Chevrolet Equinox Service Manual: #01-06-01-011H: Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines - (Oct 29, 2013) Engine Lubrication

Subject:	Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines
Models:	2014 and Prior GM Cars and Gasoline-Powered Light Duty Trucks Under 8500-LB GVW

This bulletin has been revised to add the 2013-2014 model years. Please discard CorporateBulletin Number 01-06-01-011G.

All engines require oil to lubricate and protect the load bearing and internal movingparts from wear including cylinder walls, pistons and piston rings. When a pistonmoves down its cylinder, a thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall. During thepower stroke, part of this oil layer is consumed in the combustion process. As a result,varying rates of oil consumption are accepted as normal in all engines.

Oil Consumption

The accepted rate of oil consumption for engines used in the vehicles referenced is0.946-liter (1-qt) in 3200-km (2000-mi).

Important:This rate only applies to personal use vehicles, under warranty, that are driven ina non-aggressive manner and maintained in accordance with the appropriate maintenanceschedule, with less than 58,000-km (36,000-mi), or driven at legal speeds in an unloaded(for trucks) condition.

Important:This rate does not apply to vehicles that are driven in an aggressive manner, at high RPM, high speeds, orin a loaded condition (for trucks). Oil consumption for vehicles driven under theseconditions will be more.

Many factors can affect a customer's concern with oil consumption. Driving habitsand vehicle maintenance vary from owner to owner. Thoroughly evaluate each case beforedeciding whether the vehicle in question has abnormal engine oil consumption.

Gasket and External Leaks

Inspect the oil pan and engine covers for leakage due to over-tightened, damaged,or out of place gaskets. Inspect oil lines and fittings for signs of leakage.

Improper Reading of the Oil Level Indicator (Dipstick)

Verify that the dipstick tube is fully seated in the block. When checking the oillevel, make sure the dipstick is wiped clean before taking an oil level reading andfully depress the dipstick until the shoulder bottoms out on the dipstick tube. Thedipstick should be the proper part number for the engine/vehicle that is being checked.

Notice:Operating your vehicle with an oil level that is below the minimum level indicatedon the engine oil dipstick can result in severe engine damage. Repairs resulting fromoperating an engine with insufficient oil are not covered under the terms of the NewVehicle Warranty.

Important:Refer to Owner Manual in SI for checking and adding engine oil.

Not Waiting Long Enough After Running Engine to Check Oil Level

Some engines require more time than others for the oil to drain back into the crankcase.To assure a sufficient amount of oil has drained back to the crankcase, and an accuratereading can be obtained, the vehicle should be allowed to sit for at least 15 minutes,after the engine has been shut off, before taking an oil level reading. In order toensure accurate results, the temperature of the oil should be close to the same temperatureas the last time the oil level was checked.

Important:This does not apply to 2006-2009 Corvette Z06 equipped with the 7.0L LS7 and the 2009Corvette ZR-1 with the 6.2L LS9 engines (dry sump). Follow the instructions in theOwner Manual for checking the oil in this application.

Improper Oil Fill After an Oil Change

Following an oil change, verify that the proper amount and type of oil was put inthe engine and that the oil level on the dipstick is not above the full mark or belowthe add marks. Refer to the Owner Manual or Service Manual for information on recommendedoil quantity, viscosity, and quality.

Aggressive Driving, High Speed or High RPM Driving

Aggressive driving and/or continuous driving at high speeds/high RPMs will increaseoil consumption. Because this may not always be an everyday occurrence, it is hardto determine exactly how much the oil economy will be affected.

A higher rate of oil consumption is normal for vehicles equipped with manual transmissionsthat are driven aggressively. By “aggressive,” we mean operation at high RPM (3,000RPM to redline), with frequent use of engine braking (using the engine to slow thevehicle). Vehicles that are driven aggressively may consume engine oil at a rate ofup to 0.946-L (1-quart) every 805-km (500-mi). This is normal for avehicle that is driven aggressively. No repair is necessary. This characteristic does,however, require the owner to check the engine oil level at sufficiently frequentintervals, especially when driving aggressively, to assure the oil level remains withinthe recommended operating range. As the Owner’s Manual recommends, you should checkthe oil level every time you get fuel.

