Oil change on '06 V6 takes less oil than manual states (4qt)

[YOKBB]

I have a 2006 V6 with 255k miles, and when I change the oil and filter it only takes about 4 quarts of fresh oil to fill it back up. The owners manual states it should take 5.8 quarts of fresh oil. Does this sound like sludge buildup? Should I be worried? It sounds like it's running well, the valves are a little noisy but I think that's normal.

 

[CarlosV]

I have a low mileage 2003 V6. Got it with 26K miles on it from family member.
I change my engine oil/filter. Always 5 qt. to top of the dipstick mark. 5.8qts. will overfill.
No idea why less than 5 qts.

 

[KarrotJuice]

I have a 2006 V6 with 255k miles, and when I change the oil and filter it only takes about 4 quarts of fresh oil to fill it back up. The owners manual states it should take 5.8 quarts of fresh oil. Does this sound like sludge buildup? Should I be worried? It sounds like it's running well, the valves are a little noisy but I think that's normal.

Are you sure it's the original dipstick?

 

[Seymore Butts]

You either have the wrong dipstick or your car isn't level when you check it.

 

[<<<<]

My 2004 takes less than 5.8q (about 5.5q) but not near yours 4q. I think your dipstick is giving you false readings for which they are notorious or not original part. I would be concerned underfilling the crankcase by nearly 2q.

 

[Seymore Butts]

5.5 Quarts is exactly what it takes, not 5.8

If you have the correct dipstick, the car is level, and you read the dipstick correctly, then I'd look into the possibility of a large buildup of sludge from insufficient oil changes.

And if your valve operation is already noisy, that could confirm improper oil change intervals in the past or having it run 2 quarts low in the present.