How the !@# does an LS1 with less than 30k on it burn oil as much as gas?
12-24-2008, 11:47 AM
#21
99% chance its the stock PCV system thats causing your excessive oil consumption.
As the other guys said, the best solution is to switch to the LS6 style PCV system, which involves replacing the valley cover with the newer design.
Even better than the LS6 system is the newer L92 design. It doesn't even require a PCV valve, its all built into the valley cover, so all you need to do is run a hose from the intake valley to the TB.
Part number is 12577927 for the L92 setup, I got mine from GM parts direct for only $55.
As the other guys said, the best solution is to switch to the LS6 style PCV system, which involves replacing the valley cover with the newer design.
Even better than the LS6 system is the newer L92 design. It doesn't even require a PCV valve, its all built into the valley cover, so all you need to do is run a hose from the intake valley to the TB.
Part number is 12577927 for the L92 setup, I got mine from GM parts direct for only $55.
12-24-2008, 12:50 PM
#22
Now you starting to get some answers. When I pulled the throttle body off my SS at 15,000 miles to port it, I found the whole inside of the intake was wet with oil. My car has always used oil, even when new, but I had already seen what a friend went through at the dealer to find nothing.
As soon as I can, I hope to put the LS6 conversion and a catch can on the car. Seems to be the best approach from all the research I did on here.
Good Luck!
As soon as I can, I hope to put the LS6 conversion and a catch can on the car. Seems to be the best approach from all the research I did on here.
Good Luck!
12-24-2008, 12:55 PM
#23
TECH Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 410
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
99% chance its the stock PCV system thats causing your excessive oil consumption.
As the other guys said, the best solution is to switch to the LS6 style PCV system, which involves replacing the valley cover with the newer design.
Even better than the LS6 system is the newer L92 design. It doesn't even require a PCV valve, its all built into the valley cover, so all you need to do is run a hose from the intake valley to the TB.
Part number is 12577927 for the L92 setup, I got mine from GM parts direct for only $55.
As the other guys said, the best solution is to switch to the LS6 style PCV system, which involves replacing the valley cover with the newer design.
Even better than the LS6 system is the newer L92 design. It doesn't even require a PCV valve, its all built into the valley cover, so all you need to do is run a hose from the intake valley to the TB.
Part number is 12577927 for the L92 setup, I got mine from GM parts direct for only $55.
How hard is it to do the LS6 conversion? I'm not a total auto newb, but not Mr. Mechanic either. 
12-24-2008, 01:12 PM
#25
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Shelby twp, MI
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I put 6 quarts in my car every oil change and go 4K between changes and sometimes its as low as the 1 quart low mark which is really 1 1/2 because I used a full 6 quarts. I have never really worried about it.
Now the 1st thing I would do in your situation is go to a fully vented PCV system and see what happens.
Now the 1st thing I would do in your situation is go to a fully vented PCV system and see what happens.
Last edited by c0ncEpT; 12-24-2008 at 01:17 PM.
12-24-2008, 01:19 PM
#26
99% chance its the stock PCV system thats causing your excessive oil consumption.
As the other guys said, the best solution is to switch to the LS6 style PCV system, which involves replacing the valley cover with the newer design.
Even better than the LS6 system is the newer L92 design. It doesn't even require a PCV valve, its all built into the valley cover, so all you need to do is run a hose from the intake valley to the TB.
Part number is 12577927 for the L92 setup, I got mine from GM parts direct for only $55.
As the other guys said, the best solution is to switch to the LS6 style PCV system, which involves replacing the valley cover with the newer design.
Even better than the LS6 system is the newer L92 design. It doesn't even require a PCV valve, its all built into the valley cover, so all you need to do is run a hose from the intake valley to the TB.
Part number is 12577927 for the L92 setup, I got mine from GM parts direct for only $55.
12-24-2008, 01:56 PM
#27
On the older LS1 blocks though, you have to grind down a section of the block casting inside the valley to make room for the PCV system on the underside of the cover. Not much to it, it just takes some extra time and patience.
12-24-2008, 02:08 PM
#28
TECH Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 410
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well thats all the LS6 conversion really is...changing the valley cover. So basically you just cap off the PCV ports on the valve covers, swap valley covers, and hook up the PCV line to the TB.
On the older LS1 blocks though, you have to grind down a section of the block casting inside the valley to make room for the PCV system on the underside of the cover. Not much to it, it just takes some extra time and patience.
On the older LS1 blocks though, you have to grind down a section of the block casting inside the valley to make room for the PCV system on the underside of the cover. Not much to it, it just takes some extra time and patience.
