I have an 09 GMC Sierra (5.3L) with about 87,500 miles -- owned since new, dealer has done all the work. Initially when I bought it, the truck would go about 9,000 miles before it burned a quart of oil. Now it goes about 3-4,000 and a quart is gone. I talked to the GM dealer and they said (and I quote): "1 quart per 2,000 miles is considered normal." WTF...really.

I have no leaks on the ground and I don't have a puff of white smoke when it starts up.

Questions:
1. Is this honestly acceptable oil consumption?
2. Is there any oil treatment that I can dump in there to help with this?

Responses are much appreciated...

 

I would take your truck to another Chev / GMC dealer and get a second opinion.
But I would have to say every 2000 ml = one quart of oil is unacceptable.

Do you do jack rabbit take offs on green lights?
Do you tow with your truck?
You say they have always looked after all your truck service. Do they recommend any services? or do they only do what you ask?
Reason I ask.. I was wondering when the CAI air filter has been replaced

 

I kinda do jack rabbit take offs on green lights. I enjoy my cold air intake... :-)

The 2,000 miles/1 qt usage is straight from GM itself...I have seen the bulletin that they sent to their dealers. I am going to try and change my driving habits and see if that helps. My compression is perfect across all 8 cylinders so I don't think my rings are worn out...

What is the CAI air filter?

 

CAI = Cold Air Intake...sorry, just got that meaning.

I clean it pretty regularly...

 

Every engine will wear a little different over time based on many factors. Certainly in the last 20 years or so they have gotten better. Personally I don't think a qt every 3-4000 miles is much. That's what my 04 GMC Z71 gets with 139,000 on it and my 91 chevy 4x4 was using a qt per 1000 miles with 208,000 miles on it before I replace the engine. If you are not blowing smoke when you start it I wouldn't worry about it. You can do a compression check but I don't think you'll find anything wrong. I'd keep an eye on it and track the usage.

 

I'd have that checked by the dealer. I have an '08 Sierra with about 91,000 miles on it's 5.3, and it only burns off about 1/2 a quart every 10K miles, or so.
I too, have a cold air intake, and I'm not afraid to punch it.

I've used full synthetic oil since the first oil change.