[C5David]

I'm 290 miles into my oil consumption test (starting with a fresh 7 quarts of Mobile 1 5w30 about 290 miles and 1 week ago), and my "Low oil" warning comes on (thank you DIC!). I pull into my local dealer, and sure enough I'm down a quart. Finally documented.

So I got to listen in on one side of a phone call between the head service guy and the GM engineer. Here's what I learned.

The funniest line: "We [GM] have determined that the oil consumption problem only happens when the driver exceeds 3000 RPM on a regular basis." My dealer said, "Well, uh, gee, isn't the engine designed for that?" I couldn't hear what the GM guy said. But I thought you'd all find that bit of "useful" information humorous.

The new rings were supposed to be available to all dealers at the beginning of April, but they are delayed, meaning they won't arrive until the end of April. GM authorized a boat load of engine parts to be sent to my local dealer, including the new rings, in order to repair my leaky engine. My dealer intends to repair the problem by replacing the faulty rings.

I intend to call GM and argue that I should get a new motor rather than a rebuild. Any advise?

 

[fcalmes]

On 2001-04-11 19:26, C5David spewed forth this drivel:
"We [GM] have determined that the oil consumption problem only happens when the driver exceeds 3000 RPM on a regular basis

Duh!! /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif I don't shift till I at LEAST hit 3000 RPMs.

And what about Sherlann's Z?? I bet it has never seen 3 grand...except when I drove it. /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

 

[ZEEE 06]

Screw the new motor, tell them you want a new car.

 

[wstory1]

Good luck getting anything other than a rebuild. Keep us informed as to how you make out.

 

[jessejames]

I'm 600 hard miles into mine. Not down any oil yet...keeping fingers crossed. /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif 648 down better than 2 /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_mad.gif

 

[c4c5specialist]

If I may??
Why would you want a new engine??
Especially if you do not know if the engine has the new rings or not??
I would recommend that you give your dealer a chance to fix the issue, before you think that it cannot be repaired.
From personal experience, I can attest to the fact, that most of the times, the engine built at the shop, may actually be better than it was before.
Give GM a chance to repair the situation before you make demands that may not be needed.
Best ,c4c5

 

[fcalmes]

c4c5specialist,

Welcome to the Forum. We respect and welcome your expertiese. Thanks for your input.

 

[Z06JIM]

I agree with Frank, happy to see you looking in on us. Welcome aboard C4C5 specialist.

 

[AmishVette]

Welcome - Nice to have an "expert" on board.

 

[C5David]

On 2001-04-12 19:25, c4c5specialist said something of significant value:
If I may??
Why would you want a new engine??
Especially if you do not know if the engine has the new rings or not??
I would recommend that you give your dealer a chance to fix the issue, before you think that it cannot be repaired.
From personal experience, I can attest to the fact, that most of the times, the engine built at the shop, may actually be better than it was before.
Give GM a chance to repair the situation before you make demands that may not be needed.
Best ,c4c5

Thanks so much for your suggestion. My main concern is this: My warrantee does not get reset after the engine is rebuilt, but in theory it should. I would hope that with a new engine, my warrantee would get reset. Also, my engine has burnt about 15-20 quarts of oil in its short 3900 mile life; I'm concerned about what other damage this may have caused. Also, the people who actually build LS6 engines do that as their full time, only job, where as whoever rebuilds my LS6 will be doing it for the first time. The relative difference in experience is concerning.

Also, when I'm at WOT on 3rd and 4th gear near redline, the engine seems to "sputter", or not run quite as smoothly as I would expect. I think I'm losing some power. How in the world would I show this to a dealer, because the only way to demonstrate this is at pretty high speeds; how could I get the dealer to verify this problem?

I also heard that ZR1 engines were always replaced and never rebuilt. Maybe there's some precedent here?

