Engine Oil Capacity Recommendations
#1
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Rep Power: 0 Engine Oil Capacity Recommendations
I recently changed the oil on my '04 EX 1.7L
I did not have the manual with me so I replenished with 4 quarts...later I saw the manual recommends 3.5 quarts.
I have not noticed any significant changes in the performance of my vehicle.
I have checked the oil when hot but each time I put the dipstick back into the engine and pull it out the oil reading is never accurate because on one side of the dipstick there is oil at certain level and on the other side the oil is at another level.
I DO NOT KNOW IF I SHOULD DRAIN SOME OIL OR IF I AM OKAY WITH IT WHERE IT IS. Like I said, the oil dipstick reading is not giving me an accurate idea of if I have too much oil in the engine or just right.
Ideas or recommendations anybody? Anybody have the same problem reading the oil dipstick with the '04, is there a certain way I should be placing the dipstick back into the engine?
I did not have the manual with me so I replenished with 4 quarts...later I saw the manual recommends 3.5 quarts.
I have not noticed any significant changes in the performance of my vehicle.
I have checked the oil when hot but each time I put the dipstick back into the engine and pull it out the oil reading is never accurate because on one side of the dipstick there is oil at certain level and on the other side the oil is at another level.
I DO NOT KNOW IF I SHOULD DRAIN SOME OIL OR IF I AM OKAY WITH IT WHERE IT IS. Like I said, the oil dipstick reading is not giving me an accurate idea of if I have too much oil in the engine or just right.
Ideas or recommendations anybody? Anybody have the same problem reading the oil dipstick with the '04, is there a certain way I should be placing the dipstick back into the engine?
#3
Re: Engine Oil Capacity Recommendations
you should drain some out, 4 quarts is way too much,
when i change my oil and filter i normally put in about 3.2 liters, then i start it up for a few mins, shut it off and check it, with the 3.2 liters in there its normally pretty close to the full mark, if i have to add a bit more its not very much,
when i change my oil and filter i normally put in about 3.2 liters, then i start it up for a few mins, shut it off and check it, with the 3.2 liters in there its normally pretty close to the full mark, if i have to add a bit more its not very much,
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Rep Power: 232 Re: Engine Oil Capacity Recommendations
it doesn't really matter which way the dipstick goes in as long as the engine is cold and level. and definitely don't just wing it if you ever change your transmission fluid.
#5
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: Engine Oil Capacity Recommendations
It's a whole lot easier to add a little to bring it up to proper level than it is to overfill and have to drain some out.
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Second that. It is important to note that the fill level is a range for a reason. It is far worse on an engine to be overfull than it is to be a tad under max fill. Like someone said that is too much oil.
#7
Re: Engine Oil Capacity Recommendations
What should the dipstick read? I had a Honda oil change and asked the tech to show me the dipstick after the oil change when I picked it up. It was like 1/3 of an inch above the top hole? Sound correct?
#8
Re: Engine Oil Capacity Recommendations
I got pictures off the net. Thanks I will check it again I have to pick it up at the dealer. If it again is above the top dot I will call the dealer.
#9
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: Engine Oil Capacity Recommendations
I read the engine oil dipstick within a minute of shutting the engine off. Actually more like 15 seconds in the shop during an oil change.
If you let it sit too long before reading, the oil can drain out of the horizontally mounted oil filter and falsely elevate the indication on the dipstick.
If you let it sit too long before reading, the oil can drain out of the horizontally mounted oil filter and falsely elevate the indication on the dipstick.
#10
Re: Engine Oil Capacity Recommendations
#11
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: Engine Oil Capacity Recommendations
I wonder what it reads if he checks immediately after shutting the engine off.
#12
Re: Engine Oil Capacity Recommendations
I will let ya know, I took it to the dealer and it was 1 1/2 quarts low at 4k miles with 63k miles so he suggested I pull the plugs put a capful of Marvel Oil in the plug holes and let it soak. They said it is something they do on more Accords than civics. Got a compression tester also so I need to check specs on compression. Thanks I will check it right after shut off. Great site!!!
#13
*watches temp gauge like a hawkboss* :D
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Rep Power: 130 Re: Engine Oil Capacity Recommendations
I thought most spin-ons nowadays had them, that's the issue they were designed to eliminate... then again, I've only used Bosch (meh), K&N (awesome), NAPA Gold/Platinum (default go-to), or OEM filters on my cars and bikes, and IIRC all of them had the little diaphragm valve or similar.
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Rep Power: 130 Re: Engine Oil Capacity Recommendations
I will let ya know, I took it to the dealer and it was 1 1/2 quarts low at 4k miles with 63k miles so he suggested I pull the plugs put a capful of Marvel Oil in the plug holes and let it soak. They said it is something they do on more Accords than civics. Got a compression tester also so I need to check specs on compression. Thanks I will check it right after shut off. Great site!!!
The top hole on the dipstick is intended to show you what the max capacity of the crankcase should be -- 1/3" above that is way too much oil. Just enough to cover that hole is ideal... otherwise not only does the oiling system run on unfiltered bypass all the time, but crank windage will rob power and mpg.
#15
Re: Engine Oil Capacity Recommendations
im not sure, however its always best to check your oil when its warm, as ezone suggested, right after you shut the engine off
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