Anyone know a good mechanic in the colorado area who can do this? I certainly don't trust myself for it.
12-24-2008, 02:12 PM
#29
TECH Enthusiast
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: In your sisters panties
Posts: 623
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
However, i also have piston slap; i think the oil was too thin and just seeping by. 2 yrs later, NO issues. *knock on wood*
12-25-2008, 02:20 AM
#31
The LS6 PCV Valley cover will require some cutting/Grinding of the LS1 block to allow the LS6 Valley cover to seat fully. There is a How to instructions on the LS1Howto site... It requires removing about a 1"x 3/4" part of the block, but don't worry, it will not hurt or weaken the block any due to the location of the area that must be removed.
Also, just replacing the LS1 PCV valve with the newer design will also help.. the older PCV Valve used a check ball design and the newer design used a smaller hole design. I has been known to help with the oil lost.
Also, just replacing the LS1 PCV valve with the newer design will also help.. the older PCV Valve used a check ball design and the newer design used a smaller hole design. I has been known to help with the oil lost.
12-25-2008, 11:36 PM
#32
TECH Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 410
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah, I can safely say that cutting or grinding on the block are way outside what I'm capable of, let alone willing to try.
I'm looking at the new PCV valve and an oil separator instead. Especially since I can't find a decent shop/tuner around to do any work on the thing at all.
I'm looking at the new PCV valve and an oil separator instead. Especially since I can't find a decent shop/tuner around to do any work on the thing at all.
12-26-2008, 08:29 AM
#34
Great advise..
90% of the guys on this forum run Mobil1 and swear by it... Me being one of them.. My first motor went 230K running Mobil1!
Second motor has slightly over 48K and running very strong!
Great advise... you should surely listen to this guy.
The culprit is not your oil.. you hit it when you said rings/valves... (seals)..
GL buddy... don't get discouraged, these are great cars if taken care of.
90% of the guys on this forum run Mobil1 and swear by it... Me being one of them.. My first motor went 230K running Mobil1!
Second motor has slightly over 48K and running very strong!
Great advise... you should surely listen to this guy.
The culprit is not your oil.. you hit it when you said rings/valves... (seals)..
GL buddy... don't get discouraged, these are great cars if taken care of.
12-26-2008, 09:49 AM
#35
LOL it has nothign to do with oil brand. oil is oil, they are both liquid both combustable.
You have a motor from 01. Thats the year LSx motors had incorrect piston rings installed and they will flutter on high RPM. You will need a ring job done and have the updated rings installed from GM; yeah its sucks coz its a big job. might as well do motor work
altho- the LS6 PCV valley thing idea is a good start before ripping into the motor. the oil catch can is needed either way too.
You have a motor from 01. Thats the year LSx motors had incorrect piston rings installed and they will flutter on high RPM. You will need a ring job done and have the updated rings installed from GM; yeah its sucks coz its a big job. might as well do motor work
altho- the LS6 PCV valley thing idea is a good start before ripping into the motor. the oil catch can is needed either way too.
Last edited by eamador11; 12-26-2008 at 09:58 AM.
12-26-2008, 01:30 PM
#36
Even better than the LS6 system is the newer L92 design. It doesn't even require a PCV valve, its all built into the valley cover, so all you need to do is run a hose from the intake valley to the TB.
Part number is 12577927 for the L92 setup, I got mine from GM parts direct for only $55.
12-26-2008, 02:21 PM
#37
Hopefully the who ever had the car first did not overheat it one time and made all the seals harden. Happened to mine when I got it. Did not know when I bought it, but the next day I moved the car and there was a puddle of oil. Turned out to be the rear main and the oil sender. I know you said it does not leak oil outside, but other seals could be leaking.
Is there smoke out tail pipes when you first start it up when it is cold?
It could just be the pcv system like everybody else is saying too. Mine had a pcv line crack that was behind the intake and made tuning my cam impossible due to the vacuum leak as well oil consumption.
Is there smoke out tail pipes when you first start it up when it is cold?
It could just be the pcv system like everybody else is saying too. Mine had a pcv line crack that was behind the intake and made tuning my cam impossible due to the vacuum leak as well oil consumption.
12-26-2008, 04:17 PM
#38
Teching In
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My 01 SS drinks about 2qts of oil every 3k as well, this is what I found:
File In Section: 06 - Engine/Propulsion System
Bulletin No.: 01-06-01-023
Date: October, 2001
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Higher Than Expected Oil Consumption
(Replace Rings)
Models:
1999-2001 Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette
1999-2001 Pontiac Firebird
with 5.7L Engine (VINs G, S - RPOs LS1, LS6)
Condition
Some owners may comment on higher than expected oil consumption. When checked, the oil consumption could be in the range of 400-600 miles per quart (700-1000 km/L).
