I have a friend that has a late model Chevy Equinox that is starting to consume oil. 2.4L Direct Injection. Anybody else? His research is indicating It may be due to fuel dilution, and to pull in the oil changes to shorter intervals vs. following the OLM.
Text from GM tech-link
Excessive oil consumption may be noticed on some 2010 Equinox and Terrain models equipped with the 2.4L direct-injected 4-cylinder engine (RPO LAF). In most cases, the oil consumption rate will be one quart or more every 1,000 miles (1,609 km). This condition may not be evident until the vehicle has accumulated 20,000 miles (32,187 km) or more. It may appear earlier if the drive cycle of the vehicle mainly consists of short trip driving (more thermal-cycles). Upon inspection, excessive oil in the fresh air side of the PCV system due to excessive crankcase pressure and blow-by may be noted. In addition, all four spark plugs will have obvious/excessive oil deposits on them.
If this condition is encountered, remove the spark plugs and inspect them for obvious/excessive oil deposits. If there is no sign of oil deposits on the spark plugs, perform an oil consumption test as outlined in the latest version of Bulletin #01-06-01-011 before proceeding.
If excessive oil consumption is verified by inspecting the spark plugs and/or performing an oil consumption test, perform the appropriate Service Information diagnosis for oil consumption and repair as necessary. If a single spark plug has obvious/excessive oil deposits, inspect the related valve seals to ensure that they are not missing, damaged, or torn and replace them as needed.
If the Service Information diagnostics does not isolate the cause of the condition and no obvious valve seal conditions are found, inspect the cylinder walls for obvious vertical “zebra stripes” as shown in the photo. (Fig. 1) In most cases, the cylinder head will have to be removed for inspection because these stripes may be hard to see with a bore scope. They also may not be apparent until the cylinder walls are cleaned with contact cleaner.
If these stripes are NOT present, continue to follow the Service Information procedures and diagnosis to determine if there is another cause for the oil consumption, such as stuck rings, damaged rings, etc.
If these stripes ARE present, replace the engine using the latest part number listed in the parts catalog since this engine does not have serviceable cylinder liners like some of the other Ecotec engines. Before ordering the replacement engine, refer to #PIP5025 for additional information regarding engine replacement approval and installation.
Text from GM tech-link
Excessive oil consumption may be noticed on some 2010 Equinox and Terrain models equipped with the 2.4L direct-injected 4-cylinder engine (RPO LAF). In most cases, the oil consumption rate will be one quart or more every 1,000 miles (1,609 km). This condition may not be evident until the vehicle has accumulated 20,000 miles (32,187 km) or more. It may appear earlier if the drive cycle of the vehicle mainly consists of short trip driving (more thermal-cycles). Upon inspection, excessive oil in the fresh air side of the PCV system due to excessive crankcase pressure and blow-by may be noted. In addition, all four spark plugs will have obvious/excessive oil deposits on them.
If this condition is encountered, remove the spark plugs and inspect them for obvious/excessive oil deposits. If there is no sign of oil deposits on the spark plugs, perform an oil consumption test as outlined in the latest version of Bulletin #01-06-01-011 before proceeding.
If excessive oil consumption is verified by inspecting the spark plugs and/or performing an oil consumption test, perform the appropriate Service Information diagnosis for oil consumption and repair as necessary. If a single spark plug has obvious/excessive oil deposits, inspect the related valve seals to ensure that they are not missing, damaged, or torn and replace them as needed.
If the Service Information diagnostics does not isolate the cause of the condition and no obvious valve seal conditions are found, inspect the cylinder walls for obvious vertical “zebra stripes” as shown in the photo. (Fig. 1) In most cases, the cylinder head will have to be removed for inspection because these stripes may be hard to see with a bore scope. They also may not be apparent until the cylinder walls are cleaned with contact cleaner.
If these stripes are NOT present, continue to follow the Service Information procedures and diagnosis to determine if there is another cause for the oil consumption, such as stuck rings, damaged rings, etc.
If these stripes ARE present, replace the engine using the latest part number listed in the parts catalog since this engine does not have serviceable cylinder liners like some of the other Ecotec engines. Before ordering the replacement engine, refer to #PIP5025 for additional information regarding engine replacement approval and installation.
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