oil level

[jaakke]

I don't have the original oil pan or dipstick. I installed the transdapt 7 quart oil pan withg the pickup that comes with it. After adding 8 quarts of oil and spinning the pump to fill the filter etc. the Lokar (drivers side) dipstick shows about half a quart low! Seems like a heck of a lot of oil. Can someone tell me how far below the crank center line the oil level should be? This is a stock dimension crank in a 350.

[Swifster]

This would be my suggestion. If this engine originally took five quarts, and this pan is the only difference, I would run only 7 quarts. The only concern should be 'will the pick up be covered at all times?'

I don't trust the dip sticks when they are with the engine. Example, my Ranger takes 4 1/2 quarts (it's a 3.0L V-6). When putting in exactly those 4 1/2 quarts, the oil level is in the middle of the add to full line. I do not add to the full line. Dip sticks, like any other piece on a mass produced vehicle, are made within tolerences and will vary.

If you had a five quart pan and installed a seven quart pan, put no more than seven quarts. Check where your level is on the stick and this should be the 'full' mark.

[Thunderbucket]

most dipsticks are accurate to within a quart,,,,don't forget the size of the oil filter you put on is going to govern the amount of oil you need to add,,if you put the filter on dry.
Just a quirky thing with me left over from my day's as a heavy duty mechanic(diesel) i alway's fill my oil filter(priming) up before installing,,,even if it's a side mount,,,messy but never had a problem due to oil failure.
And a quart of oil too high will not bother a 350 either,, in my humble opinion.

[jaakke]

Ok thanks for the tips!