SHO oil dipstick calibrated incorrectly?

[itwonder]

My SHO engine was completely drained of oil this Summer; oil pan off, oil pump off, oil filter off. When I refilled it with 5 qts. after reassembly (and before starting it) I noticed the oil level was right at the full mark on the dipstick. I had expected it to indicate about 0.5 qts over full until I started it up and pumped some oil up into the filter and other nooks. That's because the engine oil capacity specifications are 5.0 qts with filter, and 4.5 qts without filter. If Ford expects 0.5 qts. to be contained in the filter and other nooks up in the engine, then wouldn't the dipstick need to show full with 4.5 qts in the pan to be consistent with those specifications?

Editing this for future reference -- Answered my own question. Dipstick showing full with 5 qts in the pan is correct. Why? I found a service reference, see post 15 below, that gives a "dry fill" specification of 6.0 qts. That tells me 1/2 qt. lives in the oil filter, and 1/2 quart lives in the nooks and crannies of the engine, leaving 5 qts. in the pan. First time I've seen this 6.0 qt. spec.

 

[ManySHOs]

I don't think that the dipstick is calibrated per quart. IIRC, it's only marked at - under, full and over.

The oil level will read lower after running the engine because all of the oil is now sitting in the heads, on the cams, etc. It needs a few hours to cool down and seep back down to the pan to get the same reading you had before running it.

Ian

 

[hawkeye18]

I really don't think a half quart is gonna make a huge difference in this engine. IIRC the low oil level switch comes on at 2 quarts... so just don't worry about it! If it's way over the full level, that's when you need to worry.

 

[gimpysho]

oil level

I always use the "Old School" method of filling new filter with oil to avoid chance of dry start. also takes up most of the .5
Gimpy

 

[SHORANGERBIRD]

-dats why i put 5.5qts in mine....

 

[1993MTXSHO]

I really don't think a half quart is gonna make a huge difference in this engine. IIRC the low oil level switch comes on at 2 quarts... so just don't worry about it! If it's way over the full level, that's when you need to worry.

it comes on at 2? i thought it was 3... jesus no wonder my car almost spun a bearing

 

[naval-avi8or]

Fluid capacities are for normal drain and replacment of oil and filter. If you completly drain it as you did it will require more oil than the manufacturer listed capacity. Some even give oil only (no filter) change capacity.

 

[SHOtimer]

I have always completely full with 5 quarts after I have started the motor after an oil change and let it sit for a few hours.

Doug

 

[gurucomputers]

Low Oil Light?????

I really don't think a half quart is gonna make a huge difference in this engine. IIRC the low oil level switch comes on at 2 quarts... so just don't worry about it! If it's way over the full level, that's when you need to worry.

OK, Maybe I am just blind, but which light on the panel is the low oil light. I have a 94 ATX and have never seen this light come on even if the car is not running and I turn the key on to illuminate all the lights. Maybe it is burnt out? Would be nice to which one it is tho.

 

[hawkeye18]

it's on the far right. It just says "OIL" and it's yellow. This is not to be confused with the red "light of death". I had it (the yellow one) come one once... holy crap did it scare the s*** out of me. I was just low... and it might be 3 quarts that trips the light, I don't know...

 

[Ross R]

it's on the far right. It just says "OIL" and it's yellow. This is not to be confused with the red "light of death". I had it (the yellow one) come one once... holy crap did it scare the s*** out of me. I was just low... and it might be 3 quarts that trips the light, I don't know...

My yellow light is on now, and engine temps seem to be a little higher than normal.

I checked the oil level with the dipstick and everything seemed OK. Should I be mildly worried, or outright panicked?

 

[gurucomputers]

it's on the far right. It just says "OIL" and it's yellow. This is not to be confused with the red "light of death". I had it (the yellow one) come one once... holy crap did it scare the s*** out of me. I was just low... and it might be 3 quarts that trips the light, I don't know...

This light should come on with the rest of them when you first turn the key? Right, or will it only come on when it is low on oil with or without the engine running. I am thinking the bulb is burnt out. I have never seen it in the 5 years I have owned the car.

 

[0V3RC10CK3D]

I don't believe it shows up when you turn on the accessories, else mine is burnt out in both my SHO's

 

[welcome2daSHO]

ya i woulden't think the light would turn on when the ignition is on, i bet though if the oil is drained from the car and the ignition is turned on the oil light would probably go on.

 

[itwonder]

Fluid capacities are for normal drain and replacment of oil and filter. If you completly drain it as you did it will require more oil than the manufacturer listed capacity. Some even give oil only (no filter) change capacity.

FWIW, Ford does give a "dry fill" specification in Figure 79 of the Engine Operations book. It's 6.0 qts.

 

[hawkeye18]

The oil light comes on when you turn the key to "ON". If the oil light is on and the oil level is fine, then the sender unit needs replacing... it's in the oil pan.

 

[naval-avi8or]

FWIW, Ford does give a "dry fill" specification in Figure 79 of the Engine Operations book. It's 5.0 qts.

NO owners operation manual will ever give capacities that include removing the oil pan and oil pump etc etc. You simply cant drain all the oil out of the motor. However you go and remove the pan and pump and start cleaning these items till they are dry you can significanlty change the amount of oil your gonna have to replace. These numbers aren't gonna be 100% exact. It will hoever fill it within the add and full range that way you don't under/over fill it and drive off and toast the motor.

They don't make operators manuals or idiot lights for the mechanically inclined.

 

[gurucomputers]

The oil light comes on when you turn the key to "ON". If the oil light is on and the oil level is fine, then the sender unit needs replacing... it's in the oil pan.

Hmmmm. Thats interesting. The light on the far right in mine is the door ajar light or are you saying the far right of the light group under the tach? Guess I am going to have to tear in and see if it is burnt out.

 

[gurucomputers]

Found It

OK, Found the light. Looked in the manual like I should have in the first place.

Click here to enlarge

 

[AREA 91]

I can't believe you guy's run your engines on 3 quarts. Shame on you.