ragingbull27 Posted August 29, 2011 Report Share Posted August 29, 2011 I bought a 2003 cadillac deville back in Nov 2010 with 47,000 miles with a northstar engine. About 2 months after, the oil light came on after about 1,000 miles and I checked the oil stick and she was 2 quarts low. So I took the car in to the dealer and they didn't find anything. I got an oil change and have checked the oil stick after I fill up the fuel tank. Each time I refueled, the oilstick reading would show lower each time. So 1500 miles later and the oil light comes back on again, I check the dipstick and she looks about 2 quarts low again. That sounds like a problem right? Any kind of help would be appreciated, THANKS! Oh I forgot to say that there's no leaks and no smoke. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted August 30, 2011 Report Share Posted August 30, 2011 The oil light is pertaining to oil pressure, NOT oil level. It is most likely a failing oil pressure switch located on the oil filter adapter. Replace it with an A/C Delco switch. Your car has an oil level sensor and will alert you when you are 2 qts low (not that you shouldn't check it regularly any way). The Northstar needs to be run hard to keep the rings free or they can carbon up and cause excessive oil consumption. Put it in 2nd gear. Plant your foot firmly on the floor and do not lift it til you get near red line in 2nd or as close as traffic will allow (70-80 MPH). Then back off and let it decelerate, again to as low as traffic will allow. If you see a lot of carbon coming out of it, do it again. Basically drive it like you stole it, beat on it hard. You can't and won't hurt it and you will probably see your oil consumption reduce. Do it once a month as maintenance. It's not only good for it, it's also fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted August 30, 2011 Report Share Posted August 30, 2011 The title of the post refers to an oil light but the content of the message appears to be referencing the CHECK OIL LEVEL message on the information center. Can you clarify if the oil pressure light is coming on or are you receiving the message on the information center? Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Jim Posted August 30, 2011 Report Share Posted August 30, 2011 I think Keven is right... I think the original poster is talking about the "OIL LEVEL" warning coming on... Both times when he says "LIGHT".. he was 2 quarts low. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike5514 Posted August 30, 2011 Report Share Posted August 30, 2011 Is 750 mi. per qt. in the acceptable oil usage range? Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Jim Posted August 30, 2011 Report Share Posted August 30, 2011 Is 750 mi. per qt. in the acceptable oil usage range? Mike Not for me it wouldn't be.. :) I have read different things about so called ACCEPTABLE OIL USAGE... some say 1000 miles, others say 1500, still others say 2000 miles... I am fortunate, in that mine uses less than 1/2 quart between changes. I change it about every 7000 miles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ragingbull27 Posted August 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2011 Is 750 mi. per qt. in the acceptable oil usage range? Mike Not for me it wouldn't be.. :) I have read different things about so called ACCEPTABLE OIL USAGE... some say 1000 miles, others say 1500, still others say 2000 miles... I am fortunate, in that mine uses less than 1/2 quart between changes. I change it about every 7000 miles. Hey Guys, sorry I didn't clarify it right. The information center tells me the oil is low, so I check the dipstick and she looks about 2 quarts low. This happen to me before and the dealer didn't find anything wrong. So they gave me a mileage sheet to write down what the oil level is every time I refuel and it is approx. the same now as it was when I brought the car in. And that is at 1500-1600 miles that the information center light comes on and 2 quarts low. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ragingbull27 Posted August 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2011 Sorry guys I didn't clarify it right. The information center tells me the oil is low, so I check the dipstick and she's about 2 quart low, readings of oil are at the bottom of stick. This happen to me before at about the 1500-1600 mile range. The first time I took the car in and they didn't find anything. So they gave me a mileage sheet to write down what the oil readings are every time I refuel. And it happen again, at about the same mileage. I just think that 2 quarts every 1500 miles is excessive. What do you guys think? Thank You! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Jim Posted August 30, 2011 Report Share Posted August 30, 2011 Sorry guys I didn't clarify it right. The information center tells me the oil is low, so I check the dipstick and she's about 2 quart low, readings of oil are at the bottom of stick. This happen to me before at about the 1500-1600 mile range. The first time I took the car in and they didn't find anything. So they gave me a mileage sheet to write down what the oil readings are every time I refuel. And it happen again, at about the same mileage. I just think that 2 quarts every 1500 miles is excessive. What do you guys think? Thank You! OK... since it is telling you when it is 2 quarts low... that is good. That means the iol level sensor is working like it should. Go back and read post number 2... The NorthStar needs to be exercised every once in a while. Do what Ranger said in post number 2 and your oil usage will get better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted August 30, 2011 Report Share Posted August 30, 2011 I'd consider 750 miles per quart excessive - especially for a 2000+ engine that has the redesigned pistons and rings. Time to "put the hammer down" and if you see soot coming from the tailpipes, repeat until no soot is present. