Oil change: 6 quarts in, and not full!

[Qyota]

Houston, we may have a problem.

I changed oil this weekend. I opted for Mobil 1 10W-30 for the summer months.

Everything went fine. New filter on (also a Mobil 1 filter...same size as OEM, and drain plug installed. I then proceeded to add 5.5 quarts as recommended. After running the truck for a few minutes, and checking again, the level was just above the bottom hole on the dipstick. So I slowly add portions of the remaining 1/2 quart, while checking the stick. I ended up putting the whole thing in...and it's still not quite to the top hole! My garage is nearly perfectly level...so I know that's not the problem.

Anyone else experience this?

 

[XJeepguy]

I just did a change yesterday , same oil. I'm in Canada and it's liters , I put in 5.5 liters , with new filter and it was a fraction above the full mark after it sat for a bit. I think our liter is about the same as your quart.

 

[Jordan Petry]

I put about 5.7 or so quarts in mine and it was at the full line. Did you fill your oil filter with oil before you put it on? I know it would be difficult, but it's possible. Maybe you just got hosed and didn't actually get a full 6 qrts. if it isn't leaking then I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[wm69]

I did my wife's 01 today and it took 6 quarts with new filter. It was right above the bottom dot on the dipstick. I rechecked the manual and let it sit for a few min, and after a few min (letting the oil drain down into the pan) the level ended up right between the dots on the dipstick, which is where I wanted it. Never had that with any other engine, but the manual said let it sit, I did, and the level ended up being ok.

 

[DavidAlexander]

Mine took the whole 6 quarts of Mobil 1 the other day too. I had always had a little left before.

Maybe they are starting to get stingy and underfilling the bottles of oil.

 

[Qyota]

Could be! I won't worry about it.

But yes, I did half-way fill the filter before putting it on. I lost a little, but most of it stayed.

Now if I could just get the tranny to start shifting smoothly, I'd be one happy camper!

 

[jbach]

mine take 6 quarts with a filter every time.

 

[peter78]

The first time I filled it up with Mobil 1 I added 6 quarts and it was a little low. After I put a little more in, it was fine. But, a few days later while on vacation, I checked it and it was a little over full. I now put in around 5 1/2 to 5 2/3 and leave it alone. I notice the oil level changes on how hot the oil is. So, it is possible to put more than 6 quarts in. I would check it and if the level is not dropping, I would say you are fine.

(This is on my 2001 4Runner.)