A Case Of Consumption
I'm having a problem with my '02 WS6 Trans Am using an unusual amount of oil. I purchased the car new in August 2002, and it currently has only 2,500 miles on it. We use it basically as a Sunday driver. After purchasing the car, I immediately changed the factory oil and put in Mobil One synthetic. I've noticed that about every 600-700 miles, it's down about a half quart. Is this normal for these LS1 engines? I also read somewhere that some of these Trans Ams came with Z06 blocks and they tend to use oil. Is this correct?David BoyleSt. Petersburg, FL
Ray Bohacz Responds:Oil consumption rate is a tricky subject that has created more arguments in the industry than almost anything. The industry as a whole (both foreign and domestic) seems to agree that 700 miles to a quart of oil is considered acceptable. This was started by Honda in the late '70s when its cars were only going that far on a quart. Engines that have low-tension piston rings; forged, loose fitting pistons, poor ring gaps, and excessive valve guide clearance will all consume oil at a higher rate. In addition, the pattern and condition of the cross-hatch on the cylinder walls, better known as the finish, will also impact oil consumption.
Due to the nature of the way you use your Pontiac, it will tend to consume more oil. Short trips with many warm-up cycles will allow oil to pass the rings and be burned. I have seen this complaint more than once from LS1 owners, and it appears that some engines had looser clearances than others.
Try to limit the amount of idle time on the engine, and also take it for a nice, long ride one day. I believe that on the highway you will probably double or triple the distance the engine travels on a quart of oil. I appreciate your concern and I too would be disappointed with that oil consumption rate, but if the car runs fine, do not worry about it-just enjoy your Pontiac.
Static Situation
I have a question regarding my '02 Trans Am Collectors Edition. The AM radio setting is full of static. My dealer has replaced the radio, the lead from the radio to the antenna, and also the antenna. Still, the static is there. J.W. Gobo Via Internet
Melvin Benzaquen RespondsThe answer, unfortunately, is not a simple one. Static on the AM band is a complex problem to resolve since the frequency is subject to so many issues both onboard and from outside sources. I will try to give you some ideas as to how to track down the static.
Although the radio, the antenna lead, and the antenna have been replaced, never assume the problem cannot be with them. New does not always mean it's working correctly. AM is more susceptible to static caused by power lines, electric fences, neon electric signs, engine-ignition noise, and lightning. Problems with your vehicle's alternator or ignition system can also cause radio static. Another inherent weakness of AM is "crosstalk" When you're driving near a different AM broadcast tower than the station you're listening to, the strong nearby signal will dominate the entire AM band, and you will hear both stations at once.
Here Are Some Ideas:1) Radio static is usually the result of a poor ground connection on the antenna or the wire that hooks it to the radio. In fact, most of electrical problems can be tracked down to grounding issues. Generally, AM can function somewhat even without the antenna. Antenna problems are easy to troubleshoot using a spare one, which can be purchased for a few dollars. Just unplug the old antenna and plug in the spare. Connect a jumper wire from the base to a good ground on the vehicle, and don't hold the antenna mast in place with your hand when testing. If reception improves, you have found the problem.
2) Determine whether the static is when the engine is on or when it's off. If the noise goes away with the engine off, the problem is caused by something associated with the engine. Compare the radio for noise when the key is turned to the ACCESSORY position and then the ON position. If there is noise with the ignition on, a defective module could be the cause.
3) Go to the fuse panel and unplug each fuse, one at a time, to track down the noise. Sometimes it is necessary to disconnect fusible links where fuses are not supplied for all circuits. Suspect modules are the dash control module, the seatbelt warning module, the illuminated entry module, the fuel-pump module, the ignition module, and the wiper/washer module.
4) If the noise is with the engine on, then here are some helpful tips to trace and eliminate sources of static. Use a cheap, hand-held AM transistor radio to track down the source of the static. Tune the radio to the lower part of the band, between stations. Now use the radio like a Geiger counter, moving it slowly back and forth across the engine bay to track down the source of the noise. When you get close to the noise, the radio will produce louder static. Do this with the engine running and again with the engine off and the key in the ON position. (WARNING: Keep away from hot and moving parts, such as belts, fan blades, and the exhaust.)