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnnyG Posted August 30, 2011 Report Share Posted August 30, 2011 I would also like to add that the "check oil level" should not be coming on when the engine is two quarts low. Now, "two quarts low" is a VERY subjective observation, so I will ask you to further clarify exactly what is going on. Your oil level sensor may need to be recalibrated or repositioned. Here's what I mean by this. I NEVER fill my engine to the FULL mark on the dipstick, which should indicate about 7.5 quarts, or maximum capacity CHECKED WHEN COLD. I always fill my engine to a midpoint of the (2008 dipstick) crosshatch area, so about 3/8" BELOW the Full mark COLD. We old guys have been reassured by the Northstar engine designer that this level is fine for normal everyday (non-racing) use, and further, this level may in fact reduce oil consumption in the pre 2000 engines. That point (my midpoint) equates to about 5.5 to 6 quarts of oil in the engine. The "Check Oil Level" message should never come on at a midpoint on the dipstick,(which is about 1.5 quarts below the full mark) and probably more like the "ADD" mark on the stick. So is your oil level down to the ADD mark when the message comes on? If not, GM should recognize that there is in fact a problem with the level sensor. Never underestimate the amount of a persons greed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnnyG Posted August 30, 2011 Report Share Posted August 30, 2011 Sorry, I just re-read your last post, since the level is at the bottom of the stick it IS a consumption issue and your level sensor is working correctly. Never underestimate the amount of a persons greed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ragingbull27 Posted August 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2011 Thanks guys for all your help! Ranger had sent me a post about caddy northstar engines written by a GM engineer, and it seems to be a common issue with using up about a quart of oil every 1000-1500 miles for the northstar engines and the engineer says thats fine. I have a another caddy a 1988 and she doesn't go thru this much oil, so i thought/think something is wrong. Maybe its because I don't use the 2003 caddy everyday. After the first time this happen, I went to the WOT procedure, and she did the same thing. So maybe like ranger said to have them clean the cyclinder heads and see if that helps. It couldn't hurt. I have the GM warranty on the 2003 caddy. THANKS!!!!!steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted August 31, 2011 Report Share Posted August 31, 2011 I have a another caddy a 1988 and she doesn't go thru this much oil, so i thought/think something is wrong. Do not confuse that '88 engine with the Northstar. Two completely different animals. Maybe its because I don't use the 2003 caddy everyday. Nah, that should have no effect at all. Now that I am retired mine sits for days without getting started. Technically GM considers a qt in 800 miles acceptable. I think that is a little high on oil usage, but I don't think you have any mechanical problems other than maybe carboned rings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tysona23 Posted August 31, 2011 Report Share Posted August 31, 2011 My oil life indicator goes to about 7000 miles but I personally think thats alittle to long. What do you all think I believe in 3000 miles every change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ragingbull27 Posted August 31, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2011 I have a another caddy a 1988 and she doesn't go thru this much oil, so i thought/think something is wrong. Do not confuse that '88 engine with the Northstar. Two completely different animals. Maybe its because I don't use the 2003 caddy everyday. Nah, that should have no effect at all. Now that I am retired mine sits for days without getting started. Technically GM considers a qt in 800 miles acceptable. I think that is a little high on oil usage, but I don't think you have any mechanical problems other than maybe carboned rings. The engine runs perfect, thats why it's kinda weird situation, If I bring it to the service guys and they don't find anything the'll charge me for the diagnostic, but in a long run it would be worth it. Ranger, check out this document that GM produced for the exceptable mileage rate for oil comsumption, its shows a quart every 2000 miles. Go to this site.......GM document id: 2222953..... about a quarter down the page you will see this document. Let me know what you think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted August 31, 2011 Report Share Posted August 31, 2011 The '88 Cadillac has a traditional pushrod engine. The Northstar engine has double the number of valve guides, cams, valves, etc. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ragingbull27 Posted August 31, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2011 The '88 Cadillac has a traditional pushrod engine. The Northstar engine has double the number of valve guides, cams, valves, etc. Thanks Kevin, Yea I wasn't thinking correctly, Two different types of engines 1988 compared to a 2003. I'm am going to the dealer to followup from the first time it happen. They have it on file that for me to come back after a 1000 miles to see if it's doing the same thing. And it is. So I'll see what happens and followup with you guys on this oil thing. I'm probally going to hear the same thing as the first time, That THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. If there isn't anything wrong, I guess I'm stuck with it. I have a 2 year GM warranty on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted August 31, 2011 Report Share Posted August 31, 2011 The Northstar has 4 camshafts compared to the 1988's one cam. Much more to lubricate in the Northstar. When you change your oil, drive the car for at least 10 miles to warm the oil up, then check the oil level and note where it is on the dipstick. If you check the oil level when the oil is cold and fill it to the full mark, you will be over filling the crankcase and the engine will quickly burn it of. The crank counterweights will vaporize the excess oil and the PCV system will direct the oil vapor into the throttle body where it will get sucked into the combustion chamber and burn. Put your gear selector in "2" and floor the car until it reaches 70 MPH and then let the car coast back down letting the engine brake the car. Repeat a few times until you no longer see black soot out of the tailpipes. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
