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I changed the oil and filter today, everything I read says it should take 7.5 quarts with the filter changed but after starting the engine and letting it run up to temp at 7.5 quarts it was only up 1/4 inch on the dipstick. I made sure the dipstick was filly seated, double checked the empty oil containers, no leaks, oil pressure normal. I added a little more to bring it up to about halfway even though that was slightly more than 7.5 quarts but still under 8. Car was on level ground. I can figure it out. Any ideas?
Edit: Someone just turned me on to a thread about this, it looks like around 8 quarts brings it up higher in the hash mark areas so I guess I'm OK. I did try a search for this and nothing came up at first.
Thanks
Last edited by TopGunn; May 8, 2024 at 07:53 PM.
Reason: Answered my own question
Many members have reported needing 8 quarts. It seems to vary by car a little bit because others, mine included, hit that max mark with exactly 7.5 qts.
GM seems to have trouble with this issue on dry sumps because they couldn't figure out what the specified fill should be on the early C7 Z51s and had to issue a revision after some cars (again, mine included) puked the excess out through the air filter. Also due to oil foaming, they added an additional freebie oil change to be performed at 500 miles to remove the break-in lubes/sealants.
***EDIT***
As a quick update, this most recent oil change I added 7.5 qts and am now at halfway on the dipstick. 8 qts it is for me too I guess! I must not have gotten a complete drain previously.
A lot of differences in how long you let it drain these will drain for a half hour or more if you let them. If the oil was hot more will drain out faster but still drip. A half quart + or - isn't going to matter.
A lot of differences in how long you let it drain these will drain for a half hour or more if you let them. If the oil was hot more will drain out faster but still drip. A half quart + or - isn't going to matter.
Yup, true! Also, ramps vs. lift, etc.
As additional info, I use ramps or jacks + jackstands under the rear and let it drain for a good long while until it's just a slow drip, but typically don't get the engine fully hot before draining. For filters, I've used ACDelco PF64, Mobil 1 M1-113A (prior to the 114A), and Fram XG12060 with minimal capacity variance between the three.