Today I got a new TSB from GM explaining why and what needs to be done for the LS4 that burn oil. My car is at the dealer for a trans job right now and I have been pressuring the dealer to get my oil consumption fixed. This is new and will be updated again in 2011 when the parts are made to fix this.
I thought I would share this new TSB with you all and figured that you may like to read this

 

saw your post on club gp too, thanks man I'm sure many appreciate seeing this.
But like it was said on the other forum I wonder if they will fix this if your car is out of warranty? I would think not unless in becomes such a problem that they would have to have a re call.

 

Thank you very much for posting this.

I have been to the dealer months ago and underwent the whole oil diagnostic. They confirmed that I was loosing oil. I just have been postponing leaving them my vehicle as another dealership destroyed a lot of plastic panels (and steering wheel) in my vehicle. I'm currently waiting on them to get the replacement parts in (yes, they're paying).

 

did i read in that 1 qt. of oil every 2,000 miles or more is ok?

 

Yeah, i'm at 1qt every 2-3kmi. looks like i'm SOL. Actually, since its just a TSB i'm SOL anyhow. I'm out of warranty.

 

TSBs are essentially worthless.

 

My 2006 burns a quart about every 3000 miles. It's got 82k on it now and has been like this around the 30k mark. Hopefully I will get the tsb.

 

Mine is doing exactly this, or was, until Lew tuned DoD out, then the oil eating dropped from a quart in under 1000 miles to none in 3000 miles. I don't think a gummed up oil ring is the cause. I turned the DoD back on here about 2 weeks ago (about 800 miles, 2/3 highway) and it ate almost another quart. Unless it gums up immediately and frees up immediately depending on DoD/AFM operation, then it would make sense.

 

This will likely be the fix when released...

Subject: Engine Oil Consumption on Aluminum Block Engines with Active Fuel Management (AFM) (Install AFM Oil Deflector and Clean Carbon from Cylinder)

Models: 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT
2007-2008 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe
2007-2008 GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra Denali, Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali, Yukon Denali XL
2008 Pontiac G8 GT
Equipped with Aluminum Block V8 Engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) (RPOs LC9, LH6, L76, LFA, L92)
with Greater than 45,000 km (28,000 mi)

Condition

Some customers may comment about engine oil consumption on vehicles with 45,000-56,000 km (28,000-35,000 mi) or greater. Upon further investigation, a technician may find that the engine uses 0.946 L (1 qt) of oil in as little as 1,200 km (800 mi). After this bulletin is completed, the vehicle should be driven 3,200-4,800 km (2,000-3,000 mi), then tested for oil consumption again.
Cause

This condition may be caused by an uncovered AFM valve that sprays oil on the bottom of the cylinders when the vehicle is in four cylinder mode. Over time, the rings cannot handle the volume and begin to stick with carbon. At that point, the vehicle oil usage may go up considerably.
Correction

A new AFM shield/ring cleaning process has been developed to restore the function of the rings. If the oil economy has not improved to no more than 0.946 L (1 qt) of oil consumed in 3200 km (2000 mi) after cleaning, it may be necessary to replace all of the pistons and piston rings.

Important: It is critical in this cleaning process that the engine/fuel injector cleaner remain in the cylinders for a minimum of 2.5 hours to fully clean the components. The cleaner solution must be removed before a maximum of three hours.

1. Verify the oil consumption concern following Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-011F. If oil consumption is found, continue on with this bulletin.
2. Remove the spark plugs and ensure that none of the pistons are at top dead center (TDC).
3. Clean the pistons by putting 118-147 ml (4-5 oz) of Upper Engine and Fuel Injector Cleaner, GM P/N 88861802 (in Canada, use 88861804), in each cylinder. Allow the material to soak for at least 2.5-3.0 hours, but no more than three hours and then remove the cleaner. A suggested method of removing the cleaner is cranking engine over. Make sure to unplug the ignition coils and fuel injector before cranking the engine over. Also make sure that the painted surfaces are covered so no damage is done.
4. Remove the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement in SI.
5. Remove the AFM valve.
6. Install the new shield (1), GM P/N 12639759, and tighten the AFM valve to the oil pan to 28 N·m (20 lb ft).
7. Reinstall the spark plugs.
8. Reinstall the oil pan. Refer to the Oil Pan Installation procedure in SI.
9. Re-evaluate the oil consumption. Document on the repair order. If the oil consumption is still greater than 0.946 L (1 qt) in 3,200 km (2000 mi), replacement of the pistons and rings will be required.

 

Would this issue cause large amounts of black smoke from the exhaust upon DOD/AFM disengagement? I have recently noticed black smoke behind my 2005 GXP when I accelerate and de-activate DoD...

 

What is the TSB number? I don't see that referenced in your letter.

 

Ha, this applies to me. Though I'm already doing an oil consumption test through the dealer. Last oil change my car used 2 1/3 quarts in 3000 miles.

 

YES, that is what I was looking for !!! It definetly fits me, though I don't ever see any blue smoke coming out of the back of the car.. I am at 44k right now so I fit the criteria..... wonder what this will cost us??

 

If DoD is tuned out and it's still burning and spitting smoke then put a catch can on there and you should be fine.

 

yep

mine have never burned a drop... have had my DOD disabled for 4.5 years for the 5 years that I've owned the car since new...

there's another bulletin/tsb out (as El Cid posted) about how with our aluminum blocks, the DOD causes the oil consumption, because of when the DOD kicks in and the other 4 cyl. stop/start, it allows oil to get by... hence, the burning of oil...

disable the DOD, and no more problems...

 

burn alot of oil here, gonna get a tune and disable DOD

 

Thanks so much for puttin this up nice work man i was trippin out

 

How DO YOU DISABLE DOD and what's ur average mpg without dod

 

Get a custom tune with HP Tuners or Diablo.

MPGs vary. If you are all city driver you won't see much of a difference. As for highway some people see Same/Better/Worse... Each car varies just like you stock MPGs are all different.

 

need to get a tune... the Diablo Predator or Trinity would work for your 2006...

I drive 50/50 town/highway driving... and my mileage went UP after I disabled the DOD, 4.5 years ago, hehe... I gained 2mpg with it off...