issues I have found online and thru groups and forums about the 2.4L 2010-2017 equinox.
I currently own a 15 and don't have issues with mine. I made this video to warn others so they can try to prevent these issues from happening to them. not all people will have these issues but it doesn't hurt to try to prevent them from happening.
I am not bashing or trash talking as some have suggested since these are real issues that people have pretty often.
PCV valve Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #14882
Google chevy equinox oil consumption recall for more information on the lawsuit and recall.
AC Delco FC219 vented oil cap is about $15 at autozone.
CFM vented oil cap is available on CFM's site for about $80.
recall parts list-file found specified 2013 only but the recall goes back to 2010 from what I've read.
Quantity Part Name Part No.
1 GASKET KIT, CYL HEAD 12637166
1 GASKET KIT, CM/SHF CVR 12609291
1 GASKET, ENG FRT CVR 24435052
1 GASKET, CTLTC CONV PIPE SEAL 24505057
1 CHAIN, KIT 12680750
1 CHAIN ASM, W/PUMP AND BALR SHF 12635427
1 TENSIONER ASM, W/PMP & BALR SHF CHAIN 12649233
1 GUIDE, BALR CHAIN (UPPER) 90537336
1 GUIDE, BALR CHAIN ADJ 90537299
1 SEAL, CR/SHF FRT OIL 12584041
1 BOLT, HFH W/CON WA 11589123
2 BOLT, CM/SHF POSN ACTR 11588844
1 BOLT, CON ROD 11570825
1 PISTON, KIT 12683595
1 FILTER, ENGINE OIL 12605566
5 OIL, ENG DEXOS1 GEN2 88865635
2 SEALANT, RTV 19369831
1 Coolant, Engine, Dexcool Antifreeze 12346290
PCV valve issue - cold oil releases water vapor as it warms up. this vapor escapes thru the small hole with any air from the air pressure trying to build up. this vapor can freeze inside the hole in temps below 20F. when the hole is plugged, pressure builds up and blows the front or rear main seal. cost to fix is about $1800.
oil consumption - oil passes by the piston rings and into the combustion chamber so it burns with the gas. eventually, your oil level will be too low to properly lubricate the internal parts and can make them fail. this is usually where timing chains fail, and can also lead to blowing your engine. the sensor in these cars that are supposed to warn you about your oil being too low also don't work. so actually many people drive around with barely any oil in their cars and have no idea unless they check the oil dipstick.
recommendation is to check your oil level on the dipstick and change your oil every 3500 miles or less. go by miles and do not go by your oil life monitor that shows the oil percentage. that is a failsafe to warn you to change your oil before its way too late.
many people who claim they have no issues actually ARE having issues that they are unaware of. when you take your car somewhere for an oil change, you dont see how much comes out. you could have only 3 quarts drain out and have the other 2 quarts burn up, and not know it is happening.
also blowby happens which is common on all vehicles to an extent. but on these cars, the blowby can be worse than the majority of cars. gasoline will dilute and break down the lubrication qualities of your oil over time. it can make your engine wear faster. if you change your oil often (3500 miles or less) you can keep fresh oil in your car that isn't diluted or broken down.
I changed my own oil after buying mine and had 5 quarts come out of the engine. refilled with 5 quarts. after about 30k miles, my oil smelled like gasoline. so I know I have a decent amount of blowby but my oil levels stay full.
I will add that I am not a mechanic, but the oil change of 3500 miles was my mechanic's recommendation, and he literally told me to do so "no matter which oil type or brand you use". the vented oil caps are not guaranteed to prevent the PCV issue but CAN be a 2nd line of defense for the issue.
