GROUP

MODEL

ENG

2011-2024MY~
Multiple Models

NUMBER

DATE

222 (Rev 8, 04/03/2025)

December 2020

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION
NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES

SUBJECT:

 NOTICE
This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this
bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2024MY vehicles (refer to the table
on pages 9 and 10 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
Follow the flowchart on page 2 in this procedure to repair a vehicle exhibiting excessive oil consumption.
Engine Oil Maintenance:
•

Engine oil is responsible for lubrication, cooling, and operation of hydraulic components of the engine.
Engine oil is expected to be consumed in normally operating engines. Therefore, regularly checking oil level
and regular oil changes are required as part of the factory maintenance schedule.

•

The purpose of oil changes is to prevent oil deterioration. A separate requirement is to maintain the oil level,
independent of the oil change interval. It is necessary to check the oil level at every fueling stop and
replenish the oil, if necessary. This is one of several check items that the owner’s manual recommends at
every fueling stop.

•

Operation with deteriorated or low engine oil causes reduced lubrication and cooling, as well as impaired
operation of hydraulic components. This leads to abnormal wear of engine parts, oversaturation of carbon,
and deposits of oil sludge. These can result in damage to multiple areas of the engine, ultimately requiring
a costly, lengthy, and preventable repair.

 NOTICE
A Technical Service Bulletin is a field fix repair program without customer notification that may be
performed during the warranty period. Any dealer requesting to perform this repair outside the
warranty period will require DPSM approval.
A printed copy is for reference only; publication information can be updated at any time.
Always refer to KGIS for the latest information. After logging in kdealer.com, the newest technical
publications are listed in ‘Service Releases’ and has the latest service information that has been released.

Page 2 of 27
SUBJECT:

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES

Flowchart:
Verify Oil Maintenance Records (2nd visit)…
Refer to page 3 for additional information and instructions & updated cleaning procedure on page 4.

1. Vehicle In

Check Oil Level
+Top-Off Engine Oil
and Apply Tamper
Evident Seal
Begin 1,000 Mile
Oil Consumption
Test #1

Check, clean, and
repair oil leaks.

Vehicle Out 1
Customer to provide
maintenance records
next visit.

Required:

1. Oil Maintenance Record
2. Oil Consumption Test Result

Combustion Chamber
Cleaning Process

2. Vehicle In

Verify
Maintenance
Record

OK

Oil
Consumption
Test 1

Excessive
Result

Repair 1
Clean Combustion
Chamber

Warm Up Engine
Add Cleaning Fluid
Increase Pressure

Connect Hose and
Cranking

NG
Normal
Result

Warranty Not
Applicable

Combustion
Chamber Cleaning
Vehicle Out 2
(No Repair)
Suction Residual
Fluid in Combustion
Chamber

3. Vehicle In

Oil
Consumption
Test 2
(1k Miles)

Excessive
Result

Repair 2
Engine R&R
(PWA Required)

Replace Engine Oil,
Oil Filter and Gasket
and Apply Tamper
Evident Seal
Allow Engine to Idle

Normal
Result
Warranty Not
Applicable

Vehicle Out 3

Vehicle Out 2
(with Repair)

Note: Engine replacement requires TL PWA with Oil Consumption results.

 IMPORTANT
Following an oil and filter change, always set the next recommended service interval reminder per
the owner’s manual. Refer to TSB ENG219 for the applicable Service Reminder feature found on
some 2014~ model vehicles.
Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: ENG222 (Rev 8) Multiple Models December 2020

Page 3 of 27
SUBJECT:

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES

Oil Consumption Test:
Engine Oil Inspection (Preparation for Test 1)
1.

Check if there is an oil leak. (Note: If an oil leak if confirmed, the oil leak source needs to be repaired prior
to performing the outlined procedure in this publication).

2.

Turn the engine ‘ON’ for about 10-15 minutes until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
Ensure the temperature gauge reads at the 1/2 mark.

3.

Turn the engine ‘OFF’ and open the oil filler cap. (Note: Wait for the engine oil to drop to the oil pan for
about 15 minutes).

4.

Check the oil level using the oil level gauge/dipstick and document the reading in the RO.

5.

