Engine - Excessive Oil Consumption
88oldsmobile22SUBJECT: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION (INSPECT INTAKE VALVE STEM SEALS)
MODELS/YEARS: 1988 CUTLASS CIERA AND CUTLASS CALAIS
WITH 2.5L (VIN CODE R AND U) ENGINE
NUMBER: 88-T-119
CORP. REF. NO: 836114R
DATE: December 1988
SECTION: 6A
Some customer comments may be received regarding excessive engine oil consumption. "Excessive" oil consumption may be defined as approximately 200 miles per quart or less. Light blue-colored exhaust smoke may or may not be evident in these cases due to the catalytic converter's exhaust gas processing.
This oil consumption condition may be caused by one or more damaged intake valve stem seals.
NOTE: It is recommended that intake valve stem seal inspection be performed first in diagnosing reported cases of excessive engine oil consumption.
An inspection of the intake valve stem seal of one cylinder will reveal if the seal is in fact damaged. The damaged seal(s) can be identified by a cutout section on the top portion of the seal, see Illustration. Valve spring removal is required to properly inspect the seal. If the seal is identified as damaged, all intake valve stem seals must be replaced with P/N 10042875. Refer to Section 6A1 of the Cutlass Ciera or 6A3 of the Cutlass Calais Service Manual for details on seal servicing.
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
If the intake valve stem seal inspection for one cylinder does not reveal any damaged seals, then the cause of the excessive oil consumption is in some other area of the engine.
Use applicable labor operation and time per the Labor Time Guide.