How low it my oil?

[CJBury]

My engine oil dipstick really doesnt read properly. I don't know why. Even after an oil change it reads low. That said. Does anyone know how low the oil needs to be for the idiot light to come on? Is it a quart, half quart, more? I'm just tired of guessing and adding a little at a time.

Thanks

 

[elmariachi]

My engine oil dipstick really doesnt read properly. I don't know why. Even after an oil change it reads low. That said. Does anyone know how low the oil needs to be for the idiot light to come on? Is it a quart, half quart, more? I'm just tired of guessing and adding a little at a time.
Thanks

So after an oil change, if it reads low, that's not the dipstick, unless you can confirm its not the correct dipstick. It should have a yellow plastic loop on top. With a filter change, your truck should take at least 7 quarts and more likely 7.5 to fill to the full line. How much are you putting in, or are you relying on a shop to do it?

 

[firetruck41]

I also would assume your dipstick is correct, and you haven't added enough oil. Usually I need almost all of 8qts.

 

[CJBury]

Ok, omit the part about the dipstick. How low is the oil when the light comes on.

Thanks

 

[-Spike-]

Mine- about a quart.

I also put more like 8.5-9 quarts in with an oil/filter change. The dipstick is your friend.

-Spike

 

[firetruck41]

Ok, omit the part about the dipstick. How low is the oil when the light comes on.

Thanks

I believe the light comes on at about 2 qts low.

 

[gray]

Can you say how low is low on your dipstick? ie: do you mean it measures between the add and fill marks after an oil change, or it is below the add mark--- ?

My light will come on when the oil level is approximately 1/2 inch below the fill mark; which is somewhere around 1 1/2 quarts low.

You could find another 80 owner and compare your dipstick to his. Or, just buy a new dipstick for your year if you really think it is the wrong one.

I would trust the dipstick until you prove somehow it is the wrong one. My engine takes 7 3/4 to 8 quarts (using the large filter). Depending on the size of your filter and how much of the old oil was drained out during the service, you should be close to 7 1/2+ quarts. I have noticed that occassionally the lube change techs, if they are in a hurry, may not let it all drain out before putting the drain plug back in, and then end up adding less than the usual amount.

If your oil level is low after an oil change, it is most likely because they did not add enough.

 

[84CRUISER]

Like spike said, dipsticks are your friends. Idiots lights are for idiots, they dont always work right.

 

[CJBury]

When I change my oil I use the large filter and 7.5 quarts. I don't think my stick is oem. I bought the truck before I found this web site. I am finding lots of things that are wrong with the rig.
Car fax came up clean but there are drill holes from a slide hammer along the tail gate. Repairs on the PS under the flares and all sorts of other stuff as I tear into things. Who knows, one more friggin thing to deal with.

 

[Romer]

Now I am getting confused here. The oil fill quantity is 8.5 qts and some of you are only doing 7 qts, why?

I change the filter and fill with 8 qts and then check the level. With the small filter, the 8Qts has been just perfect.

 

[CJBury]

uh oh, Dad's here.

I thought the fsm said 7-7.5 quarts.

 

[firetruck41]

Now I am getting confused here. The oil fill quantity is 8.5 qts and some of you are only doing 7 qts, why?

I change the filter and fill with 8 qts and then check the level. With the small filter, the 8Qts has been just perfect.

Yeah, I actually use all of 2 @ gallon jugs of Rotella, I like to have a third jug around, in case it doesn't quite bring it to the top mark on the dip stick.

 

[flintknapper]

8 qts. is just right for my '97 with a large motorcraft FL1A filter.

The dipstick measures 27-1/2" from the bottom of the yellow cap to the end of the stick.

Dipstick should look something like the one in the center of this pic.

 

[1shot1kill]

Mine- about a quart.

I also put more like 8.5-9 quarts in with an oil/filter change. The dipstick is your friend.

-Spike

Second that!

 

[Romer]

Here is the FSM.

Maybe I am putting in a 1/2 qt too much

 

[MoJ]

Here is the FSM.

Maybe I am putting in a 1/2 qt too much

I've always done a full 8 qts / 2 ga

 

[Romer]

I've always done a full 8 qts / 2 ga

Yeah, me too

Not sure why anyone wouldn't change an oil filter everytime they change the oil. Based on what I have read its the filter that needs changing before the oil "wears" out.

 

[cary]

Yeah, me too

Not sure why anyone wouldn't change an oil filter everytime they change the oil. Based on what I have read its the filter that needs changing before the oil "wears" out.

The filter will last more than the oil change interval, but should be changed with each oil change. My 96 always takes 8 quarts when changing.

 

[concretejungle]

Mine always takes 8 quarts also.

 

[CJBury]

Wow. Now I'm really confused.
I'm just going to pour a quart in every time the light goes on (idiot or other wise) between oil changes.