Hi GaryG:

I should've referred specifically to the dip stick. I understand each motor should be taking 4.5 qts. with an oil change. Which is why I thought of re-calibrating my stick after the next oil change.

If indexed properly the dip stick (any of them) should be regeristing at the MAX hole with 4.5 quarts and a new filter. Your stick is showing ~1/2 quart below MAX after an oil and filter change, if it is midway between the MAX and ADD holes.

Mine is ~1/2 quart off as well but in the other direction. The oil is at the MAX hole with only 4 quarts and a filter. 1/2 quart shy of true full.

Here's a for instance. If you filled your motor by the dip stick as some quick lube places do, then your motor would take on 5 quarts of oil with a filter when they quit adding oil. Mine would only require 4 quarts with a filter to register the oil at the MAX hole, that is full.

At least I think so. :-)

Take Care
Steve
Oregon

 

Manufacturers know about this variability. Thats why the dipstick has a range on it not just one line. If its between the two lines its fine. Filling right up to that max line shouldn't cause any major issues... but its hardly necessary either. Its not like an engine requires 4.5234qts of oil or it explodes. Just keep it between the lines and you can relax.

Also I'm pretty darn sure this engine is no more sensitive to oil issues than any other engine.... As a matter of fact from what I've read its the same ICE as is in the 4cylinder Escape, with the valves timed different to make it an atkinson cycle rather than an otto... but mechanically I think its pretty much the same. The transmission, generator etc are the big differences.

 

Nothing to worry about - I won't give you the treatment I gave my a-hole father-in-law when I met him. His handshake is like that of a '90 year old lady.

As to the topic, I never add oil to an engine until it is below the add mark and only then after I know what "full" is based on adding the recommended amount after an oil and filter change. Some engines don't like staying at the max level for some unknown reason. The engine that just came out of my plane (long, sad story) can run between 6 and 8 quarts. But we found over the last 2000+ engine hours that if you fill it to 8 it is down to 6 in a few hours but will stay at 8 for many hours. Don't know why but that's what it does.

Mine's a '68 with IRS, Baja kit, a custom 1641cc, mild cam, oversize valves and combustion chambers, hydraulic lifters, balanced and counterweighted. Smooth as silk running. Wish I had time to play....maybe next summer.