File in Section:
Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

06 - Engine
10-06-01-008K
September, 2014

TECHNICAL
Subject:

Engine Oil Consumption on Aluminum Block/Iron Block Engines with Active Fuel
Management (AFM) (Install AFM Oil Deflector and Clean Carbon from Cylinder and/or
Install Updated Valve Cover)

Models:

2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade Models
2007-2014 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe
2010-2012 Chevrolet Colorado
2010-2015 Chevrolet Camaro
2007-2014 GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra Denali, Yukon Models
2010-2012 GMC Canyon
2008-2009 Pontiac G8 GT
Vehicles Built Prior to February 1, 2011 Require Updated Valve Cover and October 2010
Require AFM Shield
Equipped with Any of the Following Engines:
– Aluminum Block V8 Engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) (RPOs LH9, L94,
LZ1, L99, LC9, LH6, L76, L92, LFA (Hybrid))
– Iron Block V8 Engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) (RPOs LMG, LY5)

Attention: This bulletin does not apply to the Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy
equipped with LH6 due to a different design oil pan and AFM pressure relief valve.
This Bulletin has been revised to add the 2012-2014 (2015 for Camaro) model years, add a
Note to Correction, update Parts Information and Warranty Information. Please discard
Corporate Bulletin Number 10-06-01-008J.

Condition
Some customers may comment about engine oil
consumption of vehicles with higher mileage
(approximately 48,000 to 64,000 km (30,000 to
40,000 mi) and a service engine soon light being on
and/or rough running engine. Verify that the PCV
system is functioning properly. If the customer
understands that some oil consumption is normal and
still feels the consumption level is excessive, more than
1 quart per 2000 to 3000 miles of driving, perform the
service indicated in this bulletin. It is no longer
necessary to have the customer return multiple times to
have the usage verified.

Cause
This condition may be caused by two conditions. Oil
pulled through the PCV system or oil spray that is
discharged from the AFM pressure relief valve within
the crankcase. Under most driving conditions and drive
cycles, the discharged oil does not cause a problem.

Copyright 2014 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Under certain drive cycles (extended high engine
speed operation), in combination with parts at the high
end of their tolerance specification, the oil spray
quantity may be more than usual, resulting in excessive
deposit formation in the piston ring grooves, causing
increased oil consumption and cracked or fouled spark
plugs (#1 and/or #7). Refer to the latest version of
Corporate Bulletin Number 12-06-01-001.

Correction
Note: When installing the updated valve cover or
reinstalling a used valve cover, verify that the baffles
can hold water and do not leak. If any leaks are found,
seal with RTV if possible or replace the valve cover.
Thoroughly clean and dry the valve cover before
installation.

Page 2

September, 2014

Aluminum or Cast Iron Block - Oil in Intake
Manifold - Install Updated Valve Cover on All
Models Built Prior to February 1, 2011
Note: If vehicle is built after this breakpoint, it should
already be equipped with this updated valve cover.

2740641

1) Old Design
2) New Design
PCV pullover or an overactive lifter can cause oil to be
pulled through the PCV system even at low vehicle
mileage. A correctly functioning PCV system will only
leave a film of oil in the intake manifold. Inspect the
intake manifold to see if there is any oil puddling in the
bottom. If there is you will need to replace the left valve
cover. Two new left rocker arm covers have been
released for trucks and vans. Technicians should
replace the left rocker arm cover with GM P/
N 12570427 for 2007-2008 or GM P/N 12642655 for
2009-2011. Refer to the Parts Information below for the
Camaro. This rocker arm cover has a relocated PCV
drain hole that prevents oil from entering the intake
manifold. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover
Replacement - Left Side in SI.
Note: These rocker covers are for specific years. The
PCV orifice is different for each. The correct cover must
be used or an SES light may set.

Aluminum Block - Oil Getting Past Piston
Rings - Free Up Piston Rings and Install AFM
Shield on All Non-Hybrid Models
Note: If vehicle is built outside of this breakpoint, it
should already be equipped with this AFM shield or the
pan does not have an AFM valve (LFA before July
7, 2009).

