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| [GMCnet] Excessive oil consumption [message #20105] |
Thu, 28 August 2008 16:06  |
Ken Foss
Messages: 3
Registered: July 2008
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Bus runs fine, uses about a quart of oil every 200 or so miles.
Tail pipe not dripping, had several people follow me and could not see but
minimal white smoke, under chassis looks oilish/damp but not excessive and
and cylinders run 125 to 140 PSI.
Did I read sometime back about caps on valve stems or something like that
for a quick fix? rather put a few quarts in than a 4ooo dollar
valve/engine job. trying to unload it and the question comes up and I
think is a deal breaker.
Ken
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| Re: [GMCnet] Excessive oil consumption [message #20106 is a reply to message #20105] |
Thu, 28 August 2008 16:17  |
Tin Gerbil
Messages: 236
Registered: October 2006
Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
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Switch to synthetic oil. No smoke and less consumption. Leaks the same.
Ken Foss wrote:
> Bus runs fine, uses about a quart of oil every 200 or so miles.
> Tail pipe not dripping, had several people follow me and could not see but
> minimal white smoke, under chassis looks oilish/damp but not excessive and
> and cylinders run 125 to 140 PSI.
> Did I read sometime back about caps on valve stems or something like that
> for a quick fix? rather put a few quarts in than a 4ooo dollar
> valve/engine job. trying to unload it and the question comes up and I
> think is a deal breaker.
> Ken
>
>
>
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Gordon
'74 Canyon Lands "Tin Gerbil"
Vancouver Island, B.C.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Excessive oil consumption [message #20108 is a reply to message #20105] |
Thu, 28 August 2008 17:10 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
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I'm wondering if you are running the oil level too high. Many GMCs have the dip stick marks way off. Drain the oil and replace the filter. Then put in 5 quarts (not 6) of fresh oil. Run the engine to make sure the filter is full. Then turn off the engine let it sit for 30 minutes to let all of the oil drain back to the pan. Next read the oil level on the dipstick. Where ever the oil level is on the stick is where the full level is for your engine and stick combination.
If you are using Synthetic oil and it is burning it, the engine usually will not smoke but it will leave rock hard deposits in the cylinders. Do not use synthetic oil until you get your oil consumption figured out.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Excessive oil consumption [message #20177 is a reply to message #20105] |
Fri, 29 August 2008 10:21 |
Steven Ferguson
Messages: 3447
Registered: May 2006
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Ken,
The caps on valve stems may be a fix recommended by one of our
presidential candidates for less oil consumption, but might come up
short here.
From what you describe, you have a pretty good leak. Try this:
Drain the oil and replace the filter. Add 5 quarts ONLY. On your
next excursion monitor oil consumption. If it remains the same, we
can at least rule out overfilling as the cause. If you have been
overfilling, you may have blown out the front seal. Your engine may
also have breathing problems and you are sucking oil into the intake
throught the PCV.
Bus?
On 8/28/08, Ken Foss <fosswk@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Bus runs fine, uses about a quart of oil every 200 or so miles.
> Tail pipe not dripping, had several people follow me and could not see but
> minimal white smoke, under chassis looks oilish/damp but not excessive and
> and cylinders run 125 to 140 PSI.
> Did I read sometime back about caps on valve stems or something like that
> for a quick fix? rather put a few quarts in than a 4ooo dollar
> valve/engine job. trying to unload it and the question comes up and I
> think is a deal breaker.
--
Steve Ferguson
'76 EII
Sierra Vista, AZ
Urethane bushing source
www.bdub.net/ferguson/
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| Re: [GMCnet] Excessive oil consumption [message #20191 is a reply to message #20105] |
Fri, 29 August 2008 13:12 |
Chuck Garton
Messages: 54
Registered: June 2006
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My 1977 455 used oil at 1 quart per 120 to 200 miles.. I finally found
the problem, wrong rocker arm cover on the right side. Changed covers
and now get 1,200 miles to a quart at 70 to 75 MPH.
Here is a picture. Bottom Rocker Arm Cover is probably from a car.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=26265&ppuser=478
Chuck Garton
Ridgecrest, CA
On Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 2:06 PM, Ken Foss <fosswk@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Bus runs fine, uses about a quart of oil every 200 or so miles.
