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Old 06-12-2009, 11:10 PM
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Keith Vrabec Keith Vrabec is offline
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Default GMC 8.1 oil use

Anyone hear anything abot the 8.1 engine using oil? MIne had just started using about a quart per 1000 miles, more with towing. Started suddenly, thought I just didn't tighten the filter enough, but did it after another change too. ANy tips?

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Old 06-12-2009, 11:22 PM
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Both of the 8.1's that I race with use at least a QT every change.

Check/ post here.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=9

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Old 06-14-2009, 12:34 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by David Holmberg View Post
Both of the 8.1's that I race with use at least a QT every change.

Check/ post here.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=9
THANKS FOR THE LINK!

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Old 06-12-2009, 11:34 PM
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We have one in one of the work trucks. It uses oil too and has since it was new. Maybe more than yours does.

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Old 06-13-2009, 12:16 PM
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Keith Vrabec Keith Vrabec is offline
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Sounds like it's intrinsic to the engine and how hard you use it.

Just curious, going to send it in the body shop to fix all the dingers, so sounds llike no reason to dump the truck.

KV

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Old 06-13-2009, 06:36 PM
Bandit79403Dave Bandit79403Dave is offline
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No worries Keith...I have been laughed at when I talked to the dealer about the same issue. Apparently the fact that I was at least (sometimes more) a quarter low before oil change was normal and if I was only a quart meant I had one of the better ones.

I love that motor and it treats me very well...I also work her hard so I imagine its ok if she gets a little thirsty!

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Old 06-13-2009, 08:36 PM
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I've read up on this a little bit, in prep for buying an 8100 Burb.

What most owners do is drop the t-stat rating down to 160.( or 180 I forget).

This does two things, it keeps the engine out of tque management ( reduces timing) and several owners has reported that the oil consumption either stopped or was greatly reduced.

Apparently the power is reduce significantly when the engine temp gets high enough where the ecm starts pulling timing out.

Curious, does your 8100 have the cold piston slap?

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Old 06-14-2009, 12:18 AM
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The one that I have at work doesn't have any cold piston slap, but it does use oil. It has since it was new. The mechanic that drives it now just keeps oil in the truck and adds when it's needed. The truck has LOTS of power to pull the emergency trailer, which is loaded top to bottom. The F350's we have can't begin to pull like the 8100.

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Old 06-14-2009, 12:30 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Keith Vrabec View Post
Anyone hear anything abot the 8.1 engine using oil? MIne had just started using about a quart per 1000 miles, more with towing. Started suddenly, thought I just didn't tighten the filter enough, but did it after another change too. ANy tips?
YES, SINCE DAY ONE MY 03 HAS BEEN DOING THAT, AND RATTLING ON COLD STARTS. SOUNDS LIKE IT WANT TO COME APART, BUT 138,000 MILE AND STILL TRUCKIN'!

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Old 06-14-2009, 06:52 AM
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Have no piston slap at all at 62K. My 01 Tahoe 5.3 had it at 40k and we drove that to 125k without issue. 07 tahoe 5.3 has 35k, no slap.

8.1 pulled the mountain out of Charlotte NC fully loaded towing open trailer with 4500 lbs 72 GP on it....at 75 mph, dusting cars.

Did Snowshoe Mt in western PA annully to Norwalk, loaded with part, 24 ft enclosed trailer with cars and parts the same. Even can accellerate on these hills when the trucks hold you up.

2500HD 4.10 open, Allison auto.

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Old 06-14-2009, 08:27 AM
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We have a 2003 2500 with the 8.1 only 20,000 miles but most of them pulling a 24 ft. enclosed car trailer. It used a quart per 1,000 miles up till 2 years ago, now it does not use any for some reason. We have used mobile one from day one also. Crazy.

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Old 06-14-2009, 09:29 AM
mike nixon mike nixon is offline
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Keith run Rotella thru it for a service period and see if the consumption slows down.


Mike

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Old 06-15-2009, 10:52 PM
Stuckinda60s Stuckinda60s is offline
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Keith:

I'll build you a 400 Poncho like I had in the '81. No oil use, better mileage and similar power to boot.

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  #14  
Old 06-16-2009, 12:22 AM
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If I didn't have a project or two........

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