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FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: MustangGT on July 05, 2015, 08:43:33 AM

Title: Oil level
Post by: MustangGT on July 05, 2015, 08:43:33 AM
Hi guys
Quick question about amount of oil in my engine.
I have a 8qt pan and a 1qt System1 filter. Aftermarket Shelby block with dipstick tube and a stock dipstick.
Should I put 9qt in this engine? I just want to make sure I have the correct amount of oil in it and then scribe new markings on the dip stick if necessary.
Thanks.

Regards
Morten
Title: Re: Oil level
Post by: jayb on July 05, 2015, 09:24:29 AM
I think 9 quarts might be too much, but I doubt it would hurt anything.  If it were me I'd use the marks on the stock dipstick tube as a guide.  No reason you can't run the oil at the stock level in your 8 quart pan.  I'd try 8 quarts, and see where you end up on the dipstick.  If you are at the stock level with 8 quarts, I'd just leave it there.   
Title: Re: Oil level
Post by: MustangGT on July 05, 2015, 09:34:59 AM
Thanks for answering Jay.

The problem is that I don't know of the stock marks are in the right place since I am running a Shelby block with the dip stick tube that came with it. The dip stick tube is shorter than on the stock 390 that came out of the car so I am not sure the dip stick itself sits at the correct hight?
I am trying to find a reference oil level :)
Title: Re: Oil level
Post by: Joe-JDC on July 05, 2015, 10:21:36 AM
When working with a new oil pan and dipstick with unknown levels, it is always a good idea to pre-fill the oil filter, and add 5 quarts.  Then I pre-oil the engine by spinning the oil pump to make sure all the rocker arms oil, and pushrods oil, etc., check for leaks, and then let sit for a couple of hours while I do other things.  I then check the dipstick for level, add 1 quart through either the valley, or valve cover, and let sit for a few minutes and recheck the dipstick.  If it reads, I scratch a mark for that level, add 1 more quart, repeat, until I have the desired number of quarts installed.  Never had a problem with low oil using this method whether it is a 7, 8, or 9 quart system.  Joe-JDC
Title: Re: Oil level
Post by: MustangGT on July 05, 2015, 10:36:24 AM
When working with a new oil pan and dipstick with unknown levels, it is always a good idea to pre-fill the oil filter, and add 5 quarts.  Then I pre-oil the engine by spinning the oil pump to make sure all the rocker arms oil, and pushrods oil, etc., check for leaks, and then let sit for a couple of hours while I do other things.  I then check the dipstick for level, add 1 quart through either the valley, or valve cover, and let sit for a few minutes and recheck the dipstick.  If it reads, I scratch a mark for that level, add 1 more quart, repeat, until I have the desired number of quarts installed.  Never had a problem with low oil using this method whether it is a 7, 8, or 9 quart system.  Joe-JDC

I agree and I always prefill my filters too but what is the desired number of quarts in my system with a 8qt pan and 1qt filter?
Title: Re: Oil level
Post by: jayb on July 05, 2015, 10:45:03 AM
The stock filter is about a quart, so I wouldn't consider the filter in your figuring.  The oil level in a stock 5 quart pan is 2.25" below the pan rail of the block.  There's a picture of an oil pan with the oil levels marked on page 234 of my book, if you happen to have a copy.  Maybe just mark the dipstick/tube combination that you have to hit that level?
Title: Re: Oil level
Post by: MustangGT on July 05, 2015, 11:09:57 AM
The stock filter is about a quart, so I wouldn't consider the filter in your figuring.  The oil level in a stock 5 quart pan is 2.25" below the pan rail of the block.  There's a picture of an oil pan with the oil levels marked on page 234 of my book, if you happen to have a copy.  Maybe just mark the dipstick/tube combination that you have to hit that level?