Cause
The cause for this condition may be an interaction between the piston rings and the cylinder bore in vehicles that are operated at higher RPMs - typically manual transmission vehicles driven in a manner where the engine is frequently or consistently operating at greater than 3200 RPM.
Correction
A new set of piston rings is currently available through GMSPO. The new rings are part of a complete piston ring kit. Install only the number 2 compression ring and the oil expander ring from the piston ring kit. All other rings in the piston ring kit should be discarded. The original number 1 compression ring and the oil ring rails should be re-used in their original positions on the piston. All pistons should be used in the same cylinder bore.
Important: Do not dress or hone the cylinder bore. Nothing should be done to change the bore finish for this condition. Changing the bore finish may aggravate the condition.
Refer to the Unit Repair Manual for appropriate ring removal and replacement procedure.
The number 1 compression ring and the upper and lower oil expander rails are re-used because they are already broken in for the bore that they are in. The new number 2 compression ring is made with a very sharp edge that will break in quickly.
Changing only the piston rings noted, with no change in driving style, should change oil consumption to an acceptable level. Changes in driving style that reduce the amount of time spent at higher RPMs will also positively effect oil consumption.
In addition to the standard size piston ring kit listed below, a 0.25 mm oversized piston ring kit is available. The oversized piston ring kit should only be used in those rare instances where the cylinder bore size has been machined larger to accommodate the 0.25 mm oversized piston rings.
I emailed the above to my local dealership and made an appointment for the 8th of Jan for them to run some tests and they quoted, "The GM bulletin also points to another possible cause for oil consumption relating to the engine valley cover which would require some inspection."
So, we'll have to wait till the snow clears up and I'll keep u guys posted.
File In Section: 06 - Engine/Propulsion System
Bulletin No.: 01-06-01-023
Date: October, 2001
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Higher Than Expected Oil Consumption
(Replace Rings)
Models:
1999-2001 Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette
1999-2001 Pontiac Firebird
with 5.7L Engine (VINs G, S - RPOs LS1, LS6)
Condition
Some owners may comment on higher than expected oil consumption. When checked, the oil consumption could be in the range of 400-600 miles per quart (700-1000 km/L).
Cause
The cause for this condition may be an interaction between the piston rings and the cylinder bore in vehicles that are operated at higher RPMs - typically manual transmission vehicles driven in a manner where the engine is frequently or consistently operating at greater than 3200 RPM.
Correction
A new set of piston rings is currently available through GMSPO. The new rings are part of a complete piston ring kit. Install only the number 2 compression ring and the oil expander ring from the piston ring kit. All other rings in the piston ring kit should be discarded. The original number 1 compression ring and the oil ring rails should be re-used in their original positions on the piston. All pistons should be used in the same cylinder bore.
Important: Do not dress or hone the cylinder bore. Nothing should be done to change the bore finish for this condition. Changing the bore finish may aggravate the condition.
Refer to the Unit Repair Manual for appropriate ring removal and replacement procedure.
The number 1 compression ring and the upper and lower oil expander rails are re-used because they are already broken in for the bore that they are in. The new number 2 compression ring is made with a very sharp edge that will break in quickly.
Changing only the piston rings noted, with no change in driving style, should change oil consumption to an acceptable level. Changes in driving style that reduce the amount of time spent at higher RPMs will also positively effect oil consumption.
In addition to the standard size piston ring kit listed below, a 0.25 mm oversized piston ring kit is available. The oversized piston ring kit should only be used in those rare instances where the cylinder bore size has been machined larger to accommodate the 0.25 mm oversized piston rings.
I emailed the above to my local dealership and made an appointment for the 8th of Jan for them to run some tests and they quoted, "The GM bulletin also points to another possible cause for oil consumption relating to the engine valley cover which would require some inspection."
So, we'll have to wait till the snow clears up and I'll keep u guys posted.
12-26-2008, 04:22 PM
#39
TECH Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 410
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My 01 SS drinks about 2qts of oil every 3k as well, this is what I found:
File In Section: 06 - Engine/Propulsion System
Bulletin No.: 01-06-01-023
Date: October, 2001
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Higher Than Expected Oil Consumption
(Replace Rings)
Models:
1999-2001 Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette
1999-2001 Pontiac Firebird
with 5.7L Engine (VINs G, S - RPOs LS1, LS6)
Condition
Some owners may comment on higher than expected oil consumption. When checked, the oil consumption could be in the range of 400-600 miles per quart (700-1000 km/L).
