--- title: "Excessive or normal? 3.0L LZ0 Duramax diesel oil usage after 5k miles" url: "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2023/04/excessive-or-normal-3-0l-lz0-duramax-diesel-oil-usage-after-5k-miles/" publisher: "Pickup Truck + SUV Talk" content_signal: "search=yes, ai-input=yes, ai-train=no" author: "Tim Esterdahl" published: "2023-04-27T21:00:07+00:00" modified: "2025-07-23T15:12:08+00:00" image: "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Oil-usage-thumb.png" --- # Excessive or normal? 3.0L LZ0 Duramax diesel oil usage after 5k miles By Tim Esterdahl Published: 2023-04-27T21:00:07+00:00 Updated: 2025-07-23T15:12:08+00:00 ![Featured image]() We just lifted the dipstick on [our long-term 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 test truck](), and we’re taking a look at the 3.0-liter LZ0 Duramax diesel oil usage, which has been a hot topic after using two quarts in less than 5,000 miles. While we did take a 1,000-mile road trip — half of which included some towing — we’re still trying to figure out if this is normal. ## **Is the LZ0 Duramax diesel oil usage normal?** [This new engine]() is the second-generation diesel, following the LM2 Duramax. Both engines currently have a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) talking about oil usage. Checking with General Motors, the LZ0 Duramax diesel has an “acceptable oil usage” range with up to 1 quart per 2,000 miles, or more if you are doing a lot of towing or driving at high speeds (i.e. running the engine with higher RPMs). [GM’s 21-NA-272 TSB]() states: *“The accepted rate of oil consumption for engines used in the vehicles referenced is 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi). Important: This rate only applies to personal use vehicles, under warranty, that are driven in a non-aggressive manner and maintained in accordance with the appropriate maintenance schedule or driven at legal speeds in an unloaded (for trucks) condition.* *Important: This rate does not apply to vehicles that are driven in an aggressive manner, at high RPM, high speeds, or in a loaded condition (for trucks). Oil consumption for vehicles driven under these conditions will be more and accepted rate is 0.946 liter (1qt) in 1600 km (1000mi).”* The document also states you shouldn’t check your oil until after 5,000 miles of ownership. *“Engines require a period of time to BREAK IN so that moving parts are properly seated. Therefore, oil economy should not be tested until the vehicle has accumulated at least 8000 km (5000 mi) and the oil has been changed for the first time. An exception would be allowed only if an engine is reported to be using more than 0.946 liter (1qt) in 1600 km (1000mi).”* ### \[Related content: [Did Duramax Diesel owners catch GM cheating through defeat devices?]()\] Also worth noting, according to Sean Szymkowski, senior manager for Chevrolet Trucks Communications, the 3.0-liter LZ0 Duramax diesel comes overfilled from factory. “The 2023 LZ0-powered vehicles are shipped with an extra quart of oil in the crankcase,” he said. “This extra oil is only required for the first factory fill. At the first oil change, the standard oil amount is used moving forward. Chevrolet dealers have been advised of this.” ## **Excessive or normal 3.0L LZ0 Duramax diesel oil usage?** After completing a [1,000-mile drive]() (500 towing, 500 unladen), we decided to check the oil and see where things stand. The result causes us some concern. The dipstick was mostly dry with just a slight spot of oil at the end. Reading online and via YouTube comments, the dipstick measures 2 quarts of oil, and this means, (dah, dah, dah) the truck is down 3 quarts (including the factory overfill) — after just 4,696 miles. According to the TSB, this could be excessive usage — depending on what it considers to be driving in a “non-aggressive manner” and “legal speeds” — which could be 55 MPH to 80 MPH depending on the state. We did use more than 2 quarts — including that overfill — but we also towed a car and drove through mountains, which would have put us in the “high RPM” range. So, we did some searching, and the online comments from owners and diesel engine fans point to this being normal. ## **The bottom line** Oil usage is a hot topic for the new 3.0L LZ0 Duramax diesel. While our truck has performed very well in every other regard, the bugaboo over oil usage has raised some concerns. What do you think? Normal or excessive? 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