Out the tailpipe or on the ground, what kind of oil do you use?

 

Might be burning it:

Bulletin 01-06-01-030A

Higher than Expected Engine Oil Consumption (Replace Rocker Arm Cover) #01-06-01-030A - (04/24/2002)
Higher than Expected Engine Oil Consumption (Replace Rocker Arm Cover)
1998-2001 Chevrolet Cavalier

1998-2001 Pontiac Sunfire

1998-2001 Chevrolet and GMC S Truck Models

with 4 Cylinder 2.2L Engine (VINs 4, 5 - RPOs LN2, L43)

This bulletin is being revised to correct the warranty information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-030 (Section 06 - Engine).

Condition
Some owners may comment on higher than expected engine oil consumption, therefore, having to add oil between oil changes.


Important
For the LN2 and L43 engines, oil consumption greater than 1 quart (0.9 L) within 2000 miles (3200 km) is considered excessive. The oil consumption rate should be verified prior to repairs, as per Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-011 dated March, 2001.


Cause
Two potential causes of high oil consumption have been identified:

The RTV seal between the stamped aluminum PCV baffle plate and the underside of the engine rocker cover may have deteriorated, allowing excessive oil mist to intrude into the PCV system.
The molded silicone intake manifold side gasket may have deteriorated at the PCV flow orifice, allowing excessive PCV gases to flow into the intake manifold.
Correction
Follow the guidelines listed under Oil Consumption Diagnosis in the Engine Mechanical section of the appropriate Service Manual, or in SI2000. If there are no other evident reasons for the concern (such as leaks), replace the rocker cover assembly with the new design cover, P/N 12570563, and replace the intake manifold side gasket with a new material gasket, P/N 12564499.

Parts Information
Part Number
Description
Qty

12570563
Cover, Vlv Rkr Arm (inc. Gasket)
1

12564499
Gasket, Int Manifold

 

That could be it right there! I doubt they'll service the truck at this age though.

 

I use Valvoline 10W-30

 

Is the gasket I have to change the 'head gasket'?

 

a quart and a half in five thousand miles does not seem excessive to me. Where was the oil level at three thousand miles?

 

I've always had newer cars so would it be normal to expect this kind of oil consumption? I never checked it at 3,000. Just do oil changes every 5,000, but I'll definitely be checking the dipstick every 1000 miles!

 

If you do a web search 1000miles to the quart is an industry accepted standard.You may not like it but it is.My 1995 2.2 only uses 1/2qt in 3000 miles with 156,000. My 2005 Chrysler with 3.5l engine 1500 per qt with only 90,000 on it and its be doing that since new. It has to use more than 1qt in 1000 miles is the company line.Oil is cheaper than major engine repair so if the compression is good and it runs good be happy and check the oil at 1000 miles. Of course make sure the pvc or other components are not sucking the oil out.

 

Chrysler is notorious for the 1qt in 1000 miles because of some of their motors using that much, my own observation of cars and mini vans is if it's visibly burning a lot of oil, it's probably a Chrysler.

 

Will do. Thanks again!