Oil Change Confusion

[firsttoyo]

I am changing my oil for the first time in my 02 3.4 V6. The exact oil capacity is confusing me. The manual says 5.5 qts with filter change. This brings the level to the add mark on the dipstick. The manual also says the difference between the full and add mark on the dipstick is 1.3 qts. Together that is 6.8 qts. The dealer tells me the capacity is 6.5 qts. What is right? Thanks for a reply.

 

[JeremyH]

Make sure you are inserting the dipstick completely, then fill it up to the "full" mark.

 

[peter78]

Most people here put 5.5 to a little over 6 quarts in I think. I put in 5 quarts 10-12 ounces and hit the at least the middle of the dipstick. Remember to wait a couple minutes after turning the engine off before checking the level.

That is pretty accurate. I put in 5.5 to 6 quarts. One time I put in 6 quarts and it was still low, but after a few starts it came back up. I usaully put in 5 quarts and put in a little over 1/2 quart and check it and it is just a little under full. I leave it at that and notice it will be full when the engine is warm. I think if you just put in 6 quarts you can't go wrong and it should show full on the oil stick.

 

[TC4Rnr]

I use the bigger Wix 1516 filters from Napa. 5.5 fill it up to full and check the oil next morning, always have to put in the rest of the .5, so exactly 6 qt for me and with 150k miles on the clock, it does not burn any oil.

 

[Qyota]

6 quarts for me. Easy to remember, and fills it right to the top mark. This is with a NAPA gold filter ("normal" size, I think).

 

[Supra725]

5.5 quarts for me and I use an ratio cup to measure the .5 quart...

http://www.amazon.com/Ratio-Rite-Measuring-Cup/dp/B001DDGE3A

 

[96743runner]

6 quarts for me. Easy to remember, and fills it right to the top mark. This is with a NAPA gold filter ("normal" size, I think).

I get mines filled with about 6 quarts too. I also use the Napa gold filter.

 

[firsttoyo]

Reply to all

I think it is interesting that there are quite a few different opinions on the amount of oil to top off the engine. Thanks for the advice.

 

[004Gunner]

I think it is interesting that there are quite a few different opinions on the amount of oil to top off the engine. Thanks for the advice.

Not really. 5.5-6 qts. Keep in mind that if the engine was recently running, then some of the oil will not have had time to flow back into the pan. This is the reason why oil should be checked when the engine is cold, and engine off of course. I usually end up around the 5.5 qts. myself because I change the oil when the engine is warm.

 

[LINY4Runner]

At the dealership we have the 96-02 listed at 5.5qts, however that will barely bring it to the low line after the engine is run and filled with oil. We usually use between 6 and 6.2 quarts.

ALWAYS check your dipstick after running the engine (10 seconds will do) after filling up. This will circulate the oil through the engine and fill the filter. Then top off as needed.

 

[raydouble]

I use 6 qts even and the "D3" 4.0 and 4.7L OEM filter.