Oil Consumption

[ChrisAU]

Mobile 1 Full Synthetic

 

[hbr]

I am using dino and no oil consumption issue (knock on wood).

+1

 

[sumo]

im using syn, but i guess ill go to dealer to start a oil consumption test. Ive read that a few people claim that syn is to thin allows it to get by the piston rings easier that dino oil. Ive also read that something to do with the Cyclider Deactivation that allows oil to pass by and burn some up when it reactivates. Nothing confirmed though

 

[Freedom Motorsports]

im using syn, but i guess ill go to dealer to start a oil consumption test. Ive read that a few people claim that syn is to thin allows it to get by the piston rings easier that dino oil. Ive also read that something to do with the Cyclider Deactivation that allows oil to pass by and burn some up when it reactivates. Nothing confirmed though

I can't speak to the cylinder deactivation causing the issue, although I doubt that you would havethat issue without all cylinders burning oil. The cylinders not firing shouldn't have an affect. I would lean more toward the PCV system allowing too much oil back through the intake and into the cylinders for burning.

To narrow things down to try and find out if there is something wearing inside the engine I would get a sample used oil analysis kit and send in a sample for testing. This will tell you if there is something going on with the oil itself making it burn or not protect in some way. It will tell you if it is losing viscosity making it "thinner" allowing it to pass by the cylinders, etc.

I have to say, I doubt it is the oil. Synthetic oils being "thinner" is a myth, it is not thinner, it is more uniform on a molecular level causing it to have better flow properties whereby not allowing the same build up of burnt oil (sludge) on the inside of the engine. This becomes an issue because as **** sludge builds up around seals and gaskets, those seals and gaskets begin to dry out and weaken. If you make the change to synthetic after a vehicle has been run for say 100K+ miles with conventional and then maybe not as regularly as it should have been, then you can see some leakage as the sludge is removed and the synthetic oil is able to get past seals. Even in this case though, most synthetic oils have additives that will help to rejuvinate the seals and gaskets and given enough time and acctually stop minor seapage. (We're not talking about a leak that leaves oil on the ground daily.)

If the engine is in good operating condition and has no obvious signs of leaks then it shouldn't make a difference. You can get an oil analysis kit from several sources including but not limited to Oil Analyzers (postage paid), Blackstone Labs (free kit)

 

[sumo]

Honda uses something similar to AFM, Its called VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) There was a Recall for some Hondas that used this system that contributed to oil consumption. The recall was for a PCM update that changes the program of the activation of the vcm so it would help may consume less oil. What was happening was that the constant switching of the vcm on and off causes some oil to be burned up. The same may be happening with our Motors

 

[Freedom Motorsports]

Honda uses something similar to AFM, Its called VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) There was a Recall for some Hondas that used this system that contributed to oil consumption. The recall was for a PCM update that changes the program of the activation of the vcm so it would help may consume less oil. What was happening was that the constant switching of the vcm on and off causes some oil to be burned up. The same may be happening with our Motors

That's interesting. Did the recall state what the actual cause was? Or whether that fixed the issues folks were having? That would definitely be some good to know.

---------- Post added at 08:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:12 PM ----------

Also, I would recommend to anyone and everyone wanting to keep their trucks and not trade them in the next few years, and of course don't have the factory warranty still in effect. Consider rerouting the PCV system into a catch can setup that feeds back to the oil pan. By doing this you will not be redirecting the oil back into the intake and cylinders.

 

[sumo]

SYMPTOM
The engine oil level is low on the dipstick, and the MIL
may be on with DTC P3400 and/or P3497 (VPS Stuck
Off Bank 1/Bank 2).
PROBABLE CAUSE
The VCM (variable cylinder management) function may
repeatedly switch on and off during certain light throttle
operation, at cruising speeds, on flat roads. This
frequent switching can contribute to increased oil
consumption. The updated PCM software improves
VCM timing during very light throttle operation which
may reduce oil consumption.
DTCs P3400 and P3497 occur when the oil level drops
to a point where line pressure can no longer support
continued VCM operation.

Service Advisor:
Talk to the customer about the many factors
contributing to oil consumption. This software update
should have a positive impact where the customer
drives frequently at small throttle openings, at cruising
speeds, on flat roads. However, this is just one of many
factors contributing to overall oil consumption,
including engine braking, frequency of use, trailer
towing, etc.
Remind customers that with less frequent service
intervals for modern engines, it’s not uncommon for a
customer to add oil between services. Therefore, it’s a
good idea for customers to check their engine oil
regularly (as recommended in the Owner’s Manual)
and add oil as necessary

 

[Freedom Motorsports]

I read the tsb...lol I am trying to get my head around exactly why the frequent switching would cause the oil consumption. Also, has anyone that has had this issue been able to run their vehicles long enough after the dealer performs the reprogram to know how much of a difference it makes.

 

[sumo]

some dont have problems after reprogram, a lot never did have problems and some still have the same problems after reprogram. But those are the people that never change their oil, Havent seen them in a long time or only come in for a recall.

Vcm uses oil pressure to Disengage the rocker arms for the cylinders that shut off. Both intake and exhaust valves are closed. Even though they are not firing, the piston is still moving in the cylinder. Now what us techs think is that there is air still in the cylinder right? Piston moves up, compresses the air and when it on the downstroke, there is a slight vaccume thats pulls the on the valves slighty where some oil gets drawn into the chamber. once the Cylinder Reactivates, oil that has made it into the cylinder gets Burned up and Out the exhaust it goes.

well Theres always the Option of Disabling AFM through Justin @ BB

 

[domin8]

Which brings us to my next question. Does anybody that is being affected by this excessive oil consumption problem have an aftermarket tune, whether it be BB, HPT, Trifecta, etc? I don't have a tune, yet.

Also, I like the oil catch can idea somebody recommended.

Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using Tapatalk