Funky Oil Change Math

Just drained the oil and removed the oil filter for my 45K change. Noticed that, once the oil flow slowed to a drip, the drain pan had just over 4 quarts in it. Maybe 4 1/4. This is the first time I've bothered to actually look at the volume of oil that came out. I'll leave it to drain another 15-20 minutes but the amount isn't gonna change much.

Background data:

-2015 TRD OR, V6

-I change oil and oil filter every 5K with Mobil 1 5W30 full synthetic (yes I know it's summertime) and OEM filters. I connect a hose to the oil filter drain nipple (I'm making this terminology up) and collect in a separate container. I know the recommended interval is 10K, let's not argue about that one.

-I didn't check the dipstick today prior to draining. Wish I had.

-Last oil change, I added approx. 5.5 quarts, along with new filter. Dipstick checked near the top dot after running engine for about 5 minutes, and cooling for 15-20, after that last change.

-I have no reason (other than 4.25 does not equal 5.5) to believe I'm consuming excessive oil or have a leak or seep. No smell, no residue, no driveway drips. I don't run the truck hard, and only light offroad use since the last change.

I get that some of my original 5.5 quarts came out with the filter or drained in my separate container for the filter drain. I wonder how much that was. And some stays behind due to viscosity, but that should be a wash since that was true at the last change as well.

Curious what you all see as far as oil consumption, and how much oil comes out when you drain for those of you with V6 motors. And I'm wondering what's considered normal consumption as opposed to excessive.

 

Its probably just caught up in the engine still coated on the inside, if you dont see it in the exhaust (smoke due to burning) or see it leaking out any where, I wouldnt worry about it

 

I agree that some oil stays behind inside the engine like you said....but that coating was there the last time around too, before I dumped my 5.5 in...just sayin’.

Weird to think I’m consuming a whole quart in 5K miles.

 

If you didn’t change it warm/hot you’ll get less out the engine.

 

Hm yeah true. Well I mean like I said if its not leaking or burning its not going anywhere else so you should be fine honestly

 

I did run the engine for a few minutes prior to draining to heat up the oil. I try to get it warm enough to drain well but not hot enough to burn me when I pull the plug. Maybe I should run it longer first.

On the other hand, the engine took 5.5 quarts once I finished up, showing at the top dot on the dipstick. So looks like the old oil drained out ok.

 

Yeah I’m not worried about it. I’m the type of person to wonder about stuff like this though, always want to understand my truck better. It’s like a good friend, you know what they’re like on a normal day, so then you know right away when something’s wrong.

 

I like the way you think!!

 

Sounds like you got it all out then, you might have to change the pcv valve to slow down the vacuum on the engine to help with oil consumption. You could buy a catch can and see if the oil stops dissapearing.

 

If it is full or close to full before you drain.
Then I wouldn't worry about the amount that drains out.
The important part is that it has enough oil.

If you check it later and find it is low.
I’d look for leaks or try to find where it is being used.

I have to be honest. I can’t say I check the oil level before doing a change.
Never really thought about it.

 

Thanks, I’d never heard of a pcv valve before, but read some TW threads and sounds like an easy cheap PM replacement and I might as well. Planning on new spark plugs in the fall, I’ll consider the pcv at the same time. Catch can though, I’d have to look into that. Read a few threads before but don’t have a solid grasp of what installation would be like.

 

Checking how much came out was really just accidental this time. The drain pan was facing me in just the right light to see the quart lines. I basically went...oh cool there are lines...oh wait...hmmmm.

But yeah I’ll just be keeping more of an eye on the oil level over the next 5K.

 

Only check the oil in the items you want to keep. Kinda like the post on the wall at my dentist. "Only floss the teeth you want to keep".
I personally check my engine oil level once a week and this is on two new vehicles. Things can go south on you in a heartbeat. Check my taco also.

 

Yep, I'll take that advice. For me it'll be oil change at every gas up, which realistically is weekly.

My neighbor won't even start up a motor of any kind without checking the oil first. I used to think he was a little crazy. Now I think he's a genius.