Oil Change Recs in manual wrong?

Every time I change my oil (5,000 miles or 6 months whatever comes first) on my 2014 2.7 MT I change the oil and filter. And if I follow the recs in the manual it's Always over the line and I have to go back under and drain some out. This time I only put in 5.5 quarts, which is recommended if you're NOT replacing the oil filter, but i did replace the filter because I do that every oil change. and It's Still slightly above the line on the dipstick. Not enough for me to crawl back under there and pull the plug to try to drain just a little bit out, but still slightly over. I wanted a few months thinking "maybe the filter just needs to soak up some of the oil" but it hasn't changed. Anybody else have this happen to them? BTW I use Valvoline Synthetic 0W-20.

 

I use 5.5 qts and I always change the filter. That's enough oil, like you said.
If you're using synthetic like you said, 5k mile changes are twice as frequent as you need. I use Mobil 1 and change from 10-12k miles (mostly highway) and there's still life left per the Blackstone analysis.

 

Don't worry so much.

Change your oil and filter at the interval you want. I wouldn't exceed 10 kmiles.

Add the amount of oil as recommended in the manual (use the without filter fill). When finished, start the engine, let it run for a few minutes, shut off, allow a couple minutes for drain back to the oil pan. Check your fill level. Add if needed.

The engine won't go BOOOM!!!! if its a little over or under the dipstick fill line. This isn't precision surgery.

BTW, 0w20 seems a bit low in viscosity. Check the manual for the viscosity. Use that.

 

The filter probably holds about .5 qt.
You need to start the truck before it enters the filter. So this may be why you are reading too much?

Anyways, I go by the dipstick. Not the book.
Fill the truck up with oil until it’s close to the full mark on the dipstick. Start the truck. Turn the truck off let and let it sit a few mins. Then fill it on up the rest of the way.

 

My 4.0 is at the top line with 5 qts with a filter change. I think the book says to add 5.5

 

Filter holds like .2

ive always done 4.3qt and its right smack in the middle everytime

 

The specs for the 2.7 state 6 quarts on a drain and filter.

I have always used 6 quarts. Yes it does show a tad over the full mark on the dipstick. Not enough to hurt anything. Way too much trouble to fiddle with a half quart of oil.

Follow the book you will be fine. Mountain out of a mole hill.

 

I have always dumped 6 quarts in mine as well. It is usually a hair over, but like @Jimmyh it never concerned me. Easy to remember and measure out this way too.

Mine burns a little oil anyway (seems normal on the 2.7, especially with a fully synthetic oil) so I have to add about 1/4-1/2 quart at 3000 miles.

 

In a vehicle
with an internal combustion engine
that uses oil as a lubricant
there is a dipstick
with a min and max fill line
you get it anywhere on that
you could set the oil to min
or max
or halfway in the middle/in between

whatever amount that takes
as well as filling the oil filter with oil during the change or running the engine, because it takes some of the oil in it, depending on the filter size

It Is Not That Complicated...

when you do it enough times, you will get familiar with what the engine takes
whether that be 5.5
or 5.4
it is usually better it to start under
because if you're a bit low, it's much easier to just add some, than to remove some if overfilled

you might be able to use a tool to suck some out of the dipstick tube, instead of opening the drain plug again
or opening the filter (if 4.0) to drain whatever is in the filter out of the metal cup hole

 

5 quarts puts mine dead on full.

 

You will almost never get every single drop of old oil out. If you add full capacity when you change oil you may well over fill. I always add a little less than required. I then start the engine and let it run for a minute or so to fill up the filter. Then I let it sit for a few minutes while I put up my tools and clean up. After about 5 minutes I check the dipstick and add what is needed.

 

Posting like this
Doesn’t make you
Sound smarter

 

You may be over thinking it. As long as you’re not putting 10 qts in, you’re fine.

 

I've dumped in 6 qts in both my 2 .7 and 3.4 since 1998. I don't even bother checking the oil until the next oil change. Usually around 7k miles.

 

So over thinking this. Just put in what the book says and call it a day. You’ll never under fill or overfill the engine period.

 

i dont even look anymore 5 full quarts and its always right on the full line.

 

OP has a 2.7L four cylinder that takes 6 quarts with a filter as per the Owners Manual.

 

This thread makes my head hurt.

 

The line is just there as recommendation, lots of margin. Imagine what happens when you’re driving on a steep incline or decline. Don’t lose any sleep over it.

 

sounds like sarcasm but that’s ok, that sells here