Towing or Heavy Usage

Towing a trailer will increase oil consumption and may cause oil consumption to fallbelow the normal accepted rate referenced in this bulletin for an unloaded vehiclein a personal use application. Large frontal area trailers will further increase thework required from the engine, especially at highway speeds, and thus increases therate of oil consumption.

Crankcase Ventilation System

Verify that the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is operating properly.Blockages, restrictions, or damage to the PCV system can result in increased oil use.

Oil Dilution (Fuel and Water)

On vehicles that are usually driven short distances, less than 8-km (5-mi), especiallyin colder weather, unburned fuel and condensation generated from cold engine operationmay not get hot enough to evaporate out of the oil. When this occurs, the dipstickmay indicate that the oil level is over-full. Subsequent driving on a trip of sufficientlength to enable normal engine operating temperature for 30-minutes ormore, in order to vaporize excess moisture and fuel, may give the customer the impressionof excessive oil consumption.

Engine Temperature

If an engine is run at overheated temperatures (see Owner's Manual or Service Manual)for more than brief periods, oil will oxidize at a faster than normal rate. In addition,gaskets may distort, piston rings may stick, and excessive wear may result. Verifythat all cooling system components are in proper working order.

Engine Wear

Piston scuffing, excessive piston-to-wall clearance, tapered or out of round cylinders,worn, damaged or improperly installed valve guides, seals and piston rings will allcause an increase in oil consumption.

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 least6400-km (4000-mi). An exception would be allowed only if an engine is reported tobe using more than 0.946-liter (1-qt) in 1600-km (1000-mi).

Verify that the engine has no external leaks. Repair as necessary.Verify that the engine is at normal operating temperature (see Owner's Manual or ServiceManual).Park the vehicle on a level surface.Wait at least 15-minutes, after the engine is shut off, before checking the oil levelto make sure that the oil has had time to drain back into the crankcase.Verify that the oil level is at, but not above, the full mark on the dipstick, andthat the proper viscosity and quality oil are being used as recommended in the Owner'sManual.Record the vehicle mileage, date, and exact oil level on the form included in thisbulletin.Ask the customer to verify the oil level, each time the vehicle is fueled, followingsteps 1–6 and return the vehicle to the dealership if the oil level is found at orbelow the add mark, 0.946-liter (1-qt) low. If the oil level remains above the addmark, the customer should continue to operate the vehicle and verify the engine oillevel until 3200-km (2000-mi) has accumulated before returning to thedealership for a final evaluation.If the final evaluation shows that the engine uses more than 0.946-liter (1-qt) in3200-km (2000-mi), follow the published symptom diagnostics as described in the appropriateService 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 guidelinesfor oil consumption.Oil Economy Test — Data Sheet

Dealer Name: _________________________________

Customer Name: _________________________________

Phone: (___)____-_______ Phone: (___)____-_______

VIN: ____________________________

Oil Type Used: ____________________

R.O. #: ___________________

Step

Date

Mileage

Oil Level

Driving Conditions

(City, Highway, Both)

1	-	-	-	- (Start of Test)
2	-	-	-	-
3	-	-	-	-
4	-	-	-	-
5	-	-	-	-
6	-	-	-	-
7	-	-	-	-
8	-	-	-	-
9	-	-	-	-
10	-	-	-	-
11	-	-	-	-
12	-	-	-	-

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians,NOT a "do-it-yourselfer".  They are written to inform thesetechnicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or toprovide information that could assist in the proper service of avehicle.  Properly trained technicians have the equipment,tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly andsafely.  If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that thebulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will havethat condition.  See your GM dealer for information on whetheryour vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION