Alexanderdickens Posted September 5, 2008 Report Share Posted September 5, 2008 Hello Caddyinfo members, I have a question about my fuel gauge first. Since last month my fuel guage has been reading the incorrect amount of gas in the vehicle. If I were to put 3 gallons it would read near full then move to the middle and so on. I've delt with this problem with my lincoln with sending unit's and grounds before, but I would like to know what places I should start on this type of vehicle? A month ago I had an oil change and when I checked a week later, I was down to 2 quarts. I added 3-4 quarts at that time and this morning I had again 2 quarts. It doesn't appear to be burning the oil so I was wondering where I should start looking at? I read about the oil consumption and I didn't drive over 1000 miles so I thought there was another problem somewhere. I have a SLS 2002. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Nunnally Posted September 5, 2008 Report Share Posted September 5, 2008 The fuel senders do fail. Lately we have had a long discussion which included the conclusion that Techron by Chevron additive can help, along with a fuel additive by GM (check your local dealer). Replacing the fuel sender also helps, but I would try the techron or GM additive first. Oil usage is harder to quantify. First, to agree that the car is using oil one would measure the oil per the approved procedure -- on a flat surface, with the engine warm, but around 2 min after the engine is turned off. The Northstar is a DOHC engine so some time must be allowed for the oil to drain back to the sump. Now, the oil level needs to be measured in as controlled a conditions as you can manage, so in the same spot in good light to see the level indicated is best. Then check the oil level every 500 miles in exactly the same way, and keep a log book of how much oil is being used. Regular WOT (wide open throttle) applications can help decrease oil usage. Sometimes higher oil usage is caused by carbon buildup due to 'babying' the car all the time. Stop driving it with one toe on the gas and the engine has an opportunity to blow the carbon out. If after careful measure you are able to determine that the engine is using oil and exactly how much oil it is using, you can decide if it is worthwhile to repair/replace the engine or just add oil. Some engines do need oil added between changes and otherwise provide good long lasting service. Bruce 2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Follow me on: Twitter Instagram Youtube Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted September 5, 2008 Report Share Posted September 5, 2008 A month ago I had an oil change and when I checked a week later, I was down to 2 quarts. I added 3-4 quarts at that time and this morning I had again 2 quarts. You where DOWN to 2 qts and ADDED 3-4? That would bring you to 5 - 6 qts. in the sump and now you are down to 2 qts.? That would mean you lost 3 - 4 qts. That is one helluva leak. Beside that, the CHECK OIL LEVEL message should have been on long before you got to 2 qts remaining. It should come on at 5 - 5.5. (about 2 qts low) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted September 6, 2008 Report Share Posted September 6, 2008 If you were down 2 quarts, that is when the CHECK OIL LEVEL message would appear. If you added 3 - 4 quarts, you had the crankcase overfilled by 1 - 2 quarts. The crankshaft probably vaporized the oil and it was sucked through the PCV valve and burned. Follow the proper method of checking the oil level and I'll bet you see the usage drop. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted September 6, 2008 Report Share Posted September 6, 2008 Kevin, he said "I was down to 2 quarts." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimD Posted September 6, 2008 Report Share Posted September 6, 2008 How would anyone know how much oil was in the crankcase without draining and measuring? Jim Drive your car. Use your cell phone. CHOOSE ONE ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted September 6, 2008 Report Share Posted September 6, 2008 HUH? How the heck did you KNOW you were down to 2 quarts, KNOWING THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE The Northstar takes 7.5 quarts total. All I do is add enough oil so that it reads HALF WAY on the STICK. There is NO need to bring it to the top of the stick. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted September 6, 2008 Report Share Posted September 6, 2008 Kevin, he said "I was down to 2 quarts." That had to be a typo. He couldn't have had only 2 quarts in the crankcase but there's no way to tell unless he added 5-1/2 quarts. Besides at 2 qts in the crankcase, that engine would have been making some noise. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Nunnally Posted September 6, 2008 Report Share Posted September 6, 2008 I love it when someone drops by at noon and mentions a topic, then leaves, and the rest of us spend the evening talking among ourselves in the absence of more relevant input Hopefully the orig poster will explain further on his next visit. oh, and Bruce 2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Follow me on: Twitter Instagram Youtube Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
93STSpieceofcrapmoneypit Posted September 7, 2008 Report Share Posted September 7, 2008 There is NO need to bring it to the top of the stick. Totally agree on that. With your user name being what it is I'd have to be hard pressed. I, however, do find it entertaining. The definition of an enthusiast is "a person filled with enthusiasm" or " one who is ardently attached to a cause, object, or pursuit." Then there is my personal favorite "one who tends to become ardently absorbed in an interest." I would call the last one fanatic, bordering on unhealthy. I think I'd rather be an enthusiast as opposed to a fanatic. CADS RULE DUDES! Alright Alright Alright... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.