> Tail pipe not dripping, had several people follow me and could not see but
> minimal white smoke, under chassis looks oilish/damp but not excessive and
> and cylinders run 125 to 140 PSI.
> Did I read sometime back about caps on valve stems or something like that
> for a quick fix? rather put a few quarts in than a 4ooo dollar
> valve/engine job. trying to unload it and the question comes up and I
> think is a deal breaker.
> Ken
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Excessive oil consumption [message #20205 is a reply to message #20191] |
Fri, 29 August 2008 14:15 |
Tin Gerbil
Messages: 236
Registered: October 2006
Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
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Chuck;
I find this an EXTREMELY important picture. The definitive reason as to
why not to use the fancy chrome or the aluminum rocker covers on eBay.
I have a low mileage 455 with Edlebrock heads which blows blue smoke
after warmup. It has 140 psi on all 8. First there was 7 quarts in the
pan and second, the chrome CAR valve covers. The carb is oily inside.
PO also has both the PCV valve and the air source on the other cover
connected to a marine flame arrestor, with no air cleaner. PCV vacuum
port is blocked. I wonder what mileage he was getting? From the extra
equipment left by the PO, I think they call his choice of impairment
dope for a reason.
Gordon
Chuck Garton wrote:
> My 1977 455 used oil at 1 quart per 120 to 200 miles.. I finally found
> the problem, wrong rocker arm cover on the right side. Changed covers
> and now get 1,200 miles to a quart at 70 to 75 MPH.
>
> Here is a picture. Bottom Rocker Arm Cover is probably from a car.
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=26265&ppuser=478
>
> Chuck Garton
> Ridgecrest, CA
>
> On Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 2:06 PM, Ken Foss <fosswk@yahoo.com> wrote:
>> Bus runs fine, uses about a quart of oil every 200 or so miles.
>> Tail pipe not dripping, had several people follow me and could not see but
>> minimal white smoke, under chassis looks oilish/damp but not excessive and
>> and cylinders run 125 to 140 PSI.
>> Did I read sometime back about caps on valve stems or something like that
>> for a quick fix? rather put a few quarts in than a 4ooo dollar
>> valve/engine job. trying to unload it and the question comes up and I
>> think is a deal breaker.
>> Ken
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
> _______________________________________________
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Gordon
'74 Canyon Lands "Tin Gerbil"
Vancouver Island, B.C.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Excessive oil consumption [message #20213 is a reply to message #20191] |
Fri, 29 August 2008 16:02 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
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| Chuck Garton wrote on Fri, 29 August 2008 13:12 |
My 1977 455 used oil at 1 quart per 120 to 200 miles.. I finally found
the problem, wrong rocker arm cover on the right side. Changed covers
and now get 1,200 miles to a quart at 70 to 75 MPH.
Here is a picture. Bottom Rocker Arm Cover is probably from a car.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=26265&ppuser=478
Chuck Garton
Ridgecrest, CA
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OK - I'll bite, what is the difference that causes the excessive oil consumption?
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] Excessive oil consumption [message #20232 is a reply to message #20191] |
Fri, 29 August 2008 18:56 |
rwbmitiopt@comcast.net
Messages: 189
Registered: April 2005
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OK So I transplanted a 455 with 29K actual miles on from a 74 Toronado into my 75 Glenbrook. Dose that mean it will start using oil now that it's in a motorhome? Somewhat "tongue in cheek", somewhat serious.
Randy
| Chuck Garton wrote on Fri, 29 August 2008 11:12 |
My 1977 455 used oil at 1 quart per 120 to 200 miles.. I finally found
the problem, wrong rocker arm cover on the right side. Changed covers
and now get 1,200 miles to a quart at 70 to 75 MPH.
Here is a picture. Bottom Rocker Arm Cover is probably from a car.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=26265&ppuser=478
Chuck Garton
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Randall Burns
Sammamish WA
75 EX GB
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| Re: [GMCnet] Excessive oil consumption [message #20256 is a reply to message #20184] |
Fri, 29 August 2008 23:40 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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| "Tin Gerbil" wrote on Fri, 29 August 2008 11:41 |
Michael;
Are you still not sure of which engine you have?
