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oil change and dipstick question?

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Old 09-21-2005, 04:46 PM
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Default oil change and dipstick question?

Hey guys, I'm wondering if anyone has this 'problem'. When I put 4.5 quarts in my car, my dipstick reads about midaway. I have to put in almost 5 quarts before it reads 'full'. Should I pay attention to the dipstick or just throw in the 4.5 quarts and not mind the dipstick?
Old 09-21-2005, 04:57 PM
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Are you using the larger oil filter or stock size?
Old 09-21-2005, 05:06 PM
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I'm using the stock size filter.
Old 09-21-2005, 05:40 PM
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Mike, when I do my oil changes, I'll pour in maybe a little more than 4 qts., check the dip stick. Then I'll run the engine for few minutes, shut down, wait maybe 5 minutes, then check level and top off or adjust level as required.
Old 09-21-2005, 05:56 PM
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Originally Posted by markwb
Mike, when I do my oil changes, I'll pour in maybe a little more than 4 qts., check the dip stick. Then I'll run the engine for few minutes, shut down, wait maybe 5 minutes, then check level and top off or adjust level as required.
Well 4 quarts puts me at about the 'add' line. I have to put in almost another quart to get it to the 'full'. Are you saying to strickly go by whatever the dipstick reads?
Old 09-21-2005, 05:58 PM
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Depending on how much you actualyl let drain out you could take that much.

I would add 4.5 quarts, start the car, let it idle a bit, checfk the oil and top off to the dip stick. My car takes 5 to 5.5 quarts with the long filter.
Old 09-21-2005, 06:02 PM
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Originally Posted by MikeD
Are you saying to strickly go by whatever the dipstick reads?
I guess I am. I rely on the dipstick to indicate correct level, don't you? Providing vehicle is on flat surface. Dipstick level indication is bottom line for me. I don't know what else to say.
Old 09-21-2005, 09:13 PM
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I always use 5qts in mine with a AC pf52 oil filter, brings it a little over full.
Old 09-22-2005, 12:18 AM
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MikeD,

If you have the correct dipstick then I think you are ok. An oil change w/ std. filter is about 5 qts. Oil half-way up your dipstick (pardon the expression) is about 1/2 qt. low.

4-1/2 qts. + 1/2 qt = 5 qts.

Everything sounds fine to me. Go ahead and fill by the dipstick!
Old 09-22-2005, 07:50 AM
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When you change and check the oil..is the car on level ground?


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