swap? Haha. __________________ '16 Camaro 1SS '18 Miata GT Gone: '01 Camaro, '14 Camaro, '90 Miata

03-16-2015, 12:09 PM	#9
cajun1le The Mechanic Drives: a sports car Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Louisiana Posts: 316	This is rather lengthy but I'm fairly certain that the dealer confered this to you when they suggested to run a second oil consumption tests. Below is an excerpt from the oil consumption TSB # 01-06-01-011H: Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines - (Oct 29, 2013). Measurement of Oil Consumption Engines require a period of time to BREAK IN so that moving parts are properly seated. Therefore, oil economy should not be tested until the vehicle has accumulated at least 6400 km (4000 mi). An exception would be allowed only if an engine is reported to be using more than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 1600 km (1000 mi). 1.Verify that the engine has no external leaks. Repair as necessary. 2.Verify that the engine is at normal operating temperature (see Owner's Manual or Service Manual). 3.Park the vehicle on a level surface. 4.Wait at least 15 minutes, after the engine is shut off, before checking the oil level to make sure that the oil has had time to drain back into the crankcase. 5.Verify that the oil level is at, but not above, the full mark on the dipstick, and that the proper viscosity and quality oil are being used as recommended in the Owner's Manual. 6.Record the vehicle mileage, date, and exact oil level on the form included in this bulletin. 7.Ask the customer to verify the oil level, each time the vehicle is fueled, following steps 1-6 and return the vehicle to the dealership if the oil level is found at or below the add mark, 0.946 liter (1 qt) low. If the oil level remains above the add mark, the customer should continue to operate the vehicle and verify the engine oil level until 3200 km (2000 mi) has accumulated before returning to the dealership for a final evaluation. 8.If the final evaluation shows that the engine uses more than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi), follow the published symptom diagnostics as described in the appropriate Service Manual. If the oil consumption test shows that the engine uses less than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi), explain to the customer that their engine meets the guidelines for oil consumption. Attached Images

03-15-2015, 11:40 PM	#3
pepceee Drives: 2011 LS Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Atlanta Posts: 5	no rotary swap.. ony real work done prior to me buying car was clutch work.

03-16-2015, 12:12 AM	#4
cajun1le The Mechanic Drives: a sports car Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Louisiana Posts: 316	It is imperative that you document how much oil the engine is consuming every 500 or 1000 miles (date, miles and quarts added). Being that they changed the rings means that the dealer cares about your issue. Hopefully the next time you return your car to the dealer with the data that you've recorded, it will be enough for them to escalate the repairs/replacement. My next door neighbor was in a similar situation with another car. As for my neighbors case, I informed them to record the oil consumption every 500 miles. In most cases anything more than a quart every 1000 miles is usually deemed excessive (which was the case on their car). Eventually, GM replaced the short block and the issue was resolved. I am in no way suggesting that this also applies to your case, but rather with the proper evidence in hand is helpful in getting your issue resolved.

03-16-2015, 11:24 AM	#5
ELIC1 Account Suspended Drives: black and silver Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: new york Posts: 1,728	does your oil light come on. I would think if you are low it would come on right away.

03-16-2015, 11:43 AM	#7
Scalded Dog Drives: 2011 1LT Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Crestline, CA Posts: 3,029	My 2011 1LT with 94,000 miles has never lost a drop of oil... regular oil changes at intervals per DIC indication (typically is at about 6000 miles per), but other than that, the thing has yet to need any top- off in between oil changes. Mine is not manual, but I do run it a lot in "manual" mode, meaning that I do a lot of engine braking. I live on a mountain and commute, riding the gears down the mountain each day. And, I drive the thing very hard. Your dealer's explanation that your manual trans causes your engine to suck oil up and leave it somewhere else does not seem valid.

03-16-2015, 12:21 PM	#12
ELIC1 Account Suspended Drives: black and silver Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: new york Posts: 1,728	have to ask i just checked my oil it looks like the level of oil is right up to the last dot on the dip stick that is closer to the bottom. my car has been sitting for 3 days in the cold is this normal