Humorous GM TSB

The LQ1 is the 3.4L DOHC, not the 3.4L pushrod coolant leaker.

If it takes 20 minutes or even 5 min for oil to drain back to the pan, I would say the SOB has an oil circulation problem to go along with any oil consumption problem. If it is at operating temp, you should be able to get a reasonable level check in under a minute.

Lugnut

Sorry, my GM code comprehension is near nil RE: "LQ1".

Ah yes, the monsterous (in physical size) DOHC. So, what's the deal with the oil drainback time on that beast?!

Toyota MDT in MO

My guess is the amount of oil passages and maybe the 24 hydraulic lifters. The TSB may say 20 minutes, but I've never seen it take that long. Usually just a minute or two is fine, but maybe they just want to be sure. Then again who knows. One thing I have noticed is when I pour oil into the engine, it runs directly over the dipstick. Maybe the wait time is there to ensure there is no oil dripping onto the dipstick when you are checking it. If there is oil dripping, this could give a false reading of adequate oil when in fact there is not.

But really though, I don't know.

Steve

I have noticed that unpleasant phenomenon creep into newer cars since the mid 90s. Certain newer Toyotas suffer from it as well as many domestics I've seen. It POs me to wait so long to check oil. It's not a problem when you know how much the engine holds, but for the indie tech that sees every different make under the sun it must be frustrating. I can't figure out why this design is becoming more prevalent.

Thanks for the info,

Toyota MDT in MO

GM has another engine that suffers from incorrect oil levels and checking procedures....the Northstar engine. If you check it cold as opposed to hot, you will always overfill the engine. It also takes a while to drain down. It's actually best to slightly underfill this engine.....it has a capacity around 7.5 liters, so a liter here and there doesn't make much difference. Well, a liter over does, but not a liter under.

Ian

lol... would it even be safe to drive that car if the engine was that slow to return oil to the crankcase? wouldn't you start pumping air eventually and/or the valve covers would start leaking out the pcv or something? At least the valve springs would run cool being totally submerged...

I freaked the first time I filled one of those - back in my indie days. Add some oil, wait -- check it -- too low. Add some oil, wait -- check it -- too low. Add some oil, wait -- check it -- too low. Add some oil, wait -- check it -- D'oh! Too full!

Toyota MDT in MO