Engine - Oil Consumption On High Feature V6 Engine
TECHNICALBulletin No.: 11-06-01-004C
Date: March 26, 2012
Subject: Engine Oil Consumption on High Feature V6 Engines - Air Cleaner Housing Test, Repair Procedure (Install Piston Rings, Service PCV System)
Models:
2004-2007 Cadillac CTS
2004-2009 Cadillac SRX
2005-2011 Cadillac STS
Equipped with 3.6L Engine (VIN 7 - RPO LY7 or VIN V - RPO LLT)
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to update the Warranty Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 11-06-01-004B (Section 06 - Engine/Propulsion System).
Condition
Some customers may comment about engine oil consumption on vehicles with higher mileage (approximately 48,000 to 64,000 km (30,000 to 40,000 mi).
Refer to the latest version of Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-011 on testing for oil consumption and guidelines to determine if an oil consumption concern is present. If diagnostic procedures indicate that oil consumption is piston ring related, verify that oil consumption is greater than 0.946 L (1 qt) in 3,200 km (2,000 mi). If these conditions are met and oil consumption is greater than 0.946 L (1 qt) in 3,200 km (2,000 mi), perform the service indicated in this bulletin.
Cause
Inspect for signs of foreign debris bypassing the air filter and getting into the engine.
Engineering studies and evaluation of the oil consumption concerns through return parts reviews have determined in many cases that the air filtration air cleaner housing assemblies have not been properly re-assembled during service.
In many cases the cover was not properly installed into the box assembly at the hinge location, prior to tightening the cover retention bolts.
After time, the cover will deform and not seal due to high underhood temperatures and heat soak, creating a leak path, allowing debris to be drawn into the combustion chamber and cause high piston ring wear.
If a leak or leaks have been detected after the testing process, disassemble the air box by removing the cover. Inspect to make sure that the air filter gasket is making complete contact with the air box housing and cover leading sealing edges. The double lip seal should be seated (not folded) around the entire perimeter of the cover to the lower flange (top and bottom). If not, position the air filter seal to make complete contact around the housing edge, re-assemble the cover to housing with the cover screws tightened to 4 Nm (35 lb in) and re-test.
If a leak is detected after the second test with a properly installed air filter, Replace the air cleaner assembly with the part number shown in the Parts Information below.
Diagnosis
To determine if the air filtration air cleaner housing is the source of debris entering into the engine, technicians should do the following steps:
1. Remove the air filtration box assembly as one piece for leak testing.
2. Next, plug the inlet duct with a plastic plug (J-41413-200 Kit), then duct tape the outlet duct openings shut.
3. Poke a small hole in the outlet duct tape small enough so the J-41413-200 - Evaporator Emission System Tester nozzle fits tight.
4. Set the regulator to 5" of water and pressurize the air cleaner housing for 30 seconds. Then release the nozzle trigger and observe the air cleaner housing for a leak path.
If a leak is present, mark the location with a grease pencil for future review by engineering. Parts may be requested back. Replacement air cleaner housing assemblies are listed in the Parts Information below.
Shown above is an SRX air cleaner housing assembly top views. The CTS is shown in the bottom view.
Verify that the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is operating properly. Inspect the fresh air tube and the dirty air tube along with the PCV orifice tube for restrictions, or damage to the PCV system can result in increased oil use. Repair as required.
Correction
If diagnosis indicates a leak is present in the air cleaner housing, replace the air cleaner housing and piston rings.
Refer to SI for air cleaner housing assembly and piston ring replacement procedures.
Important
It is critical to evaluate the piston ring wear/cylinder bore cross hatch. Some minor scratches may be noticed on the cylinder walls during piston 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. Clean the cylinder bores with P/N 19287401 Brake Clean (in Canada, P/N 88901247) or equivalent. Do not hone the cylinder bores. Wipe out bore using a soft lint free cloth.
A new piston ring kit has been released to be used on RPO LY7 engines outlined in this bulletin. The part number contains one set of rings for one cylinder.
A new camshaft cover seal with a splash deflector has been released (For 1-3-5- bank 1) (New design on the left). Refer to the Parts Information below.
Note
RWD Applications Only: Install the oil deflector shelf and tighten the mounting bolts to 10 Nm (89 lb in).
Air Cleaner Housing Replacement
1. The double lip seal should be seated (not folded) around the entire perimeter of the cover to lower flange (top and bottom).
2. Start both screws, then position/seat the double lip seal of the filter within the box.
Tighten
Tighten each cover bolt to 4 Nm (35 lb in).
Parts Information
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under the 5 year / 100,000 mile (160,000 km) powertrain warranty, use the table.
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