When I checked the oil on February 1st, I noticed the oil level was extremely low. I took the truck to the place we had the oil changed and the topped it off. They asked if I had an oil leak or if the engine was burning oil, and after a close inspection we agreed that there was no oil leak. After discussing this situation with a couple of friends and our mechanic, it was brought to my attention of the issue with these engines burning excessive oil within the engine. Apparently this is a defect that General Motors is aware of and I feel they should replace this engine at no cost whatsoever to me, along with the use of a replacement vehicle until this problem is completely resolved.

7 cylinder plug fouled because of over active lifter splashing oil into PCV outlet. Solution is replace valve cover (GM P/N 12642655) on left side engine - easy replacement about $50. Oil consumption increased and I found out that the oil pressure relief valve in the oil pan would spray oil up onto the bottom of pistons causing carbon build-up in piston rings. Solution - Install a deflector shield (GM P/N 12639759) on relief valve in crankcase. http://powertrainintegration.com/Service/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/BULLETIN_12-06-01-001B.pdf

#10-06-01-008B: Engine Oil Consumption on Aluminum Block Engines with Active Fuel Management (AFM) (Install AFM Oil Deflector and Clean Carbon from Cylinder) - (Mar 7, 2011)

Subject: Engine Oil Consumption on Aluminum Block Engines with Active Fuel Management (AFM) (Install AFM Oil Deflector and Clean Carbon from Cylinder)

Models: 2007-2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT

2007-2009 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe

2007-2009 GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra Denali, Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali, Yukon Denali XL

2008-2009 Pontiac G8 GT

Equipped with Aluminum Block V8 Engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) (RPOs LC9, LH6, L76, LFA, L92)

with Greater than 45,000 km (28,000 mi)

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This bulletin is being revised to add the 2009 model year and new Correction information for the 2009 model year - left rocker arm cover replacement. Information has also been added after step 9. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 10-06-01-008A (Section 06 - Engine/Propulsion System).

Condition Some customers may comment about engine oil consumption of vehicles with higher mileage (approximately 48,000 to 64,000 km (30,000 to 40,000 mi). Verify that the induction system is assembled correctly and that there is no evidence that the engine has been ingesting dirty air due to a mis-assembled induction system. Also verify that the PCV system is functioning properly. If diagnostic procedures indicate that oil consumption is piston/piston ring related, verify that oil consumption is less than 3,000 km (2,000 mi) per liter/quart. If these conditions are met and oil consumption is less than 3,000 km (2,000 mi) per liter/quart, perform the service indicated in this bulletin.

Cause This condition may be caused by oil spray that is discharged from the AFM pressure relief valve within the crankcase. Under most driving conditions and drive cycles, the discharged oil does not cause a problem. Under certain drive cycles (extended high engine speed operation), in combination with parts at the high end of their tolerance specification, the oil spray quantity may be more than usual, resulting in excessive deposit formation in the piston ring grooves, causing increased oil consumption.

Correction 2009 Vehicles Only Important: This left rocker arm cover is NOT to be used on 2007-2008 vehicles because of the calibration of the PCV orifice being different in 2007-2008.

A new left rocker arm cover has been released for 2009 engines. Technicians should replace the left rocker arm cover with GM P/N 12642655. This rocker arm cover has relocated PCV drain holes that prevents PCV pullover into the intake manifold. Refer to SI for Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Left Side.

2008-2007 Vehicles Only

To correct this condition, perform the piston cleaning procedure as described in this document, and install a shield over the AFM pressure relief valve per the procedure outlined in this document. Monitor oil consumption after this repair to ensure oil consumption has improved to acceptable levels. If this repair does not correct the condition, it may be necessary to replace the piston assemblies (piston and rings) with new parts.

Important: It is critical in this cleaning process that the engine/fuel injector cleaner remain in the cylinders for a minimum of 2.5 hours to fully clean the components. The cleaner solution must be removed before a maximum of three hours.

•Verify the oil consumption concern following Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-011F. If oil consumption is found, continue on with this bulletin. •Remove the spark plugs and ensure that none of the pistons are at top dead center (TDC). •Clean the pistons by putting 118-147 ml (4-5 oz) of Upper Engine and Fuel Injector Cleaner, GM P/N 88861802 (in Canada, use 88861804), in each cylinder. Allow the material to soak for at least 2.5-3.0 hours, but no more than three hours and then remove the cleaner. A suggested method of removing the cleaner is cranking engine over. Make sure to unplug the ignition coils and fuel injector before cranking the engine over. Also make sure that the painted surfaces are covered so no damage is done. •Remove the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement in SI. •Remove the AFM valve (1). •Install the new shield (1), GM P/N 12639759, and tighten the AFM valve to the oil pan to 28 N·m (20 lb ft). Important: Ensure that the engine cleaner is thoroughly removed before reinstalling the spark plugs. Failure to do so may result in a hydro-lock condition. •Reinstall the spark plugs. Replace the spark plugs if necessary due to full of carbon. Refer to the parts catalog. •Reinstall the oil pan. Refer to the Oil Pan Installation procedure in SI. Replace the oil pan gasket if necessary. Refer to the parts catalog. Replace the engine oil if necessary. •Re-evaluate the oil consumption. Document on the repair order. If the oil consumption is still greater than 0.946 L (1 qt) in 3,200 km (2000 mi), replacement of the pistons and rings will be required.

Important: Some minor scratches may be noticed on the cylinder walls during piston and ring replacement. If the scratch cannot be felt when running your finger nail over it, the scratch is considered normal wear and the block or engine should not be replaced.

Parts Information Part Number Description Qty

12639759 DEFLECTOR-OIL PRESS RLF VLV (quantity of 3 per order) (07-08 Models Only) 1

88861802 (in Canada, use 88861804) CLEANER, F/INJR 16 OZ LIQUID POUR (Upper Engine and Fuel Injector Cleaner) (07-08 Models Only) 3

12642655 COVER ASM-VLV RKR ARM (09 Models Only) 1

Apparently this is a common problem with the 2007-2009 Suburbans and other GM cars/trucks. This is just one of a dozen problems I am having with my Suburban. I want to like GM products, but they seemed hell bent on steering me away. I guess I will go back to Ford products next time. I haven't had nearly as many problems with them.

Update from Jul 8, 2015: I took it to the dealer and they replaced the left rocker arm cover (2009 version) and installed an oil deflector. Very expensive for a problem that GM created in their design flaw. GM should cover this, but they don't. Labor at the dealer was $600 while the parts were just over $300. I can't believe dealers make $100/hour for labor.