The 2023 Chevy Silverado Duramax Might Be Burning Oil
There are tons of excellent things to say about the Chevrolet Duramax Diesel engine. It’s smooth, efficient, and powerful. But with great power comes great oil consumption. Is the amount of oil that the 2023 Chevy Silverado Duramax burns normal or excessive?
Does the 2023 Chevy Silverado Duramax burn excessive oil?
Some drivers of the 2023 Chevy Silverado Duramax diesel are concerned that their trucks are burning through oil at an excessive rate. However, Pickup Truck Talk noted that the new Duramax diesel engine might require more oil for towing and longer trips.
They have driven their diesel truck for about 5,000 miles and already needed two quarts of oil. But their usage did include a 1,000-mie road trip that involved towing a light load for some portions of the trip.
General Motors shared that the LZo diesel engine has an acceptable rate of oil usage with a range of one quart per 2,000 miles. You may need more oil if you tow regularly or drive at higher speeds.
The 21-NA-272 technical service bulletin (TSB) starts that the accepted rate of oil consumption is one quart for 2,000 miles for personal use trucks under warranty, driven in a non-aggressive manner, maintained according to schedule, and driven at legal speeds while unloaded.
It also mentions that you don’t need to check your oil until reaching 5,000 miles. Plus, engines require a break-in period, so moving parts are properly seated. The oil economy should only be measured after 5,000 miles and after being changed for the first time.
Also, the Silverado Duramax is shipped overfilled from the factory with an extra quart of oil in the crankcase. The extra oil is only required for the first factory fill and only requires the normal amount of oil after the first oil change.
Average Silverado oil consumption is still concerning
The 2023 Chevy Silverado Duramax diesel needed three quarts of oil at 4,696 miles, including the factory overfill. After driving 1,000 miles, including 500 miles with a loaded trailer, Pickup truck Talk tested the oil with a dipstick.
It came out mostly bone dry with a bit of oil on the tip. The truck seems to be using an excessive amount of oil based on what driving in an ‘aggressive manner’ and ‘legal state’ means. This could be between speeds of 55 mph or 80 mph, based on your state.
But the road trip included towing a sedan through the mountains, meaning the RPMs were up. The oil consumption is concerning but seems normal so far. Other drivers on Chevrolet forums are getting similar results.
Does the Silverado Duramax Diesel have more power?
Yes, the 2023 Chevy Silverado Duramax Diesel engine has more power. The 3.0-liter inline-six engine cranks out 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. The previous model provides 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
This engine is ready to work with the ability to tow up to 13,300 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,930 lbs. It gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and up to 29 mg on the highway. But you need to follow the speed limits and not drive in an aggressive manner to achieve these figures.
If you feel like you’re moving through too much oil, consider adding an oil pan. Some can hold up to two extra quarts of oil and may help stabilize oil consumption by providing more oil in the crankcase.
Most diesel Silverado trucks are burning oil at a normal rate. But if you’re using more than a quart for every 2,000 miles, then there’s a problem. It could be related to the Duramax engine or your driving habits.