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI C5,
First, in order to verify your driving issue, have the mechanic in the vehicle, with a scan tool attached, and you drive the vehicle to make it happen.
Second, in the very beginning, the LT5 was NOT rebuilt, it was just changed, due to the massive design differences between the other engines and that.
Third, I do not understand the warranty position sometimes either, and cannot comment accordingly.
4th, the LS6 is so similar that there really isnt alot of difference between the 1 and the 6, other than parts.
This is just a thought, and I see your point in this. I suppose I probably would feel the same way if I had one under the gun. If I could, I would do the job, just to try a give you a bit of peace.
Best to ya, and good luck, c4c5

 

[GOLD72]

I have a tendency to agree with both Frank and C4C5 Specialist that GM should be allowed to fix the problem. If you can assure yourself that an experienced mechanic (ie, Vette mechanic) is performing the work and cares about vettes as much as you do, then you may very well end up with an engine better than factory new. As for me, it would appear than I have used 2 qts between first change at 600 miles and 3100 miles. I am going to track the useage more closely now and hope that the rings will start to seal better in the future. If consumption stays at a qt or less per 1000 miles, I will probably leave it alone. My friend Z.06 believes that this is reasonable consumption for a high performance engine based upon his various experiences over the past 30 years.

GOLD72

 

[z06vett]

Plus if you replace your engine there goes the numbers matching car, future resale! Not that you would ever sell your car?

 

[1fastdog]

My main concern is this: My warrantee does not get reset after the engine is rebuilt, but in theory it should. I would hope that with a new engine, my warrantee would get reset.

It doesn't work this way. How it works: Parts or assemblies replaced during the 36/36000 mile original factory warranty have the remainder of the warranty as coverage OR 12 months 12000 miles, whichever is greater.

You stated in your post that your Vette has 3900 miles on it, therefore a repair at this time there's 32100 miles of remaining coverage on any warranty repair done. The remainder is less as the mile rack up.

I'd think an issue on the soundness of an engine would show itself in way fewer miles than this. I'm sorry you have this situation to face. I do believe GM will get your car's oil concern corrected. Replace or repair won't change the warranty coverage of the engine. Hope this clarifies it a bit.

 

[2001Z06]

I think there are a few items of concern in how this is handled. Maybe I am rather optimistic but I think GM will do the right thing, what ever that may be. They do seem to point the finger at some "suspect" rings. Identifying and admitting there is a problem is the first step.

Having said that, I have a couple of concerns. First of all, is it wide spread and eventually reach all 2001 LS6s? Also, will it have long term effects on the motor even if you monitor and keep the oil at the appropriate levels? I have not experienced excessive oil consumption such as a few people have reported here. I run the rpms over 5K daily and I have seen some oil use, 3+ qts over 6400 miles. Is that too much? I don't know; I guess it depends on who you talk to.

If there is a need to do repair work or replacement which is the best route? By this I mean which is the most reliable? Is opening up the engine riskier; exposing the internals to the elements like dirt, sand, salt...etc along with any oversights by the person doing the work? Is doing the work associated with the engine replacement riskier? I would think the engine replacement would be faster for a mechanic and probably cost a bit less in man hours. What ever it may be, I guess we have to be patient and see what happens. We all would like to have our Z06s running hard and strong for many years to come.

I remember the first boxsters were blowing engines left and right. It was determined that the some of the blocks had manufacturing defects. At least we aren't seeing catastrophic problems like that.

 

[HarleyB]

As far as I'm concerned, if I need the "job" done on my Z (God forbid), I'm driving to Shelton, Connecticut. I'll stay for a little vacation & have it fixed right. NOW THAT WOULD MAKE ME FEEL BETTER!

my $.02

HarleyB

_________________
'73 Silver Roadster -gone
'89 Red Coupe -gone
'01 SLK320 Silver 6-Speed -Wife's vert/coupe
'01 Quicksilver/Black Z06 •SilverShark•
Throttle Depressed. Driver Very Happy.

Image edited due to size. 15K Max. - N4C5S

 

[C5David]

On 2001-04-16 16:57, HarleyB spewed forth this drivel:
As far as I'm concerned, if I need the "job" done on my Z (God forbid), I'm driving to Shelton, Connecticut...

According to http://www.mapquest.com/, your trip would be 2915.4 miles. At my rate of oil consumption, you'd need two six packs of oil in the trunk, and probably twice that in beer!

Thanks for all the advice from everyone here. I think I'll go with the engine rebuild, and see how that works out before doing anything else.