My 2002 D-max has just over 37,000 miles on the ticker. About 5,000 miles ago it burned about a 1/2 qt of oil after a long trip pulling a 8,000 pound trailer. I didn't think much about it and added 1/2 qt to bring it back up. I was getting ready to change the oil and decided to check the oil level and it was 1/2 qt low again. I haven't done any towing since I added the oil the last time. I drive it pretty easy and don't race around town. I don't see any oil drips on the ground.

So, is 1 qt. of oil in 5000 miles too much? I'm going to take it in pretty soon ( if I can get a day off work) and have the dealer check it out but I figured I would check with the pros here first.

By the way, I use Chevron Delo.

Thanks,
Shawn

Shawn, mine uses about the same amount, currently at 25K miles, also Chevron Delo.

I don't think you have anything to worry about, surely not necessary for dealer visit just for that.

Shawn,

I also have '02 and had the same oil consumption issue about a year ago. In my case I believe the oil usage was due to bad fuel. The bad fuel clogged my fuel filter and fuel filter housing. After changing the filter and cleaning the housing my oil consumption stopped and hasn't returned. It may have been a coincidence but I don't think so....

My two cents...

Oil usage is probably one of the most talked about subjects no matter what forum you go on.
FACT, all engines will use a little bit of oil, and unless your using more than 1 qt. per 1000 mile you have nothing to worry about.
FACT, it is not necessary to keep your oil level exactly at the F mark on the dipstick, I have proven time and time again that in the middle of the range is best and reduces oil usage.
FACT engines will tell you were they want to run the oil level on the dipstick, meaning, if you fill it to the full mark it will quickly drop to about half way then the consumption will slow to a crawl.
I see this on a regular basis with all 4 stroke engines weather it be trucks cars, boats, snowmobiles, quads, lawnmowers, etc.
Some engines like the Cummins even want to run at the add mark.

I know of a furd power puke that says to put 15 quarts of oil in it and within one week it will use 2 quarts and then it wont use any more for the rest of the 5000 miles

i have a 68 cougar years ago wed go on a 400mile trip up to the lake it would take a quart going up and back home it would use none did this 4 years in a row and around here it never used any bought it new still have it no rust on it what so ever has only 47000miloes on it completely redone it now

many years ago I had an old mechanic I respect tell me to open a quart of and take off walking while pouring the oil out in as thin of a stream as is possible ... he pointed out you'd have to cut that stream of oil down pretty fine to have it last 5,000 miles ... makes sense to me

Jim

i had a 97 Freight Liner with a inline 6 Detroit Diesel,that every time i change oil with delo 400 it burn more oil..so i change to mobile delvec 1300 and stop burning as much.i was told that my blow by breather hose under the engine was breathing more oil out with the delo...anyway i don't know if he was telling me the truth on not..it does'nt hurt you try mobile.oh by the way 1 quart every 5000 miles is fine for lubricating 8 cylinders.

Thanks, I feel better after reading the replies. I haven't had any problems since I have had the truck (knock on wood) and I want to keep it that way. Shawn

The Duramax does not burn oil. The only folks burning a quart in 1000 miles and living with it are some of the 8.1 guys. I haven't had a Chevy in the last 15 years that burned a quart in 4000 miles. That includes factory or a couple built Chev small blocks. Later! Frank

Got a tractor that will use oil if you fill it to the top mark. Let it use it down to just above the add mark and there it will stay.
Caught one of the hands putting oil in it every morning. That is a good way to get it to use oil all the time.

My 2002 with 85.000+ miles does not use oil. And I run it hard!!

Hauled a 20.000 lbs tractor with it today.

http://photos.imageevent.com/texasdutchman/pickupsetc/websize/DCP01454.JPG

Now that's a load! Later! Frank

Maybe just the brand of oil?

Have been using Delo 400. Since the truck was new the oil level has never used a drop of oil. Since the engine has had 15k on it, the engine has been runned balls to the wall, so to speak. With running the programming to the high side for the last 13k, no oil still has not been used.