Bulletin No.: 10-06-01-008K

To correct this condition, install an AFM shield, perform
the piston cleaning procedure as described in this
document and install a new oil pan gasket per the
procedure outlined in this document. Monitor oil
consumption after this repair to ensure oil consumption
has improved to acceptable levels.
If this repair does not correct the condition, it may be
necessary to replace all of the piston assemblies
(piston and rings) with new parts. Refer to SI for repair
procedure.
Important: It is critical in this cleaning process that the
engine/fuel injector cleaner remain in the cylinders for a
minimum of 2.5 hours to fully clean the components.
The cleaner solution must be removed before a
maximum of three hours.
1. Remove the spark plugs and ensure that none of
the pistons are at top dead center (TDC).
2. Clean the pistons by putting 118-147 ml (4-5 oz) of
Upper Engine and Fuel Injector Cleaner, GM P/
N 88861803 (in Canada, use 88861804), in each
cylinder. Allow the material to soak for at least
2.5-3.0 hours, but no more than three hours and
then remove the cleaner. A suggested method of
removing the cleaner is cranking the engine over.
Make sure to unplug the ignition coils and fuel
injector before cranking the engine over. Also
make sure that the painted surfaces are covered
so no damage is done.
3. Remove the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement
in SI.

2474205

4. Remove the AFM valve (1).

Bulletin No.: 10-06-01-008K

September, 2014

Page 3

Note: After the piston/ring replacement it will take
2000-3000 mi. for the new rings to seat. Adequate
break time is necessary prior to rechecking the oil
consumption level.
Note: Do not overlook the valve seals at higher
mileage. Look in the head ports for evidence of
excessive amounts of oil getting past the seals.
Note: It is recommended to install an AFM shield any
time that the oil pan is removed for any reason and an
AFM shield is not found.

Cast-Iron Block - Oil Getting Past Piston Rings
- Free Up Piston Rings on All Models

2474207

5. Install the new shield (1), GM P/N 12639759, and
tighten the AFM valve to the oil pan to 28 Y
(20 lb ft).
Important: Ensure that the engine cleaner is th
break="2"oroughly removed before reinstalling the
spark plugs. Failure to do so may result in a hydro-lock
condition.
6. Reinstall the spark plugs. Replace the spark plugs
if necessary due to full of carbon. Refer to the parts
catalog.
7. Reinstall the oil pan. Refer to the Oil Pan
Installation procedure in SI. Replace the oil pan
gasket if necessary. Refer to the parts catalog.
Replace the engine oil.
8. Re-evaluate the oil consumption. Document on the
repair order. If the oil consumption is still greater
than 0.946 L (1 qt) in 3,200 km (2000 mi),
replacement of the pistons and rings will be
required.
Important: Some minor scratches may be noticed on
the cylinder walls during piston and ring replacement. If
the scratch cannot be felt when running your finger nail
over it, the scratch is considered normal wear and the
block or engine should not be replaced.
Note: It is not necessary to hone or deglaze the
cylinder walls. Honing may induce unnecessary
cylinder wall and / or piston ring damage if it is done
incorrectly and/or not cleaned thoroughly. Cylinder
walls should cleaned thoroughly with brake cleaner
before installation of the new pistons and rings.
Numerous engines replaced for oil consumption have
been inspected. The cross hatch has been consistently
good and is in specification. As a result, is should not
be necessary to measure the cylinders if they pass the
visual inspection.

1. Remove the spark plugs and ensure that none of
the pistons are at top dead center (TDC).
2. Clean the pistons by putting 118-147 ml (4-5 oz) of
Upper Engine and Fuel Injector Cleaner, GM P/
N 88861803 (in Canada, use 88861804), in each
cylinder. Allow the material to soak for at least
2.5-3.0 hours, but no more than three hours and
then remove the cleaner. A suggested method of
removing the cleaner is cranking the engine over.
Make sure to unplug the ignition coils and fuel
injector before cranking the engine over. Also
make sure that the painted surfaces are covered
so no damage is done.
Important: Ensure that the engine cleaner is
thoroughly removed before reinstalling the spark plugs.
Failure to do so may result in a hydro-lock condition.
3. Reinstall the spark plugs. Replace the spark plugs
if necessary due to full of carbon. Refer to the parts
catalog.
4. Re-evaluate the oil consumption. Document on the
repair order. If the oil consumption is still greater
than 0.946 L (1 qt) in 3,200 km (2000 mi),
replacement of the pistons and rings will be
required.
Note: It is not necessary to install the shield when
doing the piston cleaning on a cast iron block engine
since the cast iron block engine uses a different oil
pump than an aluminum block engine, which results in
a higher engine speed before the AFM pressure relief
valve opens (cast iron block engines are less prone to
the AFM oil spray condition described earlier). If you
find it necessary to replace the pistons and/or remove
the oil pan for any other reason, only then should you
add the shield.

