Checking Oil Level.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,467
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From: 972 and 405
Checking Oil Level.
The C5's oil dipstick is different then any other one that I have used which makes me not sure of how exactly to tell if the oil level is correct. Here are my issues. I check it when hot like the book says to, and when I pull the dipstick out there is of course a faint oil stream down most of the dipstick until it get closer to the designated "area" there is considerably more oil past the "high" mark but not enough that I have seen on other dipsticks to deem it "full." Could be that the oil is still fresh, but on other cars, I have noticed that when checking it was definitely idiot proof. I know the car is still full since I have had a recent oil change. But I am concerned due to the 2001 "oil consumption issue" and want to be able to observe a noticable drop in case I need to add more oil. I've had a few runs where the car exceeded the 4k rpm mark but not for too long. Maybe a few seconds and then letting off, just to get the blood flowin. Anyway does anyone else have idiot issues, or is it just me.
Also before anyone asks, I will get a picture for reference tomorrow. Too dark right now.
-Alex
Also before anyone asks, I will get a picture for reference tomorrow. Too dark right now.
-Alex
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Later year C5s, and I believe that 2001 is a later year C5, show full at the middle of the dipstick, not the top of the hashed markings (the normal full mark). That is why a lot of people overfill them with 7 quarts of oil.
C5s take 6.5 quarts of oil. If you don't raise the back during draining, about 4 ounces of oil will remain in the pan after draining.
Measure oil level cold. Best time to measure to determine where full mark is, is after correct drain and fill with 6.5 quarts, engine must be run first to fill system/filter.
Also, the oil level sensor comes on at 5.5 quarts of oil (one quart low), I tried when filling up oil after drain. So there is not any real concern about running car with low oil level.
C5s take 6.5 quarts of oil. If you don't raise the back during draining, about 4 ounces of oil will remain in the pan after draining.
Measure oil level cold. Best time to measure to determine where full mark is, is after correct drain and fill with 6.5 quarts, engine must be run first to fill system/filter.
Also, the oil level sensor comes on at 5.5 quarts of oil (one quart low), I tried when filling up oil after drain. So there is not any real concern about running car with low oil level.
Last edited by Oldvetter; Feb 27, 2008 at 02:15 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburg Kansas
I would agree. I just changed my oil for the first time after getting my 04 C5. I raised the back end to make sure all the oil was drained, then put 6.5 quarts in, and started to circulate the oil and check for leaks. After letting it set for about 10 minutes after shutting off, I checked the level and it was right in the middle of the dipstick.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 6
From: Los Angeles
I've never check oil levels on a warm engine in any of my vehicles. I usually check it first thing in the morning after I know it has had time to drain into the pan. Otherwise, it may appear lower than it is with some of the oil still in the engine/filter.
Is there something different with the C5 that I'm not aware of since the book says to check it hot?
Is there something different with the C5 that I'm not aware of since the book says to check it hot?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Probably not, but the extra oil could cause oil usage and more oil getting into the intake system. Not a good thing.
The owners manual says to put an extra quart in the engine for racing, so I doubt it would cause any mechanical damage.
The owners manual says to put an extra quart in the engine for racing, so I doubt it would cause any mechanical damage.
