Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

03-06-01-023F
September, 2022

INFORMATION
Subject:

Higher Than Expected Oil Consumption at 8600 GVW and Above

Models:

2020–2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD/3500HD with 6.6L RPO (L8T)
2000–2019 Chevrolet Silverado, 2500/3500, Suburban
2000–2022 Chevrolet Express
2002–2013 Chevrolet Avalanche
2003–2010 Chevrolet Kodiak C4500-C5500 Series Models
2020–2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500HD 6.6L RPO (L8T)
2000–2019 GMC Sierra, 2500/3500, Yukon XL
2000–2022 GMC Savana
2003–2010 GMC TopKick C4500-C5500 Series Models
2003–2010 HUMMER H2
with Gasoline Engine and Rated at 8600 GVW and above

This bulletin has been revised to add the 2020–2022 Model Years to Chevrolet Express and
GMC Savana vans. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-06-01-023E.

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

Oil Consumption
Oil usage has a direct relationship with the amount of
fuel used. The harder an engine works, the more fuel
and oil it will use. Therefore, oil usage as a factor of fuel
usage is a more accurate indicator of acceptable oil
consumption levels than vehicle mileage for vehicles at
or above 8600 GVW.
The accepted rate of oil consumption for gasoline
engines in vehicles at or above 8600 GVW is 0.946 liter
(1 qt) within 379 liters (100 gallons) of fuel used. This
rate only applies to vehicles under warranty, maintained
in accordance with the appropriate maintenance
schedule, driven at legal speeds and within design
intent of the vehicle.
Many factors can affect an owner's concern with oil
consumption. Driving habits and vehicle maintenance
vary from owner to owner. Thoroughly evaluate each
case before deciding whether the vehicle in question
has abnormal engine oil consumption.

Copyright 2022 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Gasket and External Leaks
Inspect the oil pans, engine covers, and the engine oil
cooler for leakage. Inspect for oil leakage into the
engine coolant.

Improper Reading of the Oil Level
Indicator (Dipstick)
The vehicle must be parked on a level surface to obtain
accurate oil level readings. Verify that the dipstick tube
is fully seated in the block. When checking the oil level,
make sure the dipstick is wiped clean before taking an
oil level reading and fully depress the dipstick until the
shoulder bottoms out on the dipstick tube. The dipstick
should be the proper part number for the engine/vehicle
that is being checked.

Not Waiting Long Enough After
Running Engine to Check Oil Level
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 to assure the oil has had
enough time to drain back into the crankcase. In order
to ensure accurate results, the temperature of the oil
should be close to the same temperature as the last
time the oil level was checked.

Page 2

September, 2022

Bulletin No.: 03-06-01-023F

Improper Oil Fill After an Oil Change

Measurement of Oil Consumption

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

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 8000 km (5000 mi) and the oil has
been changed for the first time. During initial engine
break-in periods before the first oil change, oil
consumption may exceed 1.9 liters (2 quarts) or more
per 379 liters (100 gallons) of fuel used.
1. Verify that the engine has no external leaks. Repair
as necessary.
2. Begin oil consumption test after next regularly
scheduled oil and filter change. Oil changes should
not be performed during the test.
3. Verify that the engine is at normal operating
temperature (see Owner's Manual or Service
Manual).
4. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
5. Wait at least 15 minutes, after the engine is shut
off, before checking the oil level to make sure that
most of the oil has had time to drain back into the
crankcase.
6. 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.
7. Dealer should record the vehicle mileage, date and
engine hours at the start of the test on the form
included in this bulletin.
8. Ask the customer to verify and record the date,
odometer, oil level, fuel added, and engine hours,
each time the vehicle is fueled, following steps 3-5
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 possible. The dealer will add oil to
return the oil level to full. If the oil level remains
above the add mark, the customer should continue
to operate the vehicle and verify the engine oil
level until either the oil level drops to or below the
add mark or at least 4800 km (3000 mi) has
accumulated since the test began before returning
to the dealership for a final evaluation.
9. If the final evaluation shows that the engine uses
more than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 379 liters
(100 gallons) of fuel used, 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 379 liters (100 gallons) of fuel
used, explain to the customer that their engine
meets the guidelines for oil consumption.

High Speed or High RPM Driving
Continuous driving at high speeds/high RPMs may
increase oil consumption. Because this may not always
be an everyday occurrence, it is hard to determine
exactly how much the oil economy will be affected.

Towing or Heavy Usage
Towing a trailer or hauling additional weight will
increase oil consumption. Large frontal area trailers will
further increase the work required from the engine,
especially at highway speeds, and thus increases the
rate of oil consumption.

PTO Operation
Operation of a PTO will increase fuel and oil usage, as
the PTO driven accessory uses engine power to
operate.

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 from Condensation
On vehicles that are usually driven short distances, less
than 8 km (5 mi), especially in colder weather,
condensation generated from cold engine operation
may not get hot enough to evaporate out of the oil.
When this occurs, the dipstick may indicate that the oil
level is over-full. Subsequent driving on a trip of
sufficient length to enable normal engine operating
temperature for 30 minutes or more, in order to
vaporize excess moisture, may give the customer the
impression of 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. Verify that 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 all cause an increase in oil consumption.

Bulletin No.: 03-06-01-023F

September, 2022

Page 3

Oil Consumption Worksheet
Owner Name

Location

Dealer Name

Dealer Code

Assign TAC

TAC Case #

Engine Model

Serial #

VIN

Oil Brand

Oil Viscosity

Fuel Brand

DATE
Start
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29

ODOMETER
READING

ENGINE HOURS

FUEL QUANTITY
ADDED

OIL QUANTITY
ADDED

———————

———————

Page 4

September, 2022
ODOMETER
READING

DATE

Bulletin No.: 03-06-01-023F

ENGINE HOURS

FUEL QUANTITY
ADDED

OIL QUANTITY
ADDED

30
31
Total

Calculation:
=
System

Oil Used

/

Fuel Used

=

Qt/Gal or L/L

*

English

/

=

*

100

=

Metric

/

=

*

379

=

Oil Consumption
Qt/100 Gal
L/379L

Oil consumption of 0.946L/379L of fuel (1 qt./100 gal.)
or less is considered acceptable.

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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