2500 Owners, What Would You Do?

[TroyAvalanche]

Some of you may know my history with oil consumption on my '02. After performing an oil consumption test for the last 14,000 miles. Everything is well documented with the dealer. I finally and being made an offer from GM. Currently I am using 1 quart per 1100 miles unloaded, about double when pulling my trailer. Their offer is giving my an 100,000 mile on the motor that I currently have, I purchased the extended warranty when I bought this, I always but it. OR, putting a new engine in, I am having the dealer ask what kind of warranty is on the crate motor. I am leaning towards the new motor, since I already have the extended purchased. The dealer said they may give me back my extended warranty money if I take that option. On the other hand I change the oil regular, and the places I have it done will top off the fluids when low between changes. I have 38000 on this thing, and I bought in the fall of '01, maybe the motor plant has made some changes in the manufacturing process to aleviate the problem, I work for GM also, so I know this happens alot without the public knowing.

Please '03 2500 owners give me your oil usage so far, and I am looking for anyones feedback.

Thanks

Troy

 

[Jodiesel]

I've had to add 3 quarts in first 11,000 miles, and none since to its current 19,000 miles on my 03.

 

[orboater]

If I were planning on keeping the truck for any length of time the new motor option is the way to go. I'm sure the crate motor should have a warranty

It has to be a PITA messing with the consumption tests and always worring when it is going to need to be topped off.

So far I have been fortunate with my 8.1. It went down 1/2 quart the first change at 4500 miles. Changed to Mobil1 at that time and has not shown any oil useage since then. Changed again at 9000 and now have 10,000 on clock.

 

[Jodiesel]

By the way, I doubt that what they give you would be a crate motor....the 8.1 hasn't been out long enough for them to get blocks back for refurbishing. It would most likely be a new engine.

 

[orboater]

By the way, I doubt that what they give you would be a crate motor....the 8.1 hasn't been out long enough for them to get blocks back for refurbishing. ?It would most likely be a new engine.

GM refers to their NEW engines sent to dealers as crate motors. They also offer a complete line of new HP engines in their CRATE motor offerings.

As they are shipped to dealer in a "shipping crate"

 

[02Avalanche]

My 02 did not use any oil between oil changes, which I perform every 3k miles, until it hit 13,000 miles. It now uses a quart between changes. I have 17,000 on it now. I have towed several times so towing obviously had no adverse affect.

The question is; how long do you plan on keeping the truck?

If the answer is not long I would not go for the new engine. Reason: If I was a perspective buyer and CarFax revealed a new engine, it would bother me.

If you plan on keeping it for a long time you could flip a coin on the choice, but I would probably go for the new engine.

You say you work for GM, my true advice would be to trade it!

 

[mdmull]

I have 34000 on my 02-2500, use mobil one since 8000 and use no more than one quart between changes (i follow the oilf life monitor and it is usually 4500-5000 miles. I'm pleased that a big block chevy uses only 1 quart per 2500 miles. I'd get the new engine if you are intending to keep your truck.

 

[Gene]

Go with the NEW MOTOR, does not matter how often you change your oil take the new.
As to the crate motor, don't get confused with the new 8.1L that is hypped up. I'm waiting for the release of the motor my self.

G.

 

[Jodiesel]

Orboater, don't be surprised when you tear down your crate HP, ZZ, HO motor to find oversized main bearings and an undersized crank.....

 

[MrBill]

Mine is an 02 and I use about 1 qt every 3,000 miles. I change my oil every 3,000 so it does not bother me. I have 25,000 miles on it now.

My personal view is if you plan on keeping your truck for another 40,000 miles then I would get the new motor.

 

[Millerman]

Mine seemed to also use oil during the first 3-5000 miles. Since then, my oil use is minimal even when towing my boat. I'm hoping it was just initial break in. I am just about finished with my consumption test with the dealer and I have 10000 miles.

 

[tractman]

I would go for the new motor as well.
Tractman

 

[NightStorm]

I Know GM will replace Engine After a long time, You just have to push, Thats what I would do,, just my 2 cents

 

[AVid]

I use about a quart every 3000 miles. If I was in your shoes I guess I would opt for the new engine. I would be a little leary about the dealer doing the work. Good Luck.

 

[orboater]

Orboater, don't be surprised when you tear down your crate HP, ZZ, HO motor to find oversized main bearings and an undersized crank.....

DA! What does that have to do with the block?

 

[TroyAvalanche]

I appreciate everyone's comments, and quick responses. I am leaning towards keeping this thing for a long time. The wife is the one that has to have a new vehicle every 2 years. So my thoughts have been on taking the new motor, it will come with the usual 12 month/12000 mile crate motor warranty, then it will fall into the truck warranty of 6 years or 100k miles. This truck has done everything I have asked of it and more. I love the power, comfort, even the looks. Every oil change on the current motor has been done at the dealer, they use a certain type of oil, that I have not been fond of in the past, This brand would really tarnish up between changes on my 86 Grand National, turbos are had on oil, I switched to a different brand and no more tarnish problems. After the motor swap, I will switch to this "other" brand after break in.

Thanks all, I will post info as I go.

Troy

 

[cpuchniak]

WE SWITCHED TO 10W30 SYNTHETIC FROM 5W50,AND THE OIL BURNING STOPPED ---AT LEAST FOR THE LAST 2000 MILES--STILL CHECKING.IT IS NOT DOWN AT ALL SO FAR--THE 5W50 WENT THROUGH 1 QT EACH 1100 MILES!

 

[gandolphxx]

FWIW, I also have used 10/30 Mobil after 1000 miles and have not had any of the consumption problems - mind you I put a different strain on it than the typical daily driver.

 

[pktwatch]

Yes, by all means, go with the new crate motor! Why would you want to keep a oil burner if the offered a new motor?
You Can get a refund on your extended warranty Or just apply it to the new motor.

Butch

 

[02-Z66]

i know i only have the 5.3L, but i thought this might help.
i ahd a problem with oil consumption as well. so now when i change my oil i use Lucas Oil Stabilizer. this helps slow/stop the oil consumption. i also had the same problem in the wifes truck. a '99 Honda Passport. it was always low after about 1200-1500 miles after the oil change. the Lucas seems to have alleviated this problem. it has also quieted her motor down as well. the AV knock is STILL audible even with the Lucas.

 

[TroyAvalanche]

Yep I took the new motor, it has about 750 miles already. I have noticed this motor runs slightly higher oil pressure than the old motor. The old motor would be the 1st hash mark higher than 40 pounds at cruising speed when warm. This motor is past the next mark higher yet, when its warm. So far the oil hasn't moved a bit on the stick, I am planning on using 10w-30 when it comes time to change. Thanks for all the comments. Its funny the old Camaro I have pictured in my signature, its oil pressure will get up 80 at 7000 rpms, when its warm, but it runs 20w-50, 8 quarts of it.