Checking oil after oil change.
Just changed the oil on my 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT with 3800 series II V-6 engine, also changed filter. Owners manual states in capacities that engine holds 4.5 quarts with filter change. However, it also says that after adding oil the level should not be above the cross hatch area. The level now reads a little above that area, it reads on the F in full. I seem to remember reading in an owners manual of a 86 Buick 3.8 liter that it was OK if the level was a little above that area after an oil change. What do you think. Am I OK?
0
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
After a change I let it sit overnight (after running engine for 10 miles or so) and check the next morning for the dipstick level.
there is also no crime in putting a pan under the engine, loostening the oil filter to run a little oil out, and then tightening it back up.
www.fumotovalve.com
Worth the $24.95
Product Announcements
FRAM® Engineers Launch Aftermarket's
First Fast Action Oil Change System
New FRAM® SureDRAIN™ Makes Oil Changes Cleaner, Easier
LAS VEGAS, October 30, 2001 - As part of its branding strategy to make do-it-yourself (DIY) activity easier and safer, FRAM marketers have launched another breakthrough innovation in the car care category - the FRAM® SureDRAIN™ fast access oil change system.
Designed as a permanent replacement to existing oil pan drain plugs, DIYers no longer have to worry about being splashed by hot oil thanks to the new FRAM SureDRAIN system. The special, proprietary FRAM actuator valve replaces the existing drain plug and allows instant oil draining with the turn of a wrist. When it's time for the next oil change, DIYers simply need to screw the FRAM drain hose on to the actuator valve - this automatically opens the drain door and allows oil to flow out smoothly. Once the draining is complete, the drain hose comes off and the FRAM dust cover is screwed on to protect the actuator valve from dirt and road debris.
http://www.aapexshow.com/index1.php?page=fastaction
The one shown on this site:
http://www.oilchangesolution.com/qc.php3
looks virtually identical to the Fram Sure Drain.
The Fram was $12.47 at WalMart, or about half the price of a Fumoto. I haven't installed it yet, as it is not time for an oil change.
They have five sizes available, but Fram's catalog at WalMart does not list one for my 2001 Mazda Millenia. Fram's online site shows that the SD-2 model fits a 2000 Millenia. Does anyone know if Mazda changed drain plug size from the 2000 2.5 engine to the 2001 2.5? I can't see why they would have, as the car is basically identical mechanically for those two years.
I think it is safe to assume at this point that the PIC (person in charge) of updating the Sure Drain plug application info is asleep at the wheel. They do however have the filters listed for all the '01's I checked, so the filter PIC seems to be awake and doing their job.
2. Not getting oil over hands when oil comes out
3. Not needing to use a wrench/hunt for socket
4. Not replacing Plug gasket
5. Not having to torque (or strip) pan plug.
I don't use the thing, but I plan on using it.
I agree on all the advantages in the two previous posts, and unless you consider the $12.47 price a disadvantage, I don't find any. In fact I will add two advantage.
1-It is far easier to reach under and remove the cap and attach the hose, than to remove and reinstall the OEM plug.
2-You can stick the hose in a jug, or other container, and the oil will all be directed into it instead of splattering out of, or missing the drain pan you would normally use. I use rinsed out, one gallon milk jugs, then screw on the lid, and notify the garbage collection company. By law, where I live, they have to take care of hazadous waste. I then sit it by the street on the day they say to, and am rid of it.
WalMart will always refund for unused merchandise, so you would have nothing to lose by buying one so you can examinine it closely. The package easily opens and recloses without destroying it.
The valve itself is recessed into the main valve body, and can only be opened by inserting a straight hard object into the hole. That is how the hose opens it. Beyond that, the cover that comes with it seals with an o-ring, and seems very secure to me. Unless that cover came off, there would be no way for anything to enter and open the valve. It appears to me, that if the valve closes as it should, and is not leaking oil after you refill your car, there would be no way to lose the oil through the Sure Drain valve. It takes two very deliberate steps to open that valve. First remove the cap, then screw on the hose. Also, while the cap is not the primary device that stops oil from escaping, it is securely sealed when in place, and I believe would act as a secondary oil stopping mechanism. I really think your fear of losing your oil is unfounded as long as the cap is in place, both to protect the valve, and seal the whole unit.
Also, though most people don't know it, millions of similar valves are in use on fleet vehicles to speed up oil changes, and avoid stripping the drain plug hole.
Believe it or not they gave him flack when he asked to drain out the oil, and replace it with the correct amount.