Dear Motor Medics, Hi guys, I drive a 2010 GMC van with a 5.3L engine. The van is a custom AWD 2500 with a snowplow on the front and I’ve just reached 150K miles.
This van ran perfectly and I have been careful on the maintenance of changing engine oil every 3K miles and servicing the transmission and the differentials and transfer case several times already. I know this vehicle very well and know for a fact that it has used no oil in the past, so when it suddenly started using a quart a week I was concerned.
It smokes from the exhaust also but only after I drive on the highway for several miles, then shut it off and restart.
A mechanic says I need an engine. What are your thoughts.
Lynn in Thayer, Missouri
Dear Lynn, Without a hands-on check, it would have us leaning towards a much cheaper repair. These engines are not known to be oil burners and have an inherent problem with the drivers side PCV valve cover. The cover clogs with oil sludge and will suddenly develop these symptoms.
There is an updated cover available to fix this and a replacement engine should also get one before installation.
In our own shop, if we found oil in the PCV hose, we would replace the cover first and see if the issue goes away. Highway speeds cause extra oil to build up in the cover which can be sucked in.
Take care, The Motor Medics
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