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Low Oil Level

Old 06-18-2016, 09:48 PM
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Changed my oil today and only about 4 qts came out when I drained it. Did not see any leaks anywhere and have not seen any signs of burning oil.
Old 06-18-2016, 10:06 PM
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How much was in the filter?
Old 06-19-2016, 01:54 PM
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That included the filter
Old 06-19-2016, 02:38 PM
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Was your engine warm when you drained it ? Oil has a tendency to not drain completely on cold engine. Also depending on the service interval you use and miles on your engine could be burning a little overtime with no visual signs.
Old 06-20-2016, 07:52 PM
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^^ agreed, older cold engines can and some will "hide" oil. Did an oil change on an old '78 LTD with a cold 351w in it only got about 4 and 1/4 quarts out of it (I was told it was low before the change) replaced filter, refiled with 5 qts oil I had, started, shutdown and let sit. rechecked the oil level it was over filled, re-drained got 7 qts out this time (with out removing the filter). I have no idea where the other 2 qts came from. Back to the parts store for more oil I went
Old 06-20-2016, 11:29 PM
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May be unrelated, but when changing oil, the first thing I do is drain oil, making sure to take cap off refill port, then replace plug on pan. Then pull filter off. Then I go back and pull drain plug again and drain. You'd be surprised how much drains out the second time. Might not be the cause, but good practice.
Old 06-21-2016, 05:51 PM
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Proper fill with new oil filter is six quarts for the three engines in our trucks. Most of the time this will read overfull on the dipstick. My truck if I drained it at the low end of dipstick it might only have four come out. Also to completely drain an oil filter you poke a hole in the end the drain for up to 48 hours to empty it. The media holds a lot of oil.
Old 06-21-2016, 08:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Southernblues
Changed my oil today and only about 4 qts came out when I drained it. Did not see any leaks anywhere and have not seen any signs of burning oil.
Nothing to worry about. Don't overthink it too much.


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