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Service Bulletin
Bulletin No.: 03-06-01-023E
Date: May, 2022
INFORMATION
Subject: Higher Than Expected Oil Consumption at 8600 GVW and Above
Models: 2020–2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD/3500HD with 6.6L RPO (L8T)
2000-2019 Chevrolet Express, Silverado, 2500/3500, Suburban
2002-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche
2003-2010 Chevrolet Kodiak C4500-C5500 Series Models
2020–2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500HD 6.6L RPO (L8T)
2000-2019 GMC Savana, Sierra, 2500/3500, Yukon XL
2003-2010 GMC TopKick C4500-C5500 Series Models
2003-2010 HUMMER H2
with Gasoline Engine and Rated at 8600 GVW and above
This bulletin has been revised to add 2021 and 2022 Model Year models. Please discard
Corporate Bulletin Number 03-06-01-023D.
Information on Engine Oil Consumption
Guidelines
All engines require oil to lubricate and protect the load
bearing and internal moving parts from wear including
cylinder walls, pistons and piston rings. When a piston
moves down its cylinder, a thin film of oil is left on the
cylinder wall. During the combustion process, part of
this oil layer is consumed. As a result, varying rates of
oil consumption are accepted as normal in all engines.
Oil Consumption
Oil usage has a direct relationship with the amount of
fuel used. The harder an engine works, the more fuel
and oil it will use. Therefore, oil usage as a factor of fuel
usage is a more accurate indicator of acceptabl e oil
consumption levels than vehicle mileage for vehicles at
or above 8600 GVW.
The accepted rate of oil consumption for gasoline
engines in vehicles at or above 8600 GVW is 0.946 liter
(1 qt) within 379 liters (100 gallons) of fuel used. This
rate only applies to vehicles under warranty, maintained
in accordance with the appropriate maintenance
schedule, driven at legal speeds and within design
intent of the vehicle.
Many factors can affect an owner's concern with oil
consumption. Driving habits and vehicle maintenance
vary from owner to owner. Thoroughly evaluate each
case before deciding whether the vehicle in question
has abnormal engine oil consumption.
Gasket and External Leaks
Inspect the oil pans, engine covers, and the engine oil
cooler for leakage. Inspect for oil leakage into the
engine coolant.
Improper Reading of the Oil Level
Indicator (Dipstick)
The vehicle must be parked on a level surface to obtain
accurate oil level readings. Verify that the dipstick tube
is fully seated in the block. When checking the oil level,
make sure the dipstick is wiped clean before taking an
oil level reading and fully depress the dipstick until the
shoulder bottoms out on the dipstick tube. The dipstick
should be the proper part number for the engine/vehicle
that is being checked.
Not Waiting Long Enough After
Running Engine to Check Oil Level
The vehicle should be allowed to sit for at least 15
minutes, after the engine has been shut off, before
taking an oil level reading to assure the oil has had
enough time to drain back into the crankcase. In order
to ensure accurate results, the temperatur e of the oil
should be close to the same temperature as the last
time the oil level was checked.