LS3 Dip Stick Level
09-10-2018, 03:38 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
LS3 Dip Stick Level
I just had an oil change at the dealership with other maintenance ... and I checked the oil level.
My LS3 dip stick has three holes and a grid ... I assume the proper fill level should be somewhere in that area.
When the engine is stone cold - sitting for a couple of days ... the level is 1/2" above the high end of the grid.
If I start and let it run for a few minutes .... the level moves closer to the top ... but still 1/4" above. I assume the difference is in the filter or engine.
So, it looks like a little overfill ... should I drain a little ... or is this amount not an issue.
Thanks,
My LS3 dip stick has three holes and a grid ... I assume the proper fill level should be somewhere in that area.
When the engine is stone cold - sitting for a couple of days ... the level is 1/2" above the high end of the grid.
If I start and let it run for a few minutes .... the level moves closer to the top ... but still 1/4" above. I assume the difference is in the filter or engine.
So, it looks like a little overfill ... should I drain a little ... or is this amount not an issue.
Thanks,
09-10-2018, 04:00 PM
#2
Drifting
Don't think it will be an issue, maybe a 1/2 qt too much possibly, on my LS3 manual shift it takes 10 1/2 qts to check oil I run it to get at operating temp, turn engine off & wait 10-15 mins before I check the level & it's right in the middle of the grid,
Maybe some forum members will have more decisive advice than I do
Maybe some forum members will have more decisive advice than I do
The following users liked this post:
gliderdriver (09-10-2018)
09-10-2018, 04:03 PM
#3
Instructor
Thread Starter
Don't think it will be an issue, maybe a 1/2 qt too much possibly, on my LS3 manual shift it takes 10 1/2 qts to check oil I run it to get at operating temp, turn engine off & wait 10-15 mins before I check the level & it's right in the middle of the grid,
Maybe some forum members will have more decisive advice than I do
Maybe some forum members will have more decisive advice than I do
09-10-2018, 04:13 PM
#4
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Feb 2017
Location: Phoenix Arizona
Posts: 3,031
Received 1,119 Likes
on
764 Posts
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I know our manuals say 5.5 quarts and when I check the stick it's a little below full so for the last year or so I just run 6 quarts and that puts stick to the full mark, haven't had any issues at all. I don't think a half a quart either way will bother anything.
09-10-2018, 05:05 PM
#6
Instructor
Thread Starter
Yeah ... can I adjust by siphoning through the dip stick ... I have never been under the C6 and would have to jack properly ... then find the drain plug ,,, I typically change oil on my jeep - just haven't been through the process on the vette ... if I can siphon ... would 1/4" pvc tubing work ???
Last edited by gliderdriver; 09-10-2018 at 05:08 PM.
09-10-2018, 05:57 PM
#7
That 1/2 " over is not going to cause you any issues! And as of trying to remove some thru the dipstick tube, that'll never work. I bet it's probably just like others have said, 1/2 quart at the most.
09-10-2018, 06:31 PM
#8
Le Mans Master
If your willing to drain it...let it cool off and let the oil return to the pan and just change the filter(dry). If not then that amount isnt going to cause any damage. Its all in the way it bothers you....
Clif
Clif
09-10-2018, 06:34 PM
#9
Hard to believe that only a 1/2 quart in the size of an LS3 oil pan would raise the oil a half inch.
09-10-2018, 06:55 PM
#10
Race Director
09-10-2018, 07:33 PM
#11
Instructor
Thread Starter
OK ... I will drain ... I have to learn the process anyway ... I'll see if I can measure the actual difference ...
Too bad the dealer did not fill properly in the first place ... thanks for all the forum responses ...
Too bad the dealer did not fill properly in the first place ... thanks for all the forum responses ...
09-10-2018, 09:04 PM
#12
This just happened with our Ford Escape. Came home after a oil change and it was over a half inch full on the dipstick. Took it back the next day and made them fix it.
Last edited by R&L's C6; 09-10-2018 at 09:05 PM.
09-10-2018, 10:58 PM
#13
Burning Brakes
What year is your C6? My owners manual for my 2013 LS3 Base Convertible A6 says 6 qts. with oil filter. That’s what I put in and it is always at the top hatch mark on the dip stick. I previously owned a 2007 LS2 Base Convertible A6 and I believe the owners manual said 6.5 qts. with oil filter. On the 2007 my GM certified world class technician said to put in 7 qts of oil with the filter change. I always did that and the dip stick always showed filled to the top hatch mark.