If engine oil top off is required, fill the engine oil to the ‘F’ (Full) line on the level gauge/dipstick. Refer to
page 6, step 10 for required oil type and viscosity.

6. Re-install the engine oil filler cap and oil level gauge and apply a tamper evident silicone seal to the drain
plug, oil filter, dipstick and oil cap. Vehicle Out 1.
B) Engine Oil Inspection (After 1K Miles of Driving) – ‘Verify proper maintenance before continuing’
1.

Repeat steps from section A. 1-4. Refill the engine oil up to the ‘F’ (Full) line of the oil level gauge/dipstick.

2.

Refer to page 7, step 11 for required oil type and viscosity.

3.

Calculate the oil consumption amount as follows (Result = Refer to Flowchart on page 2):

•

If the oil consumption amount is less than 1qt/1,000 miles, Normal consumption, No Repair.

•

If the oil consumption amount is over 1qt/1,000 miles, Excessive perform Repair 1 (Clean Combustion
Chamber, pages 4-7).

•

Replace the engine oil, oil filter and gasket and apply a tamper evident silicone seal to the drain plug, oil
filter, dipstick and oil cap.

4.

Top-off the engine oil to the ‘F’ (Full) line of the oil level gauge/dipstick. Refer to page 7, step 11 for required
oil type and viscosity.

5. Re-install the engine oil filler cap and oil level gauge/dipstick. Vehicle Out 2.
C) Engine Oil Inspection (After Repair 1 and 1,000 Miles of Driving)
1.

Repeat steps from section B. 1-2.

•

If the oil consumption amount is less than 1qt/1,000 miles, Normal consumption, No Repair

•

If the oil consumption amount is over 1qt/1,000 miles, Excessive perform Repair 2
(Engine R&R, page 8).

2.

Top-off the engine oil to the ‘F’ (Full) fill line of the oil level gauge/dipstick. Refer to page 7, step 11 for
required oil type and viscosity.

3.

Re-install the engine oil filler cap and oil level gauge/dipstick. Vehicle Out 3.
Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: ENG222 (Rev 8) Multiple Models December 2020

Page 4 of 27

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES

SUBJECT:

Cleaning Procedure (Combustion Chamber):

 NOTICE
The following procedure requires cleaning a 2 hour soaking (2X -twice).
•

1st Cleaning → 1st Soaking for 2 hours → 2nd cleaning → 2nd Soaking for 2 hours.
Place vehicle in an area with adequate space.

1a.

Start the engine and allow it to reach operating
temperature.

1b.

Turn the engine ‘OFF’.

1c.

Remove the engine junction box cover and

A

remove the fuel pump fuse (A).
1d.

Start the engine and allow it to stall.

1e.

Remove the engine cover and disconnect the
battery negative (-) terminal.

2a.

Disconnect the fuel control connector (B).

2b.

Disconnect the four (4) ignition coil
connectors.

2c.

B

Remove the four (4) spark plugs.
Note: The low pressure fuel pipe needs to be
detached before removing ignition coils.

WARNING

*The Nu engine shown is for reference only.

Fuel vapors are flammable. Death or serious injury can result if they are ignited. Make sure
there are no open flames or smoking in the area of the repair. Adequate ventilation is
necessary to prevent a build-up of fumes which could ignite, causing fire or explosion.

3.

Position the crankshaft so that all pistons are
midway between top and bottom of the
cylinders.
Note: Set TDC for Cylinder #1, then rotate
the crankshaft 90°.

Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: ENG222 (Rev 8) Multiple Models December 2020

Page 5 of 27
SUBJECT:

4a.

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES
Inject the cleaning fluid into the cylinders
through the spark plug holes.

4b.

Using the supplied syringe add at least 1.7oz
(50cc) to each cylinder.
Specification: Min. 1.7oz (50cc) / Max 2.2oz
(66.5cc)

5.

Using SST 09580 3D100 pressurize each
cylinder under pneumatic pressure (2~3 bar)
for three (3) minutes.
Note: Before pressurizing, set the associated
cylinder to TDC.

6a.

Connect the four (4) hoses & adaptors to each
cylinder as shown.
Note: Connect Cyl. #1 to #3 and #2 to #4.