Page 4

September, 2014

Bulletin No.: 10-06-01-008K

Note: It is not necessary to hone or deglaze the
cylinder walls. Honing may induce unnecessary
cylinder wall and / or piston ring damage if it is done
incorrectly and/or not cleaned thoroughly. Cylinder
walls should cleaned thoroughly with brake cleaner
before installation of the new pistons and rings.
Numerous engines replaced for oil consumption have
been inspected. The cross hatch has been consistently
good and is in specification. As a result, is should not
be necessary to measure the cylinders if they pass the
visual inspection.
Note: After the piston/ring replacement, it will take
2000-3000 miles for the new rings to seat. Adequate
break time is necessary prior to rechecking the oil
consumption level.
Note: Do not overlook the valve seals at higher
mileage. Look in the head ports for evidence of
excessive amounts of oil getting past the seals.
2596639

Note: It is recommended to install an AFM shield any
time that the oil pan is removed for any reason and an
AFM shield is not found.

Parts Information
Part Number

Description

Qty

12639759

DEFLECTOR-OIL PRESS RLF
VLV (quantity of 3 per order)

1

88861803 (in
Canada, use
88861804)

CLEANER, F/INJR 16 OZ LIQUID
POUR (Upper Engine and Fuel
Injector Cleaner)

3

12612350

GASKET, OIL PAN

1

12642655

COVER ASM-VLV RKR ARM
(2009-2014 Truck Models Only)

1

12570427

COVER ASM-VLV RKR ARM
(2007-2008 Truck Model Only)

1

12642655

COVER ASM-VLV RKR ARM
(2010-2015 Camaro)

1

12570427

COVER ASM-VLV RKR ARM
(2008–2009 G8 WITHOUT RPO
BSI Only)

1

12642655

COVER ASM-VLV RKR ARM
(2009 G8 WITH RPO BSI Only)

1

12610768

PCV Tube (2010-2015 Camaro)

1

19300410

Piston and Ring Service Kit
(2007–2009 5.3L Only)

1

19300411

Piston and Ring Service Kit
(2010–2014 5.3L Only)

1

2596640

Important: Some minor scratches may be noticed on
the cylinder walls during piston and ring replacement. If
the scratch cannot be felt when running your finger nail
over it, the scratch is considered normal wear and the
block or engine should not be replaced.

Bulletin No.: 10-06-01-008K

September, 2014

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under the Powertrain coverage,
use the following labor operation. Reference the
Applicable Warranties section of Investigate Vehicle
History (IVH) for coverage information.
Labor
Operation

4080298*

Description

Labor
Operation

Labor
Time

Install AFM Oil Deflector,
Rocker Arm Cover- Left Bank
and Clean Carbon from
Cylinder (Camaro Only)

6.5 hrs

Install AFM Oil Deflector,
Rocker Arm Cover- Left Bank
and Clean Carbon from
Cylinder (Aluminum Block V8)
(RPOs LH9, L94, LZ1, L99,
LC9, LH6, L76, LFA, L92)

4.1 hrs

Clean Carbon from Cylinder
and Install Rocker Arm Cover Left Bank

2.6 hrs

Page 5

4066891

Labor
Time

Description
Install AFM Oil Deflector,
Rocker Arm Cover- Left Bank
and Clean Carbon from
Cylinder (2WD)

4.1 hrs

Install AFM Oil Deflector,
Rocker Arm Cover- Left Bank
and Clean Carbon from
Cylinder (4WD)

5.2 hrs

Install AFM Oil Deflector,
Rocker Arm Cover- Left Bank
and Clean Carbon from
Cylinder (G8 Only)

5.7 hrs

Piston, Connecting Rod, and
Bearing Replacement - Both
Sides

Use
Published
Labor
Operation
Time

*This is a unique Labor Operation for Bulletin use only. It will
not be published in the Labor Time Guide.

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

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