TSBs

Look for Frozen PCV

July 20, 2022

In several Chevy pickup truck and SUV models, customers may complain about an oil leak shortly after a cold start in extremely low ambient temperatures (below 10 F) — or following excessive short trip drive cycles.

Information courtesy of Mitchell 1,

Mike Mavrigian

This bulletin applies to 2002-2014 Chevy Avalanche, 2009-2012 Colorado, 2002-2018 Express, 2002-2013 Silverado, 2002-2018 Silverado HD, 2002-2014 Suburban, 2002-2014 Tahoe and 2003-2009 Trailblazer vehicles. Some customers may complain about an oil leak shortly after a cold start in extremely low ambient temperatures (below 10 F), or excessive short trip drive cycles.

If an oil leak from the rear main seal is noted, this is the result of a frozen PCV system and excessive crankcase pressure.

If this condition is found, clean the area of the oil leak, clean and dry the PCV hoses and replace the oil fill cap with P/N 12589430 (vented oil fill cap) to prevent a reoccurrence.

About the Author

Information courtesy of Mitchell 1

Information for Technical Service Bulletins comes from ProDemand, Mitchell 1's auto repair information software for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in San Diego, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry since 1918.

About the Author

Mike Mavrigian | Motor Age Editor

Mike Mavrigian has written thousands of automotive technical magazine articles involving a variety of specialties, from engine building to wheel alignment, and has authored more than a dozen books that crisscross the automotive spectrum. Mike operates Birchwood Automotive, an Ohio shop that builds custom engines and performs vintage vehicle restorations. The shop also features a professional photo studio to document projects and to create images for articles and books.