Thread: oil consumption

hey,

Was just wondering what kind of oil usage most guys are getting with their 3800's. Also the mileage on the engine and whether you drive it like its stolen or not

I'm trying to get a ballpark figure of whats typical, a quart in 3k, 5k, 8k, 10k and so on. I assume most run 5w30?

Bio248 : that really didn't tell me how much usage your seeing. ALL engines burn some amount of oil. If they didn't the top of the piston and rings would not be lubricated. Even if you only use 1/2 quart in 10K its still burning some.

By your statement I assume yours is using around a quart in 3k?

bio248 : And your doing 3K changes I assume? You said your running thicker oil, 10w30? 10w40?

Like I said, i'm just trying to see what many people are seeing under different conditions. Sorry for the questions

There is also a TSB out for exhaust valve seals on both II and III 3800's.

Blue smoke after idling at a light or during startup are classic signs of leaky valve seals. I've heard rumors that they are easy to change on the 3800.

Something to keep in mind.

To answer your question from my experiences.

93 Bonneville Series I running 10w30 loss of 0%
93 Lesabre Series I running 10w30 loss of 0%
00 Grandprix Gt running 5w30 loss of 0%
03 Grandprix Gt running 5w30 loss of 0%

By 0% = no noticeable loss between oil changes performed at ~5000mi.

I'd think simple valve seals would be a lot nicer to do then say, a cracked piston or cracked rings

Just keep in mind as per the TSB. GM states if ONE is found to be defective to change all 6 exhaust valve seals. Then they note *seals are sold in packs of 5*

Then this started me on the hotdog vs bun rant. And ruined my entire day.

Bio : it has nothing to do with how long they *should* last. the issue is not caused by wear or age. There is a TSB regarding the issue.

This can happen on a brand new engine or one with 100K on it. What is strange is they say both series II and III however the oldest one listed is 05?




#05-06-01-035A: L26, L32, L36, L67 Excessive Oil Consumption (Replace Exhaust Valve Stem Seals) - (Oct 2, 2007)

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Subject: L26, L32, L36, L67 Excessive Oil Consumption (Replace Exhaust Valve Stem Seals)
Models: 2005 Buick LeSabre, Park Avenue
2005-2008 Buick Allure (Canada Only), LaCrosse
2006-2008 Buick Lucerne
2005 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo
2005 Pontiac Bonneville
2005-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
with 3800 Series II, III V6 Engine (VINs 2, 4, K, 1 -- RPOs L26, L32, L36, L67)

This bulletin is being revised to update the model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-06-01-035 (Section 06 -- Engine/Propulsion System).
Condition

Some customers may comment on excessive oil consumption on 3800 Series II and Series III engines. An engine that has excessive oil consumption uses 0.9L (1 qt) of oil or more within 3 200 km (2,000 mi).
Cause

This condition may be caused by the retaining ring on the exhaust valve stem seal not securely holding the seal on the cylinder head boss. If this occurs, the exhaust valve stem seal(s) may move off the cylinder head boss and no longer provide a sealing function between the exhaust valve stem and the valve guide.
Correction

Inspection and/or Replacement of Exhaust Valve Stem Seals
Follow the appropriate Service Information for the vehicle you are working on to gain access to cylinder head exhaust valves on both cylinder banks. Remove the engine valve rocker arm covers, the exhaust rocker arms and the exhaust valve springs.
Notice: Oversize valve stem seals are available. Make sure the correct valve stem seals are installed. An OIL CONSUMPTION concern can be created by installing the oversize valve stem seals. The oversize valve stem seals are marked black in color and are NOT to be used UNLESS installing valves with oversize valve stems.
Notice: There are 2 different valve stem seals used - one for exhaust valves and one for intake valves. Exhaust valve stem seals are green in color and have "EX" molded into the top of the seal. Intake valve stem seals are blue in color and have "IN" molded into the top of the seal. Using the wrong seal on a exhaust or intake valve can also contribute to oil consumption. The correct seal usage should be verified while checking for correctly seated exhaust valve stem seals.






(1) Correctly Installed Exhaust Valve Stem Seal
(2) Incorrectly Installed Exhaust Stem Seal (the seal is not seated on the valve guide and the cylinder head boss.)
Carefully inspect each exhaust valve stem seal for engagement on the exhaust valve guide (refer to the previous illustration). If one or more exhaust valve seals is found to be incorrectly installed, replace all the exhaust valve seals.
If no trouble is found with the exhaust valve seal seating or usage, refer to the service manual Oil Consumption Diagnosis to investigate other sources of oil consumption.
Parts Information

Part Number
Description
88891775
*Seal, Exhaust Valve
*Exhaust valve seals are five seals to a package. An additional package will be needed so all six exhaust valve seals are replaced.

Sadly its not just GM that does crap like this. Its ALL of the car companies.


Like I said, my favorite part of that TSB is *all 6 seals must be replaced. seals are sold in packs of 5"

Anyone know how much these seals cost? I'm wondering how much money is wasted to buy 4 seals you don't need.