1992-1999 Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's and Buick Lesabres Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.

dipstick question

Old 12-13-2005, 02:18 PM
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Default dipstick question

I replaced the original motor in my '95 with one from a '00. I filled the motor with oil (4.5 qts), but the dipstick is still showing a quart low. The replacement motor did not have a dipstick, so I grabbed the one from the '95. Are they different lengths? I checked with the local dealer and they said it'* the same part number for both engines. The junkyard told me the motor that I bought from them is from a 2000. I reckon they could be guessing though. The owner is quite old and doesn't keep good records.
I'm assuming that the oil capacity is the same as my good ole '90 LE.

Thoughts?
Old 12-13-2005, 02:24 PM
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Was the 00 motor rebuilt. If so it could take extra quart because bone dry ,usely when you do oil change you don't all the oil out of the motor
Old 12-13-2005, 02:27 PM
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Check the length of the dipstick tube possibly one is longer due to a different oil pan design etc.
Old 12-13-2005, 02:27 PM
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when i first read your post subject...i thought you were asking a question about me anyway, i may very well be wrong but it appears that the dipstick length and location are identical. 1995-2000 should have had the same. not sure about the oil capacity though...anyone else chime in on this one?



versus the 2003 model:

Old 12-13-2005, 03:13 PM
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'00 motor wasn't rebuilt, but was "dry". We changed the UIM, upper and lower gaskets, pulled the oil pan and replaced that gasket as well.

The old motor was returned to the junk yard by the time we buttoned the new one up, therefore can't measure the tube.

I'm just concerned that I'm not getting an accurate read on the oil level.
Old 12-13-2005, 03:17 PM
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All L36s require 4.5 quarts of oil with a new oil filter.

So, do this...

Drain what you have in the engine. Drain your filter (if it'* old just replace it). Then add in ONLY 4.5 quarts. Start the car, let it build pressure, shut it down. Then check the oil and etch the dipstick with the correct full level (if it doesn't match the correct crosshashes).
Old 12-13-2005, 03:24 PM
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Agreed. 4.5 is the answer. Maybe a touch more.

We have plenty of people that could measure for you. Put a post in General and ask for 95 SE and 00 SE owners to measure 2 things. The length of the dipstick and the length of the dipstick tube.

I would think one is different.
Old 12-13-2005, 04:47 PM
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I just called work and had it looked up, a '00 L36 takes 4.7 quarts with a filter change.
Old 12-13-2005, 04:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Damemorder
I just called work and had it looked up, a '00 L36 takes 4.7 quarts with a filter change.
Good find. Sorry for the misleading info.

I know my 99 takes 4.5

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