The reason for the 5 quart mark is that one quart always stays in the
pan when you change oil, unless you stand the coach on the back bumper.
Gordon
MICHAEL FOSTER wrote:
>
>
> Ken, why are you marking the stick full with 5 quarts, I thought they take 6 on an oil change with filter. Also what about the oil lines and cooler. How much do they contain?
>
> Michael
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Exactly.
I believe many GMCs have their dip sticks marked or somehow inserted at the wrong length. The 455 engine capacity is supposedly 6 quarts with filter. Ken H. has documented that there is approximately 1 quart in the front of the pan that you can not get to drain on an oil change. There is also oil in the lines and the oil cooler that probably does not drain. I'm not sure about the 403 but I "think" it is the same.
I park mine up hill in my driveway when I drain the oil to get as much out as possible without standing the coach on end. After refilling it and moving it to flat ground, 5 quarts brings my oil level reading on the stick to the full mark. I use about 1 quart in 6000 miles on my 85,000 mile 32 year old engine. I and the PO only use Shell Rotella 15 W 40 oil. When I hear of people getting 500, or 1000, or 1500 miles per quart I believe there is something wrong.
The most obvious and easy thing to check thing is to verify the full level on the dip stick. There can be many other things to cause high oil consumption but I would check that it is not over full before looking elsewhere.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Excessive oil consumption [message #20257 is a reply to message #20191] |
Fri, 29 August 2008 23:48 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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| Chuck Garton wrote on Fri, 29 August 2008 13:12 |
My 1977 455 used oil at 1 quart per 120 to 200 miles.. I finally found
the problem, wrong rocker arm cover on the right side. Changed covers
and now get 1,200 miles to a quart at 70 to 75 MPH.
Here is a picture. Bottom Rocker Arm Cover is probably from a car.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=26265&ppuser=478
Chuck Garton
Ridgecrest, CA
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OK, I looked at the pictures and see there are differences but I am not sure what I am seeing. Can you please explain the differences and what was going on.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Excessive oil consumption [message #20262 is a reply to message #20256] |
Sat, 30 August 2008 02:31 |
ken
Messages: 19
Registered: March 2006
Location: Colorado
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Shell Rotella 15 -40 is what I use in my Diesel Car? I don't know that is
correct for a gas engine? It may work even better that oil formulated for
gas engines?
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Ken Burton
Sent: Friday, August 29, 2008 9:41 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Excessive oil consumption
"Tin Gerbil" wrote on Fri, 29 August 2008 11:41
> Michael;
> Are you still not sure of which engine you have?
> The reason for the 5 quart mark is that one quart always stays in the
> pan when you change oil, unless you stand the coach on the back bumper.
> Gordon
> MICHAEL FOSTER wrote:
> >
> >
> > Ken, why are you marking the stick full with 5 quarts, I thought they
take 6 on an oil change with filter. Also what about the oil lines and
cooler. How much do they contain?
> >
> > Michael
Exactly.
I believe many GMCs have their dip sticks marked or somehow inserted at the
wrong length. The 455 engine capacity is supposedly 6 quarts with filter.
Ken H. has documented that there is approximately 1 quart in the front of
the pan that you can not get to drain on an oil change. There is also oil
in the lines and the oil cooler that probably does not drain. I'm not sure
about the 403 but I "think" it is the same.
I park mine up hill in my driveway when I drain the oil to get as much out
as possible without standing the coach on end. After refilling it and
moving it to flat ground, 5 quarts brings my oil level reading on the stick
to the full mark. I use about 1 quart in 6000 miles on my 85,000 mile 32
year old engine. I and the PO only use Shell Rotella 15 W 40 oil. When I
hear of people getting 500, or 1000, or 1500 miles per quart I believe there
is something wrong.
