pete

Hi all:
I would like to know if any of you have a 5.3 Chevy engine I have an
avalanche 2002 and at 3 thousand mile I am down 1qt plus a tad more is this
normal OH I USE MOBIL 1 5-30 Any comments
Thanks
Pete

jbdragon

I have a 2003 Silverado with a 5.3 and my oil Level doesn't go down at all.
I have a little over 10,000 miles on it. I thought I didn't drive that
much. Your putting on around 1000 miles a year. Sounds like it's sitting
a lot. Which can be BAD on a car. Seals start drying out, You end up with
leaks. Synthetic Oil is thinner then normal oil. You shouldn't be using
Synthetic Oil in your Engine until it's had a chance to brake in. I'd use
Regular Oil for at least the first couple Oil Changes. Or 6,000 or so
miles. For what kind of driving it seems like your doing, I'd stick with
some good Regular oil and change it once a year. Dumping 6 quarts of
expensive Mobil 1 every year driving only a 1000 miles is a waste anyway.
If anything using Mobile 1 you should be able to get 6,000 to 8,000 miles
between Oil changes, with just changing the filter every 3,000 miles or so.
Or Once a year whichever comes first.

sid

I think he is meaning after 3000 miles he is down a quart. And that isn't
normal for that new of a rig.

pete

Thanks I am going to take your advice and go to 6000 miles between changes
and change the filter in-between.
This has been going on since I bought the truck. How about going to a
heavier oil say 10-30 any thoughts. Motor runs like a charm and don't some
one once said it could be the PCV valve.
Well you guys are very nice to respond again thanks .
Regards,
Pete

k

Using a quart every 1K miles is "NORMAL" according to Chevrolet on the newer
engines, especially the 8.1L! I know, I have the '02 8.1L and have fought
the fight...... Mine uses a quart in 1K miles if I'm towing my fifth-wheel a
bunch or doing a lot of hightway driving. Less highway and it will use a
quart in 2K miles. Just dumped a quart in yesterday. I run 10W-30 all year
round on that monster.

mp

Hi Pete,
Mobil 1 is okay, but look into Amsoil, much better lubricant, higher quality
and will protect your motor much better. Look into http://www.amsoil.com for
reference. There is a lot of info available on the stuff, even some
independent lab results that show it is a far superior product. I have been
using it for over 20-years...also use in lawn mower, air-compressor,
differential, tranny, they have all the stuff you need. Oh...and you don't
change it at 3k intervals, you change every 25k or a year, with 3 to 4
filter changes thru the year. Remember, pure synthetic never breaks down, it
is the dirt and contamination that mandate changes. Petrolium based oils
actually require a change at about the 5k to 7.5k marks, and Mobile
1...well, not really certain what they recommend. If you need more info or
comparisons, check out the URL I provided above.

Mike Parsons
Yellow Springs, Ohio