Oil level phenomenon

[CarGuy]

Changed oil today: new oil filter and plug. Warmed up for 5 minutes, shut and let sit for 10-15 min, drained oil and got almost 6 quarts out. While draining oil I had cap off and changed the filter. Draining stopped (almost 6
quarts), buttoned everything up, added exactly 6 quarts, primed engine followed by a brief start to warm up and then shut and let sit for 15 min. Checked oils and it’s all over the lower part of the stick - up near the twisty. Went and had dinner (hour plus), started to warm up for a few minutes then shut and let sit for 10-15 min and same issue.

I’ve never experienced anything like this. I’m going to look at it again in the morning, but am a bit stumped -and I’ve done thousands of oil changes.

I searched the boards, but did not see anything like this. Thoughts? Thanks, appreciated!

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[kodiakisland]

You drained the oil and not the transmission fluid?

 

[0ne]

I’m confused, what’s the problem?

 

[CarGuy]

It’s way past the hash marks and top dot.

 

[Danny's Bronco]

Some of those new age gallons that identify as quarts?

That does sound weird. And looks like you know what you're doing. Maybe oil splashed or bubbled up the tube and is kinda stuck in there? Like an air bubble or something? Curious to see what you say after you test it again

 

[JerryC]

Just to be clear, after you let it sit you pulled the dipstick and wiped it clean. Then put the dipstick back in all the way and pulled it back out to look at it?

 

[0ne]

At first twist? Factory fill on 2.7 was 7.5qt which showed on dipstick at first twist. You just managed to somehow leave enough old oil in that your 6qt refill is matching the factory fill.

 

[CarGuy]

Just to be clear, after you let it sit you pulled the dipstick and wiped it clean. Then put the dipstick back in all the way and pulled it back out to look at it?

Yes

 

[CarGuy]

Some of those new age gallons that identify as quarts?

That does sound weird. And looks like you know what you're doing. Maybe oil splashed or bubbled up the tube and is kinda stuck in there? Like an air bubble or something? Curious to see what you say after you test it again

I even used a measuring cup for the last quart to make sure the 5qt jug was accurate.

 

[CarGuy]

At first twist? Factory fill on 2.7 was 7.5qt which showed on dipstick at first twist. You just managed to somehow leave enough old oil in that your 6qt refill is matching the factory fill.

I do not recall 1sr or 2nd twist. Will be checking again in the morning.

if matching factory fill, I assume it has been high since the dealers last oil change.

 

[soldier989]

You ran the engine, waited 15 minutes, then checked the oil. Check it when the oil is cold and had more time to settle.

I noticed something similar with my 2.3L and my GF's Impreza. A long period of time is needed for the dipstick to read right. Any bit of sloshing around seems to give a high reading for a strangely long time. Dunno why it's takes so long for oil to settle on her engine and mine (though hers is a boxer and the filter is up top, which is foreign to me as well), it's odd to me, too.

 

[CarGuy]

You ran the engine, waited 15 minutes, then checked the oil. Check it when the oil is cold and had more time to settle.

I noticed something similar with my 2.3L and my GF's Impreza. A long period of time is needed for the dipstick to read right. Any bit of sloshing around seems to give a high reading for a strangely long time. Dunno why it's takes so long for oil to settle on her engine and mine (though hers is a boxer and the filter is up top, which is foreign to me as well), it's odd to me, too.

I plan on doing that in the morning. Thanks!

 

[thesocalexplorer]

I've experienced similar with my 2.3 also. Took a while for the oil in the dipstick tube to settle. Freaked me out the first time, I thought I had to get back down and drain out a quart even though I triple checked fluid quantity going in & coming out haha.

Next morning, I was getting a perfect read at the top of the crosshatch zone.

 

[Fmuguira]

Anyone noticed if you lift front end slightly and also more on driver side whether you get more oil out of pan when changing?

Oil drain plug placement on these 2.7 s seems less than ideal at least to me ….

 

[CarGuy]

Quick update. Check it cold this morning and it measure about an 1/8” over the top dot. I estimate that to be about half a quart (give/take). Thoughts on trying to remove the plug slowly and drain a bit - easier said than done with this horrible oil plug.

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