Originally Posted By: Neptune
My 2012 Terrain with 2.4 eco-tec engine seems to be using some oil. I just bought the vehicle in July 2016, so I am not the original owner.
It does have a warranty and it has 47,4xx miles on it. Current fill is Mobil 1 5w-30 and a Fram Ultra filter. The next oil change is due in mid April.
It seems to need a quart about every 1500-1800 miles. Just about 300 miles ago I added a quart of mmo instead of oil. Im hoping maybe stuck
rings might free themselves. The next oci I was thinking of a few choices:
Castrol 0w40 (black container)
Mobil 0w40
Valvoline 5w30
Castrol Magnatec 5w30 (blend)
Looking to see what you folks think I should use here to slow consumtion. I'm leaning towards Castrol 0w40, but I don't want to void my warranty.
Also thought about a 5w30 synthetic with Lucas heavy duty oil stabilizer (would need to add a quart of this stuff).
What's the opinion of the Lucas oil stabilizer? Which might be more effective the 0w40 or 5w30+Lucas?
Thanks!
Not as dependent on oil once this issue is resolved - just use what is specified.
I haven't included the whole bulletin here, but suffice it to say get it to a reputable dealer and start an oil consumption test...
... See below...
#13-06-01-003H: Excessive Oil Consumption - Perform Oil Consumption Test and/or Install Piston and Piston Ring Kit - (Feb 9, 2016)
Subject: Excessive Oil Consumption – Perform Oil Consumption Test and/or Install Piston and Piston Ring Kit
Models: 2010-2013 Buick LaCrosse
2011-2013 Buick Regal
2012-2013 Buick Verano
2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox
2012-2013 Chevrolet Captiva, Orlando (Canada Only)
2010-2013 GMC Terrain
Equipped with 2.4L Engine (RPOs LAF, LEA)
Condition
Some customers may comment on excessive oil consumption and/or that they have to add oil between oil changes.
Correction
For this condition, technicians should perform an oil consumption test by following the latest version of Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-011. Before starting the oil consumption test, verify the ECM has latest TIS2web calibrations to adjust the engine oil life monitor to a maximum of 7,500 miles (12,070 km) — Refer to the latest version of Customer Satisfaction Bulletin #12312.
Inspect for any obvious oil leaks that may explain the oil consumption concern and repair as necessary.
Important: When checking the oil level with the oil dipstick design shown below, please note that the oil volume per notch is not linear due to the shape of the block. The upper notches (relative to the top of the handle) equal 0.24 quart (0.227 L) between each notch while the lower notches only equal 0.14 quart (0.132 L) between each notch. As a result, no oil will appear on the dipstick if it is low on oil by approximately 1.25 quarts (1.18 L) or more. When determining the oil consumption rate, the oil volume added to return it to the starting location is the total amount of oil consumed. The consumption rate must be documented on a repair order.
Notice: Do not add too much oil. An overfill can lead to burn off of the excess oil. Advise the customer to wait until the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick before adding oil.
Object ID: 3339530Click here for detailed picture of the image.
If the oil consumption test indicates that the rate of consumption is greater than 1 quart (0.946 L) of oil every 2,000 miles (3,200 km), note the oil consumption rate, the date that the ECM was reprogrammed and any repairs/diagnosis that you have performed.
The repair is to replace the pistons and rings. In some cases the bore surface may not have a uniform look to the finish (zebra stripes) as shown below. As a result, some technicians may question whether the engine should be repaired or replaced. After careful evaluation, GM Powertrain has determined that the new pistons and rings will perform correctly in bores that have this appearance so engine replacement should not be necessary. The cylinder bores do not need any machine or honing work performed on them. Refer to the picture below for acceptable surface finishes.
BurrWinder