I took my car in to have the oil changed and filter etc, and on the service notifications, it says I was a quart low before service. This is the second time I've had this notification, I've never noticed any spots on the driveway or anything, and I dont have ANY idea what could be goin on that the oil is leaking... Anyone know what could cause it? I really dont have much information on it. just been low twice.

 

We had a discussion a while back if loosing a quart of oil between 3000-5000 miles was normal wear and tear.

It seemed that it was.

The V-6 doesn't use a whole 5 quarts, I think it is 4.5 quarts.

So it tends to burn oil more than a vehicle that holds 5-6 quarts of oil

 

yeah 4.5 quarts on an engine with 41000 miles. apparently was a little under 3.5 at the time of service

 

Try this:

http://www.pzlqs.com/Tech/Bulletin/D...l/pdf/g01b.pdf

 

I don't know about that. I know on the Northstar motors they lose a quart every 3k-5k but they use like 5-6 qts just so it can lose it. My '99 with the 3800 doesn't use a drop of oil at all...I would check the PCV valve and probably replace it. According to the website Dave gave us, I would think that the PCV is the culprit. PCV valves are normal maintainence anyway. $6 for the part and it's a pretty simple diy. Like the site said, oil consumption is different from car to car anyway. I would say @ 41k miles it isn't normal. So I would also check intake leaks, possibility that the oil change place could have put your oil plug in wrong and stripped it a little. Maybe it only leaks when you drive, who knows. Just some ideas. Keep us updated!

 

yeah thats not normal for a 3800... mines got near 90k on it and it never loses a drop (hope I'm not speaking too soon)

 

My 4.9 DeVille never lost a drop of oil.

My LTZ goes down a quart between 5-6k.

I have 56k miles now.

 

for those of you leaking oil: try this

run a heavier weight oil

i know what the book says.... "5W 30", when you start leaking oil though, because this is a thinner oil, it tends to slip through O rings on your piston and burn with the gas. the solution is to runa heavier oil.. 10W 40, 15W 40... personaly, I'm running 10W40 right now.

 

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The 4.6 Liters are known to use oil and consume it. Also, the 4.9 I don't think is a Northstar engine. I believe it's a cam in block motor whereas the Northstar is a DOHC motor. Your DeVille must be a '94-95 right? I could be wrong though and if so, I'm okay with that. ) Running a heavier weight oil is a good idea if you're using/burning oil. Man I don't know about going down a quart of oil though with the LTZ, Dave. I might get that checked out...but I'm kind of a worry wart about my cars. lol.

 

I was going to have a shop but infrared dye in the oil and then next change, see where it ended up. Where is the PCV valve located?