The most obvious and easy thing to check thing is to verify the full level
on the dip stick. There can be many other things to cause high oil
consumption but I would check that it is not over full before looking
elsewhere.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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Ken Ecton
74 23' X-CanyonLands/Duramax
64 Corvette Coupe
29 Ford Tudor/Corvette
Various other drivers
Northern Colorado
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| Re: [GMCnet] Excessive oil consumption [message #20302 is a reply to message #20105] |
Sat, 30 August 2008 11:58 |
fred v
Messages: 999
Registered: April 2006
Location: pensacola, fl.
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i have the same oil consumption. i replaced the intake valve seals; no difference. i replaced the PCV. i routed the PCV into a jar to see if it was ejecting oil. nothing. i have no detectable leaks. i've put cardboard under when parked; i look under when running. no leaks. under side of coach is mostly dry. friends following me see no smoke.
i'm buffaloed too.
Fred V
'77 Royale RB 455
P'cola, Fl
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| Re: [GMCnet] Excessive oil consumption [message #20306 is a reply to message #20232] |
Sat, 30 August 2008 12:09 |
fred v
Messages: 999
Registered: April 2006
Location: pensacola, fl.
Karma: 0
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| rwbmitiopt wrote on Fri, 29 August 2008 18:56 |
OK So I transplanted a 455 with 29K actual miles on from a 74 Toronado into my 75 Glenbrook. Dose that mean it will start using oil now that it's in a motorhome? Somewhat "tongue in cheek", somewhat serious.
Randy
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Randy makes a very good point. what is the difference?
Fred V
'77 Royale RB 455
P'cola, Fl
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| Re: [GMCnet] Excessive oil consumption [message #20311 is a reply to message #20306] |
Sat, 30 August 2008 13:18 |
Tin Gerbil
Messages: 236
Registered: October 2006
Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
Karma: 0
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The baffles are different. A URL to very good picture was included in
this thread.
I find you must read all the post for a day or two, not only the one's
with the header that refers to a given subject to understand what goes
on here.
This and the Engrish keep the mind alive;
Gordon
fred veenschoten wrote:
>
>
> rwbmitiopt wrote on Fri, 29 August 2008 18:56
>> OK So I transplanted a 455 with 29K actual miles on from a 74 Toronado into my 75 Glenbrook. Dose that mean it will start using oil now that it's in a motorhome? Somewhat "tongue in cheek", somewhat serious.
>> Randy
>
> Randy makes a very good point. what is the difference?
>
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Gordon
'74 Canyon Lands "Tin Gerbil"
Vancouver Island, B.C.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Excessive oil consumption [message #20319 is a reply to message #20311] |
Sat, 30 August 2008 15:28 |
fred v
Messages: 999
Registered: April 2006
Location: pensacola, fl.
Karma: 0
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| "Tin Gerbil" wrote on Sat, 30 August 2008 13:18 |
The baffles are different. A URL to very good picture was included in
this thread.
I find you must read all the post for a day or two, not only the one's
with the header that refers to a given subject to understand what goes
on here.
This and the Engrish keep the mind alive;
Gordon
|
Gordon, i have read all the posts. the issue i'm talking about is "what difference does it make between the stock Toro valve cover and the motorhome valve cover. yes the baffle is different but the engine is the same. why would it matter just because it's used in a motorhome rather than the automobile?
Fred V
'77 Royale RB 455
P'cola, Fl
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| Re: [GMCnet] Excessive oil consumption [message #20324 is a reply to message #20319] |
Sat, 30 August 2008 16:27 |
rwbmitiopt@comcast.net
Messages: 189
Registered: April 2005
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I am on the forum so I see every post sorted by topic. I have read them all and just re-read them. Not trying to split hairs but "why?" What am I missing?
Randy
| fred v wrote on Sat, 30 August 2008 13:28 |
| "Tin Gerbil" wrote on Sat, 30 August 2008 13:18 |
The baffles are different. A URL to very good picture was included in
this thread.
I find you must read all the post for a day or two, not only the one's
with the header that refers to a given subject to understand what goes
on here.
This and the Engrish keep the mind alive;
Gordon
|
Gordon, i have read all the posts. the issue i'm talking about is "what difference does it make between the stock Toro valve cover and the motorhome valve cover. yes the baffle is different but the engine is the same. why would it matter just because it's used in a motorhome rather than the automobile?
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Randall Burns
Sammamish WA
75 EX GB
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