Determining correct amount of oil

[bkahler]

Ok, here's the situation.

When I was setting up my test stand to run-in the newly rebuilt 454 I installed the long dipstick tube assembly from the long gone 345 (same engine and oil pan). When I filled the crank case the first time I ended up using 6-1/2 quarts of oil and that included pouring some into the oil filter. The dipstick registered full at this point.

Fast forward too this past weekend and I switched to a short style dipstick that is accessible from the doghouse opening. It took a little tweaking to get the tube to fit properly but it's in place. Surprisingly, the new dipstick indicates that I'm probably about 1-1/2" quarts low! Just the tip of the new dipstick is showing oil. It's now where near the full mark.

My question is on a stock 454 motorhome engine what is the normal oil capacity?

I'm thinking I have the correct amount of oil in the engine right now and just need to adjust the dipstick to get it to read full with the amount of oil that is currently in the engine.

Thoughts?!

Brad

[Isuzusweet]

WITH ORIGINAL STOCK OIL PAN Approx 5-5.25 Qt's With Std PF25 Oil Filter

& Approx 5.5-5.75 Qt's With The Longer PF35 Filter.

I think you may have over filled it the first time. 6 1/2 quarts of oil equals 6.15 litres which is a lot more than the typical 4.5 litres a typical modern V8 or V6 carries.

However some of these RV guys with 454's are running 7 maybe 8 with oil cooler.

http://www.rvforum.net/SMF_forum/ind...?topic=33453.0

Funny thing is my tiny 2.5L V6 Suzuki engine takes 5.5 litres. Maybe thats why its lasted so long without a hiccup.

Cheers
Tony

[bkahler]

Tony, most information I've found for truck 454s online seems to indicate 6 to 7 quarts, some mentioned as high as 8.

I just found a copy of the 77 Argosy service manual provided by Martin and it indicates 12 pints in the crankcase and 2 pints in the filter so it looks like 7 quarts should be about right.

Based on that information it looks like the new dipstick is about 1-1/2" to short! If I filled until I hit the full mark there would be way to much oil in the crank case. Most likely the easiest solution will be to shorten the dipstick tube itself until the stick shows the correct full reading.

Brad

[WayneG]

Did you run the engine before measuring?
If it was newly rebuilt, the oil passages may have been dry. I dont think it would be a quart or more low?

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by WayneG

Did you run the engine before measuring?
If it was newly rebuilt, the oil passages may have been dry. I dont think it would be a quart or more low?

Yes, I ran the engine on the test stand before verifying the original long dipstick was reading full. During the time it was on the test stand it didn't loose any oil to leaks and it didn't appear to use any oil while running so my current assumption is the oil should still be up to the full mark on the dipstick.

I think if I shorten the tube to the point the stick reads full I should be pretty close.

[TG Twinkie]

I would shorten the long dipstick to fit the short tube and read the 6.5 quart level.
Just file a mark on the dipstick where the oil level is correct.

[Boom Sounds]

From my Chevy Motorhome Chassis manual:

'The 454 engine used in the motor home has a crankcase capacity of six (6) quarts plus one (1) quart for the AC- PF35 oil filter for a total of seven (7) quarts. The seven (7) quart system has been in place for many years.'

[Boom Sounds]

DIPSTICK REPLACEMENT
Some owners of the 1987 P-30 motor home chassis with
7.4L carbureted engines may realize problems with the oil level indicator (dipstick) assembly. Problems include
(1 .) the oil level indicator is difficult to reinstall or (2.) the gage shows an incorrect oil level .
If these conditions are encountered, they can be corrected by replacing the oil level indicator (GM Part No
The new oil level indicator incorporates a "T" handle on the end and'a twist on the shaft making it easier to install, and the new indicator has relocated oil fill level 10085674 )

[Boom Sounds]

An accurate procedure is as follows:
1. Drain the engine oil when hot and remove the oil filter. Al low 10 minutes for complete drain.
2. Install a new AC-PF35 oil filter and 6 quarts of oil.
3. Start engine and run 5 minutes and shut off and
allow 10 minutes for oil to drain down from the heads .
4. Dipstick the engine 3 times, and with a small file, make a mark at the fluid edge in the dipstlck that will indicate the new "add oil" mark.
5. Add 1 quart of oil, let set 5 minutes and again dipst ick the engine 3 t imes and make a mark at the fluid edge which will indicate the full mark.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by TG Twinkie

I would shorten the long dipstick to fit the short tube and read the 6.5 quart level.
Just file a mark on the dipstick where the oil level is correct.

I tend to agree, although in my case it would probably be better to shorten the tube because it's a little higher than I would like, by shortening it that would provide better clearance.

I guess the added benefit would be the marks on the new dipstick should work out just fine.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Boom Sounds

An accurate procedure is as follows:
1. Drain the engine oil when hot and remove the oil filter. Al low 10 minutes for complete drain.
2. Install a new AC-PF35 oil filter and 6 quarts of oil.
3. Start engine and run 5 minutes and shut off and
allow 10 minutes for oil to drain down from the heads .
4. Dipstick the engine 3 times, and with a small file, make a mark at the fluid edge in the dipstlck that will indicate the new "add oil" mark.
5. Add 1 quart of oil, let set 5 minutes and again dipst ick the engine 3 t imes and make a mark at the fluid edge which will indicate the full mark.

Nick, good info!

I think I'll follow this procedure with the new dipstick assembly although I'll shorten the tube instead of adding marks. Of course I can't start it until I finish the fuel lines and get a little bit of wiring done!

Always something to do

Thanks!

Brad

[Gregsch]

Originally Posted by Boom Sounds

An accurate procedure is as follows:
1. Drain the engine oil when hot and remove the oil filter. Al low 10 minutes for complete drain.
2. Install a new AC-PF35 oil filter and 6 quarts of oil.
3. Start engine and run 5 minutes and shut off and
allow 10 minutes for oil to drain down from the heads .
4. Dipstick the engine 3 times, and with a small file, make a mark at the fluid edge in the dipstlck that will indicate the new "add oil" mark.
5. Add 1 quart of oil, let set 5 minutes and again dipst ick the engine 3 t imes and make a mark at the fluid edge which will indicate the full mark.

Thanks , Boom Sounds
I have headers and a aftermarket dip stick accessed through the dog house. With an aftermarket oil cooler to further complicate matters. I have always wondered if the dip stick was accurate. When I change the oil I will use this technique confirm proper oil level.
Greg