09-11-2018, 12:07 AM
#14
Race Director
Member Since: Sep 2007
Location: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
Posts: 16,555
Received 2,061 Likes
on
1,505 Posts
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
The confusion about capacities has been the subject of many posts, but the bottom line is the LS3 wet sump takes 5.5 quarts plus and extra .5 quart if it is equipped with a factory oil cooler. Several owner's manuals have conflicting info as well as some years of service manuals. The dealers had info both ways, so you can't trust much of anything or anyone regarding this issue. Hib Halverson researched this several years ago and was surprised at how the info got so mangled.
Here's what the '08 OM says: "When to Add Engine Oil (Except Z06) If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick, add at least one quart/liter of the recommended oil. This section explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications on page 5-103."
Under racing, the suggestion is to add 1 extra quart prior to the competition and remove it afterwards.
There is also a warning to not overfill. Of course, they don't mention how much is considered an overfill condition.
The standard conditions for checking are: After the engine is at full temperature (generally oil above 190), while on a level surface, wait 5 minutes after shutting down to check the level. The dipstick gridded area represents 1 quart.
My method after a change, is to add 5 quarts (a full 5 qt jug), and drive the car for enough to bring the oil temp to 200, then check the level and add as required to get to the top of the grid. For those of you that have someone else do your service work, buy your own oil and hand them only the 5 qt jug. Then add what you need later. You're assured to have the correct oil (filter too if you want) and only pay for the services they provide. If they refuse, then go someplace else, since that's a sign that you can't trust them.
Here's what the '08 OM says: "When to Add Engine Oil (Except Z06) If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick, add at least one quart/liter of the recommended oil. This section explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications on page 5-103."
Under racing, the suggestion is to add 1 extra quart prior to the competition and remove it afterwards.
There is also a warning to not overfill. Of course, they don't mention how much is considered an overfill condition.
The standard conditions for checking are: After the engine is at full temperature (generally oil above 190), while on a level surface, wait 5 minutes after shutting down to check the level. The dipstick gridded area represents 1 quart.
My method after a change, is to add 5 quarts (a full 5 qt jug), and drive the car for enough to bring the oil temp to 200, then check the level and add as required to get to the top of the grid. For those of you that have someone else do your service work, buy your own oil and hand them only the 5 qt jug. Then add what you need later. You're assured to have the correct oil (filter too if you want) and only pay for the services they provide. If they refuse, then go someplace else, since that's a sign that you can't trust them.
09-11-2018, 12:53 AM
#15
Le Mans Master
The confusion about capacities has been the subject of many posts, but the bottom line is the LS3 wet sump takes 5.5 quarts plus and extra .5 quart if it is equipped with a factory oil cooler. Several owner's manuals have conflicting info as well as some years of service manuals. The dealers had info both ways, so you can't trust much of anything or anyone regarding this issue. Hib Halverson researched this several years ago and was surprised at how the info got so mangled.
Here's what the '08 OM says: "When to Add Engine Oil (Except Z06) If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick, add at least one quart/liter of the recommended oil. This section explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications on page 5-103."
Under racing, the suggestion is to add 1 extra quart prior to the competition and remove it afterwards.
There is also a warning to not overfill. Of course, they don't mention how much is considered an overfill condition.
The standard conditions for checking are: After the engine is at full temperature (generally oil above 190), while on a level surface, wait 5 minutes after shutting down to check the level. The dipstick gridded area represents 1 quart.
My method after a change, is to add 5 quarts (a full 5 qt jug), and drive the car for enough to bring the oil temp to 200, then check the level and add as required to get to the top of the grid. For those of you that have someone else do your service work, buy your own oil and hand them only the 5 qt jug. Then add what you need later. You're assured to have the correct oil (filter too if you want) and only pay for the services they provide. If they refuse, then go someplace else, since that's a sign that you can't trust them.
Here's what the '08 OM says: "When to Add Engine Oil (Except Z06) If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick, add at least one quart/liter of the recommended oil. This section explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications on page 5-103."
Under racing, the suggestion is to add 1 extra quart prior to the competition and remove it afterwards.
There is also a warning to not overfill. Of course, they don't mention how much is considered an overfill condition.
The standard conditions for checking are: After the engine is at full temperature (generally oil above 190), while on a level surface, wait 5 minutes after shutting down to check the level. The dipstick gridded area represents 1 quart.
My method after a change, is to add 5 quarts (a full 5 qt jug), and drive the car for enough to bring the oil temp to 200, then check the level and add as required to get to the top of the grid. For those of you that have someone else do your service work, buy your own oil and hand them only the 5 qt jug. Then add what you need later. You're assured to have the correct oil (filter too if you want) and only pay for the services they provide. If they refuse, then go someplace else, since that's a sign that you can't trust them.
