Engine Oil Level Not at Spec

[gregmark24]

For a '96 4Runner, spec for oil+filter on a 3.4L V6 (5VZ-FE) is 5.5 qts. After an oil change of 5.5 qts, driving around, sitting overnight, I'm always 1/2 qt low, so end up with 6 qts in the system. Why? My only thoughts: 1) I'm using Mobile 1 synthetic 10W-30 and it sticks for days when first in the engine, or 2) The oil filter has a valve that holds 1/2quart of synthetic oil within, but would let "normal" oil drip down. I'd sure appreciate some opinions. I think the dipstick is the original one.

[Seanz0rz]

again, welcome to the site!

im sure you are doing this on level ground, your truck sits level, etc.

might just be that when you are draining the oil, you are draining more than toyota expected. its been a long time since i used a regular size oil filter (i use napa gold 3.0L ford taurus filters)

it has been my experience that the markings on the bottles are not exact. i usually try to fill my truck to the mid point of the dipstick if i know i will keep up on maintenance for that interval (summer) or to the top when i know i wont (late winter/spring)

[gregmark24]

Thanks Sean. This is an odd one. Same process, same oil for our Chevy truck, and it is spot-on every time. I use an old jug marked at 5 qts (Chevy) and 5.5 qts (Toyota), so the pre-fill levels in that jug are correct.

Greg

[Seanz0rz]

might just be that the toyota spec on that is incorrect, or that their meaning is different.

toyota's spec might mean that 5.5 quarts gets you to the bottom of the stick, or the safe range for the engine.

also, are you draining while level, or up on ramps. i know the 5vz-fe oil pan plug is on the rear, so when you lift the front up you are draining to the plug, that might account for half a pint or so of oil (quarter of a quart)

also, that synthetic might be slipperier than the conventional it was designed for, meaning more pours out at each oil change.

bottom line is, i dont think there is any problem with putting 6 quarts in if thats what the dipstick is calling for. does the dipstick tube look bent, or is the dipstick itself bent? that could also account for a half quart difference. maybe something to investigate.

[4x4mike]

I've had the same experience and think I ran too low for almost a year. I swear I've had to put at least 6 qts in before. Now I drain, fill, drive around and top off. It's always more than most publicized amounts.

[gregmark24]

Good point. I hadn't considered the fact that the 5.5qt spec might take it the middle of the stick. And maybe more pours out of the old, but one would think that irrespective of fill or draining process, that 5.5 quarts is "full". Dipstick tube looks fine--no odd bends, and well seated.

[YotaFun]

All the techs in the shop put in 6 qts, even though the book says 5.5qts, just as a heads up....

[mastacox]

5.5 qts. of Amsoil Signature Series 0W-30 gets me to the middle of the dipstick, but I do usually end up topping in the other 1/2 qt just for good measure. As a general rule anything between "low" and "full" should be safe for operation, with slightly more being better than slightly less.

I use an oversized Taurus filter too, great investment and same price!

[gregmark24]

I found some older discussions, supporting what seems to be here that 6 qts is the amount to use for a 5.5 qt spec. Evidently, this engine was orignally spec'd with a smaller (much smaller?) oil filter, but now with the 90915-YZZG1, the filter capacity is higher than original. Thank you all for your opinions.

Greg

[CJM]

I always wind up putting in 6 qts.