GM Tech Bulletin

Higher Than Expected Oil Consumption (Replace Rings)
#01-06-01-023
Higher Than Expected Oil Consumption (Replace Rings)
1999-2001 Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette

1999-2001 Pontiac Firebird

with 5.7L Engine (VINs G, S -- RPOs LS1, LS6)

Condition
Some owners may comment on higher than expected oil consumption.
When checked,
the oil consumption could be in the range of 400-600 miles per quart
(700-1000
km/L).

Cause
The cause for this condition may be an interaction between the
piston rings and
the cylinder bore in vehicles that are operated at higher RPMs --
typically
manual transmission vehicles driven in a manner where the engine is
frequently
or consistently operating at greater than 3200 RPM.

Correction
A new set of piston rings is currently available through GMSPO. The
new rings
are part of a complete piston ring kit. Install only the number 2
compression
ring and the oil expander ring from the piston ring kit. All other rings
in the
piston ring kit should be discarded. The original number 1
compression ring and
the oil ring rails should be re-used in their original positions on the
piston.
All pistons should be used in the same cylinder bore.

Important
Do not dress or hone the cylinder bore. Nothing should be done to
change the
bore finish for this condition. Changing the bore finish may aggravate
the
condition.

Refer to the Unit Repair Manual for appropriate ring removal and
replacement
procedure.

The number 1 compression ring and the upper and lower oil expander
rails are
re-used because they are already broken in for the bore that they are
in. The
new number 2 compression ring is made with a very sharp edge that
will break in
quickly.

Changing only the piston rings noted, with no change in driving style,
should
change oil consumption to an acceptable level. Changes in driving
style that
reduce the amount of time spent at higher RPMs will also positively
effect oil
consumption.

In addition to the standard size piston ring kit listed below, a 0.25
mm
oversized piston ring kit is available. The oversized piston ring kit
should
only be used in those rare instances where the cylinder bore size has
been
machined larger to accommodate the 0.25 mm oversized piston rings.

Parts Information
Part Number
Description
Qty

88894299
Ring Kit, Piston
8

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time

J1307
Piston, Rod and/or Rings -- Replace, Both Banks
Use Published Labor Time

quote:

---

Originally posted by XLR8NSS:
Is that an official recall? or just a note of warranty coverage in the event of oil consumption excess? In Re: 4-600 mile per quart consumption as normal? curious.

---

its not a recall. but a TSB. so if you are using oil, get it to the dealer and start a file.