The build up of crankcase pressure and loss of rear seal and quarts of oil is the secondary failure and unfortunately the most catastrophic.
The primary issue is the failure of the engine’s PCV system. Its a common problem with the 2.4 Ecotech Engine. PCV intake manifold passageway and PCV lines get clogged up very easily with debris. In colder states and Canada moisture in the PCV system will also freeze up in the passageways adding to the pressure buildup problem. Its a terrible design PCV system.
Best you can do is keep the oil changed and as clean as possible. Change oil and filters more frequently. GM says every 7500 miles on a ’15 Equinox. I’m replacing a failed engine in my daughter’s ’15 Equinox from this same issue. Oil changes will be every 4000 miles max with daughter’s ’15 Equinox once it’s up and running.
Keep the engine’s intake area warm (Trouble light with 75w incandescent blub works) and a block heater plugged in (if you have one) if parked outside in winter months. Check if pressure is building up by loosening the oil fill cap of a running engine. If internal engine air pressure output is significant then you likely have a plugged PCV system.
I would think that the Chevrolet dealer should be able to unclog the PCV systems as well as install a factory block heater for us northern folks. I’m installing a block heater in daughters car as it endures winters in Montana.
All the best
Chuck
