I don't get it, every time I do an oil change and I put the right amount of oil in, the oil level on the dipstick is nearer to the low rather than the full mark. Not only is it below half, but it is really difficult to read; it's kinda spread all over the lower end of the thing. It almost makes it impossible for me to check my oil because I never really know what I'm looking at. I've checked it warm, hot and cold and every time is the same: not a really defined oil line and it appears closer to the low than full. What the hell? Is it the dip stick?

 

Well how much oil are you putting in it? My 97 4.6 holds 6 quarts and that brings it to the full mark.

 

I put 6 quarts in my 2001, 5.4l, S/Cab, and my dipstick shows a 1/2 qrt low....

I even watch the guy put the extra qrt in, at the lube place.

Would be nice to know what the deal is???

R1968

 

Both my 5.4 and 4.6 take almost 7 qts. I think the dipstick is giving a safe range between L and F. Try checking the oil after letting it sit overnite, that is the most accurate way. I do that and fill it up to the F mark. Never had a problem and none burn oil.
Terry

 

Many Vette owners complained of the same problem. Possibly the dip tube is clamped deeper into the block. mystery continues.

Go by the engine spec sheet, if you overfill the case you'll find the extra in the throttle body.

 

6.0 quarts brings it right to the middle of the "acceptable" range on my 97 4.6. The techs at the quickie lube place always liked to put in 6.5 quarts to bring it to the full mark. I don't see the need. I do an oil change, the level stays the same for 3000 miles, repeat. I wouldn't worry about being below the 1/2 mark in the acceptable range, so long as it stays there afterwards.

 

I asked the Ford mechanics about it and they said it was just a safety line, 6 quarts should do it. They said if it was in between the two lines is should be ok.

 

My dealer says to put in 6 qts. and don't worry about the oil line only coming up to the halfway point of the safe area on the dipstick.

 

well, that settles it then, 6 and forget it. The very messy level does not waver once I've put it in, so that's that. Stupid dipstick. Why the hell did they change from a flat metal dipstick to a metal rope anyway? If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

That metal rope sux!! My 97 was the same way. They went back to the flat steel one for 99, I think, and by 2000 for sure. I had to argue with the guys at the oil change place once... they insisted it takes 7 to make it full. I made them drain it all out, and measure it by the quart-ful. when it had 6, I told them to stop. They said, "But it's just barely over the low mark." I asked them if they could count to six and if they knew the difference between six and seven. The tech insisted that they couldn't let the vehicle go with low oil... long story short, it takes 6 quarts to fill it. If there are six quarts of oil in it, it's full, wherever it falls on the dipstick.

 

See Sig. They still have the stupid metal rope.

 

By the way...

I usually get my oil changed at a Ford dealership that I really trust. They always fill it up to the top. I change my oil every now and then with only 6 qts. It just hits the halfway mark. Hmmmm.

 

Same problem with my 99 XLT 2wd. Shows little or no residue on the dipstick after 6.0Q. What are the consequences of overfill?

 

Really? Just out of curiosity, what's your build date? Mine's December '99... but mine came out of Oakville Assembly... I wonder if that makes a difference? Are they building the 5.4s in two different places? I thought the engines came out of Lima Ohio or something?

-Joe-

 

Since I have the '97 4.6 as is shown in my sig. and thus the rope dipstick would it be possible to by the new flat metal one and repalce it with one that is relativley easy to read??
(at one time Lima, OH only made the aluminum V6. That could have changed though its been awhile since I have been there.)