Oil Level
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 378
From: Knoxville, TN
2020 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Oil Level
What is the correct dip stick length for a 283sbc? I checked my oil level and it showed 1/2 quart high. I sucked out 1/2 quart. Then I changed the oil and filter today and with the pan and filter, I only had 3 1/2 quarts in the engine including the filter. It seems my dipstick isn't the correct length. Does anyone know the correct length to the add and full markings?
Another question: The oil I drained was very dark, almost black. That was
after only 150 miles. I pulled the valve covers and they were clean so that eliminates sludge. I haven't done a leak down but the engine runs well and isn't burning oil. I'm still running 60PSI at cruise (3,000 rpm) and idle is 30PSI with water temp 180.
Any ideas?
Captain Bud
Another question: The oil I drained was very dark, almost black. That was
after only 150 miles. I pulled the valve covers and they were clean so that eliminates sludge. I haven't done a leak down but the engine runs well and isn't burning oil. I'm still running 60PSI at cruise (3,000 rpm) and idle is 30PSI with water temp 180.
Any ideas?
Captain Bud
Last edited by Captain Bud; Feb 7, 2015 at 11:03 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 31,787
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From: Middle TN by way of KY, OH, VA, IL, CA, FL, NY, SC, HI
Did that 3 1/2 include the filter?
I strongly recommend an oil analysis if you are getting very dirty oil in that few miles. Try Blackstone labs.
You will need to confirm the dipstick length and the dipstick tube length.
I strongly recommend an oil analysis if you are getting very dirty oil in that few miles. Try Blackstone labs.
You will need to confirm the dipstick length and the dipstick tube length.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 378
From: Knoxville, TN
2020 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Oil
Yes it included the filter. Total sump and filter=3 1/2 quarts but indicated full on the dip stick.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,274
Likes: 2,136
From: Bowling Green, Kentucky
Do an Advanced Search in the C1C2 Forum Section for "dipstick length". I think you will find your answer. There are about 20 threads with a lot of good info.
The answer requires both the dipstick length and markings and the dipstick tube length to the block. They both changed over time.
Larry
The answer requires both the dipstick length and markings and the dipstick tube length to the block. They both changed over time.
Larry
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,786
Likes: 70
From: Park Bench #805 NE Indiana
What is the correct dip stick length for a 283sbc? I checked my oil level and it showed 1/2 quart high. I sucked out 1/2 quart. Then I changed the oil and filter today and with the pan and filter, I only had 3 1/2 quarts in the engine including the filter. It seems my dipstick isn't the correct length. Does anyone know the correct length to the add and full markings?
Captain Bud
Captain Bud
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 378
From: Knoxville, TN
2020 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Tube length
I never measured it. I assumed it was correct. If I need to replace the tube and dip stick, I think I will just recalibrate my dipstick to make the current level"full" and move the add oil line up the same amount. As for my black oil, I'm beginning to see dollar signs.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,115
Likes: 196
From: Wilton Ca.
I never measured it. I assumed it was correct. If I need to replace the tube and dip stick, I think I will just recalibrate my dipstick to make the current level"full" and move the add oil line up the same amount. As for my black oil, I'm beginning to see dollar signs.
I think that's what I'd do, for the time being anyway. 
As for the black oil it sounds like you may be on the rich side. I suggest smelling it to see if it has a hint of gas. Gary
Last edited by Gary's '66; Feb 8, 2015 at 01:12 AM.
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Army
If you are running a C1 with the road draft tube; it just doesn't scavenge nasty fumes from the crankcase worth a hoot. One of the first (and unexpected benefits) of going to a PCV valve on my otherwise stock 283ci/270hp '61 engine was the cleanliness of the oil after several thousand miles. A big, noticeable difference right off the bat....
If you do have a road draft tube I would make sure you have a vented oil filler cap regardless of engine HP....(270hp original had non-vented caps - I changed that)..
Having said that - you still should not have black oil after 150 miles...so check the things mentioned above....
You apparently have a high-volume oil pump and with only 3-1/2 qts in there I don't think its oil starved but I wouldn't be happy about it. If you have a spin-on oil filter adapter you can temporarily run the NAPA-1794 truck filter which will give you an extra quart until you figure things out.
If you do have a road draft tube I would make sure you have a vented oil filler cap regardless of engine HP....(270hp original had non-vented caps - I changed that)..
Having said that - you still should not have black oil after 150 miles...so check the things mentioned above....
You apparently have a high-volume oil pump and with only 3-1/2 qts in there I don't think its oil starved but I wouldn't be happy about it. If you have a spin-on oil filter adapter you can temporarily run the NAPA-1794 truck filter which will give you an extra quart until you figure things out.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Feb 8, 2015 at 07:37 AM.