Both my 07 auto and my 08 auto takes 5.5 qts and that is what i put in.
09-11-2018, 12:55 AM
#16
Le Mans Master
What year is your C6? My owners manual for my 2013 LS3 Base Convertible A6 says 6 qts. with oil filter. That’s what I put in and it is always at the top hatch mark on the dip stick. I previously owned a 2007 LS2 Base Convertible A6 and I believe the owners manual said 6.5 qts. with oil filter. On the 2007 my GM certified world class technician said to put in 7 qts of oil with the filter change. I always did that and the dip stick always showed filled to the top hatch mark.
Last edited by Cherokee Nation; 09-11-2018 at 11:52 PM. Reason: add
The following users liked this post:
gliderdriver (09-11-2018)
09-11-2018, 08:51 AM
#18
Instructor
Thread Starter
Thanks ... yes I plan to drain ... should I jack (I have to get pucks I think) ... or use commercial (rhino) ramps ... or make ramps ...
Can you reach the plug from the driver side if you jack one side (just to drain a quart) ... or drive up on ramps?
Can you reach the plug from the driver side if you jack one side (just to drain a quart) ... or drive up on ramps?
09-11-2018, 09:01 AM
#19
Instructor
Thread Starter
The confusion about capacities has been the subject of many posts, but the bottom line is the LS3 wet sump takes 5.5 quarts plus and extra .5 quart if it is equipped with a factory oil cooler. Several owner's manuals have conflicting info as well as some years of service manuals. The dealers had info both ways, so you can't trust much of anything or anyone regarding this issue. Hib Halverson researched this several years ago and was surprised at how the info got so mangled.
Here's what the '08 OM says: "When to Add Engine Oil (Except Z06) If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick, add at least one quart/liter of the recommended oil. This section explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications on page 5-103."
Under racing, the suggestion is to add 1 extra quart prior to the competition and remove it afterwards.
There is also a warning to not overfill. Of course, they don't mention how much is considered an overfill condition.
The standard conditions for checking are: After the engine is at full temperature (generally oil above 190), while on a level surface, wait 5 minutes after shutting down to check the level. The dipstick gridded area represents 1 quart.
My method after a change, is to add 5 quarts (a full 5 qt jug), and drive the car for enough to bring the oil temp to 200, then check the level and add as required to get to the top of the grid. For those of you that have someone else do your service work, buy your own oil and hand them only the 5 qt jug. Then add what you need later. You're assured to have the correct oil (filter too if you want) and only pay for the services they provide. If they refuse, then go someplace else, since that's a sign that you can't trust them.
Here's what the '08 OM says: "When to Add Engine Oil (Except Z06) If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick, add at least one quart/liter of the recommended oil. This section explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications on page 5-103."
Under racing, the suggestion is to add 1 extra quart prior to the competition and remove it afterwards.
There is also a warning to not overfill. Of course, they don't mention how much is considered an overfill condition.
The standard conditions for checking are: After the engine is at full temperature (generally oil above 190), while on a level surface, wait 5 minutes after shutting down to check the level. The dipstick gridded area represents 1 quart.
My method after a change, is to add 5 quarts (a full 5 qt jug), and drive the car for enough to bring the oil temp to 200, then check the level and add as required to get to the top of the grid. For those of you that have someone else do your service work, buy your own oil and hand them only the 5 qt jug. Then add what you need later. You're assured to have the correct oil (filter too if you want) and only pay for the services they provide. If they refuse, then go someplace else, since that's a sign that you can't trust them.
There is also a warning to not overfill. Of course, they don't mention how much is considered an overfill condition.,,, <>
Just curious ... where is this suggestion to add one quart ... so would this would indicate that an extra quart would cause no issue - in a high rpm situation ... ???
09-11-2018, 09:08 AM
#20
Instructor
Thread Starter
What year is your C6? My owners manual for my 2013 LS3 Base Convertible A6 says 6 qts. with oil filter. That’s what I put in and it is always at the top hatch mark on the dip stick. I previously owned a 2007 LS2 Base Convertible A6 and I believe the owners manual said 6.5 qts. with oil filter. On the 2007 my GM certified world class technician said to put in 7 qts of oil with the filter change. I always did that and the dip stick always showed filled to the top hatch mark.
Last edited by gliderdriver; 09-11-2018 at 09:11 AM.