New. Loss of Oil on 2021 GMC Sierra 6.2L. Don't know how to get this message around (old and ignorant on forums)

[SF_Ret]

Bought used at 55K miles. Just hit 60K miles and "add oil" light comes on. It was 3 quarts low (not registering on dip stick).

I see a lot of comments on the internet about this same problem. Solutions range from GM replacing engine to Changing the oil from 0W-20 to 20W-40 (which stopped the reoccurring problem.

Can I get some input on this problem?

BTW. O'Reilly's thought I was a guy in a few days ago with the same problem/same vehicle. He thinks the 0W-20 is a stupid change for GMC.

 

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[gemarsh]

Pull the oil fill cap off, hot, running and report back on the blow-by.

Not to speak ill of anyone, but all of these lifter collapsed engines, that gm is just having the lifters replaced, and maybe a few camshafts, and not tearing the engine down completely to remove filings, is just plain wrong. These new engines are so hard to pull a sparkplug out and borescope the cylinder wall, but I would be interested.

But that is coming from an old fart that has rebuilt over 500 engines in a previous life.

I hope you didn't get someone's problem

 

[gemarsh]

I didn’t realize the 6.2 ran 0w20. No wonder they're spinning rod bearings.

 

[SF_Ret]

I'll bet the previous owner had the problem, too. He, or his dealership, were too lazy/shifty to do what was needed. Of course, the truck came from Michigan/GMC country.

If only GM would go "all in" to do the right thing and in a timely manor. I might send this one to the Congressman and the NHTSA.

 

[SF_Ret]

This is a good explanation: https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/gmc-6-2-engine-problems-to-be-aware-of

The only thing they didn't address is the Oil issue ( 0W-20 ).

 

[Island Dan]

The oil consumption issue is from the low friction piston rings they use to gain fuel economy numbers. The lifter failure is just a bad design and another necessary evil for fuel economy numbers. Requiring 0-20 oil is yet another attempt to gain more fuel economy from the GM fleet and exacerbates the aforementioned issues. These compromises have turned a legendary engine family into a crap shoot. GM is well aware of this, just take a look at the new 6.6L, they removed all of the above "enhancements" and market it as more reliable towing and fleet power plant. Hmmm.

 

[SF_Ret]

The oil consumption issue is from the low friction piston rings they use to gain fuel economy numbers. The lifter failure is just a bad design and another necessary evil for fuel economy numbers. Requiring 0-20 oil is yet another attempt to gain more fuel economy from the GM fleet and exacerbates the aforementioned issues. These compromises have turned a legendary engine family into a crap shoot. GM is well aware of this, just take a look at the new 6.6L, they removed all of the above "enhancements" and market it as more reliable towing and fleet power plant. Hmmm.

So, what is. your opinion on using 10-40?
Does it protect the engine better but knowing it may lower fuel economy?

 

[Island Dan]

I started running 5-30 in my 18 1500 5.3L at about 15k miles and my consumption went down significantly, not completely, but SIGNIFICANTLY.

 

[Island Dan]

Oh and my mpg barely took a hit. I disabled the DOD/AFM too and my milage average was consistently about 18mpg with normal driving and 11-12 while towing about 7k

 

[SF_Ret]

I started running 5-30 in my 18 1500 5.3L at about 15k miles and my consumption went down significantly, not completely, but SIGNIFICANTLY.

As stated, I used 3 quarts in less than 5,000 miles. I can see maybe a half quart (at most) because a hauled my Toy Hauler/Camper more than 1,000 miles.

What did the consumption go down to when you went to the higher viscosity?

 

[Island Dan]

Just a few ounces per thousand miles, less than a quart per oil change. Did changes at 5k with recommend type full synthetic 5-30.

 

[SF_Ret]

It's looking more and more like the mechanic didn't put in the full 8 quarts. Another mechanic changed my oil and found nothing wrong at all. Everything was dry and as it should be

 

[Sierra Owner]

I have a 2021 Sierra Denali with the 5.3. My dealership in Indiana told me they have a bulletin on this and supposedly it has something to do with some type of sealant interfering with the oil level sensor. He said GMC just suggest changing the oil when it come on. His face twisted up when I told him since I am losing half of my oil life they need to pay for the extra changes. I called GMC and filed a complaint who knows where it will go but I have a feeling. This has been happening since my very first oil change. On my second consumption test now. Besides that I love the truck wish it had heated and cooled cup holders like my Chrysler 300 and hooks on back of the console to hold plastic bags.

 

[SF_Ret]

I have a 2021 Sierra Denali with the 5.3. My dealership in Indiana told me they have a bulletin on this and supposedly it has something to do with some type of sealant interfering with the oil level sensor. He said GMC just suggest changing the oil when it come on. His face twisted up when I told him since I am losing half of my oil life they need to pay for the extra changes. I called GMC and filed a complaint who knows where it will go but I have a feeling. This has been happening since my very first oil change. On my second consumption test now. Besides that I love the truck wish it had heated and cooled cup holders like my Chrysler 300 and hooks on back of the console to hold plastic bags.

I'm starting to think it's time to consider a Congressional Inquiry. Seems like America is turning into a Boeing Ethics Country.