Oil level

[MustangGT]

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

[jayb]

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.   

[MustangGT]

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

[Joe-JDC]

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

[MustangGT]

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?

[jayb]

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?

[MustangGT]

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.

[My427stang]

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

[MustangGT]

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

[Nightmist66]

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.

[MustangGT]

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

[Nightmist66]

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.

[MustangGT]

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

[plovett]

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

[MustangGT]

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