[jnomura]

I'vw never really got a good read on the dipstick on my 03. Every time I get it back from service I try to check it but it always seems to be overfilled. I wonder if the service guys check the oil level while the engine is running? Anyway I have the grey dipstick and check the oil after the truck has sat for 15 min or more. To make the oil level come at the top of the hash marks I have to take out about 2 qt of oil. If I measure imediatly after shut down the stick reads near the bottom of the hash marks (after taking the 2 qt out). So how should I check my oil level?
thanks
Jim

 

[ABrown134]

What you describe can be typical for some shops doing oil changes these days. Notice I said some, not all are this way. In another lifetime, I did that job and took a lot of pride in doing it right. That said...
The owners manual says the motor takes 15 quarts of oil. This is true, but some oil is retained in the motor when it is changed. Therefore, refilling with with 13-14 quarts to begin with, running the engine and then letting it sit for at least 20 minutes before checking it should give you an accurate reading. It sounds like your oil change place is dumping in the standard 15 quarts and sending you on your way. This can cause other problems like oil foaming, which can lead to a rough idle.
I have found mine will drain almost 14 quarts, and refilling it with 14 gets it about 3/4 of the way up the normal range on the dipstick. Try this and see if it works. Oh, and if you have a place to do it, changing the oil on the beast is about the easiest job there is. Add a fumoto valve the first time you do it and you can then change it without getting a drop on yourself.

Aaron

 

[OMCUSNR]

All good info. I usually change mine w/ 14qts, run for 10 mins, stop, wait 20 & check. It comes out right in the middle of the plastic bubble.

I understand these things a sensitive to level too. So make sure your shop floor is level, or check it nose up / nose down & average the reading. Remember, most streets, driveways & such have a slope to them to force water to run. A "flat" street is something like 1% grade (1foot drop in 100 feet of travel). Most concrete sidewalks are sloped at 2% cross fall (as are streets). A typical handicap access ramp or driveway cut is 8.33%.

 

[fordKTPguy]

I agree with the last two.