Burning oil

[PerkM530]

We have a 2012 Equinox with a little over 100,000 miles. My wife always has always had her oil changed at a national store. She recently told me the tech had her sign a waver because the engine was dangerously low on oil. This happened twice as I started to talk to local mechanics who said it may be due to low viscosity oil. I started to change the oil myself with no change. I just added 3 quarts of oil after just 3000 miles. When I called a Chevy dealer I was told this was normal.
Another friend mentioned that he has heard of this and there my be a recall out there.
Is anyone else experiencing this? Is there a practical fix or should I get rid of the vehicle? We will take a lose to get rid of is so I hope we can correct the issue.

Thank you
Mark

 

[Maris2277]

I am having the same issue. Not great with cars but I had to bring it in every 1000 miles for them to monitor. Turns out it was burning the oil about a quart every thousand. They did a recall of some part (sorry again bad with cars) and low and behold having the same issue. They told me bring it in every thousand again before they will repair AGAIN. thwy should honor this for you. My friends actually blew up bc she didn't know about the recall

 

[The Tireman]

Dealership said it's normal, that's absurd..

 

[Cliff]

While it was not mentioned if the motor is the 2.4, the main reason that the oil burning starts on them is that the PCV port is located internally between cylinders 2 & 3 and gets clogged. The intake manifold has to be removed and the port cleaned out with something like 1/16" drill bit. If this is not done, shortly after that seals blow and other issues happen. Especially in cold weather. When one first notices major oil consumption, do the following to see if you need to get the PCV port cleaned.

There is a TSB out on this. At first sign of high oil consumption, check at the valve cover clean side PCV port (the one that goes to the air intake plenum) to see if it is sucking air as it should or pushing air showing a clogged internal PCV port. After pulling the hose off the valve cover port, start motor and place a piece of paper up against the port. If it holds in place, things are fine. If it pushes it away, then internal PCV port is likely clogged.

Also, it is wise to have a check valve oil fill cap on the motor to relieve pressure if the internal PCV becomes clogged. Get a AC Delco FC219 oil fill cap and put it on in place of the stock one. It has a check valve in the cap to release pressure if needed. Under $20 thru several outlets.

 

[FrankB]

My wife drives a 2012 LTZ 3.0 with 212,000 miles and it uses a quart in between oil changes with full synthetic 10w30, more if I use 5w20. I tried conventional rotella 10w30 and it used less but I wanted to stay with synthetic.
It appears to be blowby, the pcv system is always full of oil.

 

[jjs17]

2017 Equinox LT 2.4 65k mi.
There IS a TBS out on that oil filler cap. Dorman also sells one at Auto parts stores. The part number is #80987 and this also has the integrated check valve pressure release embedded in the cap. I just bought one for $14 and just replaced my OEM cap which does not have a release in it. As of now the engine is ok, so I figured for the cost of a safety valve, that might take care of the pressure problem. Cheap insurance if it works.

 

[FrankB]

2017 Equinox LT 2.4 65k mi.
There IS a TBS out on that oil filler cap. Dorman also sells one at Auto parts stores. The part number is #80987 and this also has the integrated check valve pressure release embedded in the cap. I just bought one for $14 and just replaced my OEM cap which does not have a release in it. As of now the engine is ok, so I figured for the cost of a safety valve, that might take care of the pressure problem. Cheap insurance if it works.

Thanks for that !