Excessive engine oil consumption 04 k engine
 

I have been experiencing excessive oil consumption between oil changes. I know that my vehicle model year is 04, however i have found a GM TSB that addresses the issue. Only thing is, that it covers 05 Montes only. I am wondering if i have a late 04 with an engine that is also affected by the problem

TSB #05-06-01-035A: L26, L32, L36, L67 Excessive Oil Consumption (Replace Exhaust Valve Stem Seals) - (Oct 2, 2007)

Subject: L26, L32, L36, L67 Excessive Oil Consumption (Replace Exhaust Valve Stem Seals)
Models: 2005 Buick LeSabre, Park Avenue
2005-2008 Buick Allure (Canada Only), LaCrosse
2006-2008 Buick Lucerne
2005 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo
2005 Pontiac Bonneville
2005-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
with 3800 Series II, III V6 Engine (VINs 2, 4, K, 1 -- RPOs L26, L32, L36, L67)

Condition:

#05-06-01-035A: L26, L32, L36, L67 Excessive Oil Consumption (Replace Exhaust Valve Stem Seals) - (Oct 2, 2007)

Subject: L26, L32, L36, L67 Excessive Oil Consumption (Replace Exhaust Valve Stem Seals)
Models: 2005 Buick LeSabre, Park Avenue
2005-2008 Buick Allure (Canada Only), LaCrosse
2006-2008 Buick Lucerne
2005 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo
2005 Pontiac Bonneville
2005-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
with 3800 Series II, III V6 Engine (VINs 2, 4, K, 1 -- RPOs L26, L32, L36, L67)

This bulletin is being revised to update the model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-06-01-035 (Section 06 -- Engine/Propulsion System).
Condition

Some customers may comment on excessive oil consumption on 3800 Series II and Series III engines. An engine that has excessive oil consumption uses 0.9L (1 qt) of oil or more within 3 200 km (2,000 mi).



Cause: This condition may be caused by the retaining ring on the exhaust valve stem seal not securely holding the seal on the cylinder head boss. If this occurs, the exhaust valve stem seal(s) may move off the cylinder head boss and no longer provide a sealing function between the exhaust valve stem and the valve guide.

Correction: Inspection and/or Replacement of Exhaust Valve Stem Seals

What do you guys think about this ? This is not a recall on my 04.

Thanks

Check the front/rear valve covers that is where my 04 SS was losing it's oil until I replaced them

Go for a Test Drive.
Have a friend follow you with somebody riding-shotgun to shoot video of your exhaust during the test.
Record 15 - 20 minutes of driving around town.

Then, find someplace where you can do a few "Hole-shots" on video.

Finally, with the trans in 2nd or 3rd, ... do a few runs where you start going ... run it up to 55 mph ... take your foot off-the-gas ... coast until you're down to 30 mph, ... and then hit the gas getting-back up to 55 quickly ... repeat!

Watch the video.

If it's smoking a little ... all the time ... it's likely RINGS.
If it chuffs smoke-rings or brief clouds when you get-on-it after coasting: SEALS.

Doing a Compression Test is a Muddy-fogger when you need to read the holes on the backside.