Duramax oil consumption?

[Mark Rinker]

One topic of little discussion has been oil consumption with the Duramax. Wondering what people are seeing, considering a sticky poll to help users gauge if their oil consumption is within averages.

Of my three Dmaxes (100% towing miles) I am seeing consumption of only 1 quart per ~5,000 miles. I am using Delvac. Seems very normal, based on usage.

Your experiences?

[JohnC]

After about 7500 miles , mostly not towing, I'm not sure I'm using any!

This comes as quite a shock after my last 3 Diesels, a Ford and 2 GM's all came in around a quart in 1000 miles.

:D

[LanduytG]

On my 04.5 LLY I use about a quart every 4K when not towing and about a quart every 5-6K towing. The pressure is high so it seals a little better when under load. I don't even concider a quart in 5K using oil, IMHO that is very normal.

Greg

[WILLYD-MAX]

My 05 uses around 1qt. in 6 to 7k 50% towing. The last time I had around 8k on my oil change and it only used around 1/2 to 3/4 qt. I didn't have quite as much towing on it. I've been using Mobile synthetic but switched to Amsoil 15/40 synthetic. Our 02 uses around 1qt in 5k. Mostly towing.

[silverback]

All of a sudden at around 33500 miles I'm down a couple ounces. Didn't think too much about it and I just topped it off. Then a week or so later after 500 plus miles of towing I'm down another 8 to 10 oz. That is ~12 oz. in about 4K miles. It bothered me so of course I'm probably a tad over filled at this point. I have never lost a drop before. I'm wondering if it was switching from Mobil Delvac to Mobil 1 truck and SUV 5W/40. Even though I thought they were about the same Mobil synthetic and same weight. Maybe the Truck & SUV can't handle the AZ summer as well as the Delvac. Other then that the LB7 seems as happy as ever (no fuel in the oil or other nasty symptoms). Any ideas?
Thanks,
Ken

[Black95TD]

At 15K, some loads, no towing and useing Shell Rotella 15-40, don't use a drop - yet.

My old 95 used a quart/thousand new and later leaked about a quart/3000 from the oil cooler lines. Also Shell oil.

[RdTxTd]

At 20K, about 5K since my last change, still just about at the top mark on the dipstick. I've been changing it every 5K with Rotella synthetic. Occasional towing.

Dave

[letsgo]

After 70,000 miles on the 2002 Dmax , It doesnt seem to use any oil, other than what drips of the dip stick, not the steel one supplied (which has never indicated a true reading since new) but a plastic tube for accurate readings.

[letsgo]

what is all this garbage in my footer????? where did it come from??????

[JohnC]

what is all this garbage in my footer????? where did it come from??????

Remnants from the old bbs software. Go to the User Control Panel and edit it out.

[All-tuned-up]

My truck does eat a little oil, sounds common.

What oil are you using Delvac 15w40? Someone told me the other day "In the bar" about Delvac 400????

Where's a good deal on it? Anyone from TDP sell it?

[LanduytG]

When I use a mineral oil for diesel Delo 400 is my choice. Wal Mart has it and so does Auto Zone.

Greg

[ToddMeister]

My 05 LLY uses very little in 5K miles, still shows full on the stick. Running Rotella-T 15W-40.


Now the 95 6.5L, that's a different story...

[Driveshaft]

Early '01 uses 1 qt. every 4500 to 5000 miles with some pulling. I change the filter at 5000 add back what's needed to fill up, usually 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 qt and at 10,000 drop plug and all filters. I do oil samples at both. All has always come back fine. 64,850 on odometer. Only problems has been adjusting electric mirrors. They haven't worked right since new and never got around to getting fixed under warranty. Use Delvac 1, get from local jobber at $20 / gallon.