93SixtySpecial Posted August 31, 2011 Report Share Posted August 31, 2011 Mine uses 1 to 1.5 quarts every 3000 miles. I also have 256,000 miles. Apparently these engines never wear out because you'd think I'd be using a lot more by now. -Dusty- 2006 Cadillac DTS Glacier Gold Tri-Coat with 175,000 miles 1993 Cadillac Sixty Special Gold Mist with 185,000 miles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ragingbull27 Posted August 31, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2011 When I took the car to the dealer 1600 miles ago because of this low oil and low oil on the information center, They did a oil comsumption test and a LOF test, and found nothing wrong. Now,again, at about the same mileage of 1600 miles, the low oil came on the information center, and the oil level is about a quarter from the bottom of the hash mark. Does the low oil on the information center come on about 2 quarts low? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Jim Posted August 31, 2011 Report Share Posted August 31, 2011 When I took the car to the dealer 1600 miles ago because of this low oil and low oil on the information center, They did a oil comsumption test and a LOF test, and found nothing wrong. Now,again, at about the same mileage of 1600 miles, the low oil came on the information center, and the oil level is about a quarter from the bottom of the hash mark. Does the low oil on the information center come on about 2 quarts low? Yes... that is exactly what it is designed to do. Is the car always driven "GENTLY?" If so... that could be the major reason it is using oil. Over time, with gentle, low RPM driving...the rings will stick in the grooves of the pistons. When they are stuck, they let more oil by them and into the combustion chanber, and increase your oil consumption. Sometimes all that is needed is for the rings to be "EXERCISED" and unstick themselves from the ring grooves. Several of us have already posted the procedure in previous posts. I change my oil about every 7000 to 8000 miles or when the OLM gets to about 25 percent.... whichever comes first. I NEVER HAVE TO ADD OIL BETWEEN CHANGES. My car uses less than a half quart of oil between changes and one reason is.... I "DRIVE" it. It regularly sees the upper area of the tach. I now have over 106,000 miles on it and it runs great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 My oil life indicator goes to about 7000 miles but I personally think thats alittle to long. What do you all think I believe in 3000 miles every change. 3000 mile oil changes is old school. Your OLM is capped at 7500. 2000+ is capped at 12500 miles. When I was working and putting a lot of highway miles on it I was changing it at 10K just for easy numbers. Follow the OLM, believe it or not, it knows better than you when to change the oil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 I have a another caddy a 1988 and she doesn't go thru this much oil, so i thought/think something is wrong. Do not confuse that '88 engine with the Northstar. Two completely different animals. Maybe its because I don't use the 2003 caddy everyday. Nah, that should have no effect at all. Now that I am retired mine sits for days without getting started. Technically GM considers a qt in 800 miles acceptable. I think that is a little high on oil usage, but I don't think you have any mechanical problems other than maybe carboned rings. The engine runs perfect, thats why it's kinda weird situation, If I bring it to the service guys and they don't find anything the'll charge me for the diagnostic, but in a long run it would be worth it. Ranger, check out this document that GM produced for the exceptable mileage rate for oil comsumption, its shows a quart every 2000 miles. Go to this site.......GM document id: 2222953..... about a quarter down the page you will see this document. Let me know what you think. Hmm, maybe I'm thinking of something else, but I swore it was less than 2K. Wonder if they have a separate one for the Northstar? One other thought. You are not filling the oil to the MAX mark on the dip stick are you? That will cause excessive oil consumption. Do not keep topping it off to try and keep it at MAX. I think 7.5 qts comes to about half way between MIN and MAX. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ragingbull27 Posted September 1, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 I have a another caddy a 1988 and she doesn't go thru this much oil, so i thought/think something is wrong. Do not confuse that '88 engine with the Northstar. Two completely different animals. Maybe its because I don't use the 2003 caddy everyday. Nah, that should have no effect at all. Now that I am retired mine sits for days without getting started. Technically GM considers a qt in 800 miles acceptable. I think that is a little high on oil usage, but I don't think you have any mechanical problems other than maybe carboned rings. The engine runs perfect, thats why it's kinda weird situation, If I bring it to the service guys and they don't find anything the'll charge me for the diagnostic, but in a long run it would be worth it. Ranger, check out this document that GM produced for the exceptable mileage rate for oil comsumption, its shows a quart every 2000 miles. Go to this site.......GM document id: 2222953..... about a quarter down the page you will see this document. Let me know what you think. Hmm, maybe I'm thinking of something else, but I swore it was less than 2K. Wonder if they have a separate one for the Northstar? One other thought. You are not filling the oil to the MAX mark on the dip stick are you? That will cause excessive oil consumption. Do not keep topping it off to try and keep it at MAX. I think 7.5 qts comes to about half way between MIN and MAX. Yea, well thats what the dealer gave me when this happen the first time, he told me to right down the mileage everytime I fueled up and check the level of oil. If it goes by what that GM sheet says, as far as what he gave me, then I'm definetly going through more then what I should be. GM sheet 1 Quart per 2000 miles.... My car 2 quarts every 1600 miles. Also, they changed the oil and filled it up to the top hash mark. I'll try keeping it in the middle. I made an appointment for tomorrow for them to reinspect. Should I go? Or just put a quart in the car and bring it up to halfway mark? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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