Cause
The cause for this condition may be an interaction between the piston rings and the cylinder bore in vehicles that are operated at higher RPMs - typically manual transmission vehicles driven in a manner where the engine is frequently or consistently operating at greater than 3200 RPM.
Correction
A new set of piston rings is currently available through GMSPO. The new rings are part of a complete piston ring kit. Install only the number 2 compression ring and the oil expander ring from the piston ring kit. All other rings in the piston ring kit should be discarded. The original number 1 compression ring and the oil ring rails should be re-used in their original positions on the piston. All pistons should be used in the same cylinder bore.
Important: Do not dress or hone the cylinder bore. Nothing should be done to change the bore finish for this condition. Changing the bore finish may aggravate the condition.
Refer to the Unit Repair Manual for appropriate ring removal and replacement procedure.
The number 1 compression ring and the upper and lower oil expander rails are re-used because they are already broken in for the bore that they are in. The new number 2 compression ring is made with a very sharp edge that will break in quickly.
Changing only the piston rings noted, with no change in driving style, should change oil consumption to an acceptable level. Changes in driving style that reduce the amount of time spent at higher RPMs will also positively effect oil consumption.
In addition to the standard size piston ring kit listed below, a 0.25 mm oversized piston ring kit is available. The oversized piston ring kit should only be used in those rare instances where the cylinder bore size has been machined larger to accommodate the 0.25 mm oversized piston rings.
I emailed the above to my local dealership and made an appointment for the 8th of Jan for them to run some tests and they quoted, "The GM bulletin also points to another possible cause for oil consumption relating to the engine valley cover which would require some inspection."
So, we'll have to wait till the snow clears up and I'll keep u guys posted.
File In Section: 06 - Engine/Propulsion System
Bulletin No.: 01-06-01-023
Date: October, 2001
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Higher Than Expected Oil Consumption
(Replace Rings)
Models:
1999-2001 Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette
1999-2001 Pontiac Firebird
with 5.7L Engine (VINs G, S - RPOs LS1, LS6)
Condition
Some owners may comment on higher than expected oil consumption. When checked, the oil consumption could be in the range of 400-600 miles per quart (700-1000 km/L).
Cause
The cause for this condition may be an interaction between the piston rings and the cylinder bore in vehicles that are operated at higher RPMs - typically manual transmission vehicles driven in a manner where the engine is frequently or consistently operating at greater than 3200 RPM.
Correction
A new set of piston rings is currently available through GMSPO. The new rings are part of a complete piston ring kit. Install only the number 2 compression ring and the oil expander ring from the piston ring kit. All other rings in the piston ring kit should be discarded. The original number 1 compression ring and the oil ring rails should be re-used in their original positions on the piston. All pistons should be used in the same cylinder bore.
Important: Do not dress or hone the cylinder bore. Nothing should be done to change the bore finish for this condition. Changing the bore finish may aggravate the condition.
Refer to the Unit Repair Manual for appropriate ring removal and replacement procedure.
The number 1 compression ring and the upper and lower oil expander rails are re-used because they are already broken in for the bore that they are in. The new number 2 compression ring is made with a very sharp edge that will break in quickly.
Changing only the piston rings noted, with no change in driving style, should change oil consumption to an acceptable level. Changes in driving style that reduce the amount of time spent at higher RPMs will also positively effect oil consumption.
In addition to the standard size piston ring kit listed below, a 0.25 mm oversized piston ring kit is available. The oversized piston ring kit should only be used in those rare instances where the cylinder bore size has been machined larger to accommodate the 0.25 mm oversized piston rings.
I emailed the above to my local dealership and made an appointment for the 8th of Jan for them to run some tests and they quoted, "The GM bulletin also points to another possible cause for oil consumption relating to the engine valley cover which would require some inspection."
So, we'll have to wait till the snow clears up and I'll keep u guys posted.
12-26-2008, 04:30 PM
#40
11 Second Club
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Saline,MI
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Great advise..
90% of the guys on this forum run Mobil1 and swear by it... Me being one of them.. My first motor went 230K running Mobil1!
Second motor has slightly over 48K and running very strong!
Great advise... you should surely listen to this guy.
The culprit is not your oil.. you hit it when you said rings/valves... (seals)..
GL buddy... don't get discouraged, these are great cars if taken care of.
90% of the guys on this forum run Mobil1 and swear by it... Me being one of them.. My first motor went 230K running Mobil1!
Second motor has slightly over 48K and running very strong!
Great advise... you should surely listen to this guy.
The culprit is not your oil.. you hit it when you said rings/valves... (seals)..
GL buddy... don't get discouraged, these are great cars if taken care of.