6b.

Reconnect battery negative (-) terminal.

6c.

Crank the engine for 3 seconds / 3 times.

7a.

Disconnect the hose and inject 1.7oz (50cc)

1

2

3

4

min. of the cleaning fluid to each cylinder (1-4).
Specification: Min. 1.7oz (50cc) / Max 2.2oz
(66.5cc)
7b.

Disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal.

Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: ENG222 (Rev 8) Multiple Models December 2020

Page 6 of 27
SUBJECT:

8a.

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES
Allow the vehicle to sit for two (2) hours.

CAUTION
Do Not turn the engine ‘ON’ until the
cleaning procedure is complete.

8b.

Repeat steps 3-8 after 2 hour soaking for a
second final time.

CONTINUED AFTER (2X) TIMES CLEANING & SOAKING:
9a.

Remove the residual washing liquid in the
combustion chamber using the syringe or the
suction tool.
Note: For best results, a pneumatic suction tool
is recommended.

9b.

Reconnect battery negative (-) terminal.

10.

Place a clean towel/shop rag over the spark
holes. Crank the engine for 3-5 seconds, 3
times.

CAUTION
If spark plug holes are not sufficiently
covered, fluid may spray into the air,
potentially causing injury. An assistant
may be needed. Wear safety glasses
while performing this step.

Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: ENG222 (Rev 8) Multiple Models December 2020

Page 7 of 27
SUBJECT:

11.

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES
Replace the engine oil and filter and apply a
tamper evident silicone seal to the drain plug,
oil filter dipstick and oil filler cap.
Engine Crankcase Oil Specification and Fill
Capacity: 5W-30 or 0W-20 engine oil (as
applicable)
Note: Refer to KGIS for oil level type and
capacity.
Refer to KGIS for oil level capacity.

12.

Reinstall all removed parts in the reverse
order of removal.

13.

Reconnect the fuel pump relay in the fuse
box.

14.

Allow the engine to remain idle for 10 minutes
and accelerate the engine to 3,000rpm, 3

Required Product: QUARTZ 9000 FUTURE FGC
Full Synthetic SN PLUS, QUARTZ 9000 FUTURE
XT Full Synthetic SN PLUS, Mobil Super Synthetic
5W30 above – Note: 0W20 (for Hybrid Applications).
If not available, use other brand 0W20 or 5W30 and
Full Synthetic type with API SN/SN+/SP, ILSAC
GF4/GF5 or higher service grade.

times.

Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: ENG222 (Rev 8) Multiple Models December 2020

Page 8 of 27
SUBJECT:

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES

Engine Replacement Procedure: (2.0L Nu GDI / 1.6L GDI Gamma / 2.0L T-GDI and
2.4L GDI Theta Engines)
1.

Replace the engine by referring to the “Engine
Mechanical System → Engine and Transaxle
Assembly → Engine and Transaxle Assembly
→ Repair procedures” chapter in the applicable
Shop Manual on KGIS.
Replace the engine oil, oil filter and oil plug
gasket.
Engine Crankcase Oil Specification and fill
capacity: 5W-30 engine oil
Note: Refer to KGIS for oil level capacity.
Required Product: QUARTZ 0W-20 Full
Synthetic API/SN PLUS, Latest (ILSAC Latest)
GF-6 or ACEA C5
If not available, use other brand 5W30 and
Full synthetic type with API SN/SN+/SP, ILSAC
GF4/GF5 or higher service grade.
Note : For Hybrid Applications
(1.6L Gamma and 1.6L Kappa Engines)
Required Product: QUARTZ 0W-20 Full
Synthetic API/SN PLUS, Latest (ILSAC Latest)
GF-6 or ACEA C5
If not available, use other brand 0W20 or
5W30 and Full Synthetic type with API
SN/SN+/SP, ILSAC GF4/GF5 or higher service
grade.

Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: ENG222 (Rev 8) Multiple Models December 2020

Page 9 of 27
SUBJECT:

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES

AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
Model

Model Year

Forte (YD, YDm, BDm)

2014-2024

Niro (DE HEV)

2017-2020

Soul (AM, PS, SK3)

2012 to 2024