I have your book, Jay.
I just had a look at page 234 and saw what you mean.
Engine is in a running car, just wondering if I have enough or too much oil in it. I guess I'll just drain it, fill 8 qts including prefilling of the filter, let it run for a few minutes, wait over night and mark the dip stick at that level. Should be pretty close then.
Title: Re: Oil level
Post by: My427stang on July 05, 2015, 12:26:54 PM
Who makes the pan?  I thought Canton's 8 quart pans were total "system" capacity including filter.  An email to whoever made it would give you their opinion
Title: Re: Oil level
Post by: MustangGT on July 05, 2015, 12:32:27 PM
Who makes the pan?  I thought Canton's 8 quart pans were total "system" capacity including filter.  An email to whoever made it would give you their opinion

Pan is from Moroso. I'll shoot them an email and ask :)
Title: Re: Oil level
Post by: Nightmist66 on July 05, 2015, 12:49:33 PM
I'm looking at my Moroso catalog right now. I'm guessing you have either the #20607 or #20608 oil pan. Interesting note on bottom of page: OIL PAN CAPACITIES DO NOT INCLUDE OIL FILTER CAPACITY. I would say it is a true 8 quarts in the pan + filter.
Title: Re: Oil level
Post by: MustangGT on July 05, 2015, 12:52:29 PM
I'm looking at my Moroso catalog right now. I'm guessing you have either the #20607 or #20608 oil pan. Interesting note on bottom of page: OIL PAN CAPACITIES DO NOT INCLUDE OIL FILTER CAPACITY. I would say it is a true 8 quarts in the pan + filter.

My pan is the 20608 with internal trap doors and baffles.
I have just sent them an email so it will be interesting to hear what they say :)
Title: Re: Oil level
Post by: Nightmist66 on July 05, 2015, 12:56:32 PM
Hopefully their tech's answer confirms what is in the catalog. I hate when you ask several people and get several answers. I would say if they tell you different, I would start at 7 quarts in the pan plus filter and go from there. Easier to add more than take away. ;)
Title: Re: Oil level
Post by: MustangGT on July 05, 2015, 02:58:48 PM
Hopefully their tech's answer confirms what is in the catalog. I hate when you ask several people and get several answers. I would say if they tell you different, I would start at 7 quarts in the pan plus filter and go from there. Easier to add more than take away. ;)

Yeah, lets hope he does :)
Title: Re: Oil level
Post by: plovett on July 05, 2015, 04:22:50 PM
Is there a rule of thumb regarding oil height compared to the bottom of the block?

Such a rule of thumb might help with non-stock combinations and unknown dipstick markings.

paulie
Title: Re: Oil level
Post by: MustangGT on July 05, 2015, 04:26:12 PM
Is there a rule of thumb regarding oil height compared to the bottom of the block?

Such a rule of thumb might help with non-stock combinations and unknown dipstick markings.

paulie

Look at the posting Jay made earlier. 2.25" below pan rail
Title: Re: Oil level
Post by: plovett on July 05, 2015, 04:42:56 PM
Is there a rule of thumb regarding oil height compared to the bottom of the block?

Such a rule of thumb might help with non-stock combinations and unknown dipstick markings.

paulie

Look at the posting Jay made earlier. 2.25" below pan rail

I didn't see Jay's earlier posting.  My mistake.  Is that figure the ideal though?

paulie
Title: Re: Oil level
Post by: ScotiaFE on July 05, 2015, 07:05:41 PM
I did some measuring on this subject.
With the T pan you can put 8 quarts in the pan and 1 in the filter no problem.
9 in the pan if you really want.
Here is the level at different quarts. This is 6 in a stock pan.
Remember when the engine is running there is about 2 to 3 quarts out of the pan.

http://fepower.net/simplemachinesforum/index.php?topic=201.msg1303#msg1303
Title: Re: Oil level
Post by: MustangGT on July 06, 2015, 09:00:58 AM
Thanks for your feedback guys.

Here is what tech support at Moroso answered: "Our stated capacities are always just the pan. So it would be 8, plus the filter."

So I guess 1qt in the filter before it goes on + 8qt in the pan, start it up, let it sit off for a good while and then pull the dipstick and make a mark will be fine then :)