Oil Amount Question

mykids · 07-12-2017, 12:15 PM

Does everyone run there system 1 qt low for example a 4qt pan = 3qt actual amount - 5 qt pan = 4 qt actual - or is 3 quarts in the pan the number regardless of pan capacity - Thank's in advance

Hacksaw · 07-12-2017, 01:06 PM

This sounds like a Stocker question

Jim Hanig · 07-12-2017, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mykids

Does everyone run there system 1 qt low for example a 4qt pan = 3qt actual amount - 5 qt pan = 4 qt actual - or is 3 quarts in the pan the number regardless of pan capacity - Thank's in advance

On the 350 chevy with a 4qt pan you can run 3 tax 2.5 if you brave, first pass keep a eye on the oil pressure in the shutdown area!

7423 · 07-12-2017, 03:37 PM

If you were able to see inside that motor at the 1000ft cone, you would change your mind. Be smart, run the OE recommended amount of oil. What you may gain simply does not compare to what you will eventually lose.

Dwight Southerland · 07-12-2017, 04:15 PM

Not exactly true for GM cars. Corporate policy for many years was to design the oil pan to hold a quart more than the minimum required for maximum operation, thus the "1 qt low" mark on the dip stick was really still okay for all modes of operation. Their recommendation to keep the level up was to maintain that cushion.

Maybe other mfrs were different, but it would not make sense to design an engine with an oiling system that could nominally run below the minimum necessary to maintain engine longevity and then place a 50K to 100K mile warranty on it.

Matt Welker · 07-12-2017, 06:37 PM

Running as little oil as possible, no, never, who would do that, why, it's just a bracket race..........

John Dinkel · 07-12-2017, 07:17 PM

Why ruin an engine by using less oil?

Eman · 07-12-2017, 07:19 PM

First I install the dipstick and tubes with the engine on the stand and see where the full mark is relative to the crank. Then you can fill to where you want the oil level to be on startup. 1/8mi you can get away with a low oil level, I don't know about the 1/4mi.

randy wilson · 07-12-2017, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eman

First I install the dipstick and tubes with the engine on the stand and see where the full mark is relative to the crank. Then you can fill to where you want the oil level to be on startup. 1/8mi you can get away with a low oil level, I don't know about the 1/4mi.

I ran 5 quarts in a 7 quart pan successfully for years in the 1/8th mile with a high volume, high pressure pump, but the second run in the 1/4 mile, going through the traps at 10,600, we spun cam bearings. Is it the extra 1/8th mile? I think it was.

Jeff Stout · 07-12-2017, 09:52 PM

I installed a digital dash and have a oil pressure sensor. I have a 7 quart pan and run 5 quarts. When replaying pass the oil pressure would fluctuate from 15lbs to 50lbs throughout pass. Looks scary on graph but no bearing problem in filter or on rebuild. Motor runs 6300 to 8000 rpm. The fluctuation is so fast in time and I don't think a mechanical oil pressure gauge can catch it.

07-12-2017, 12:15 PM	#1
mykids Junior Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 82 Likes: 0 Liked 2 Times in 1 Post	Oil Amount Question *Does everyone run there system 1 qt low for example a 4qt pan = 3qt actual amount - 5 qt pan = 4 qt actual - or is 3 quarts in the pan the number regardless of pan capacity - Thank's in advance*

07-12-2017, 01:06 PM	#2
Hacksaw Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 881 Likes: 206 Liked 309 Times in 173 Posts	Re: Oil Amount Question This sounds like a Stocker question

07-12-2017, 03:37 PM	#4
7423 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 639 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Oil Amount Question If you were able to see inside that motor at the 1000ft cone, you would change your mind. Be smart, run the OE recommended amount of oil. What you may gain simply does not compare to what you will eventually lose.

07-12-2017, 04:15 PM	#5
Dwight Southerland VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Arkansas - In the middle of everything. Posts: 2,000 Likes: 64 Liked 777 Times in 193 Posts	Re: Oil Amount Question Not exactly true for GM cars. Corporate policy for many years was to design the oil pan to hold a quart more than the minimum required for maximum operation, thus the "1 qt low" mark on the dip stick was really still okay for all modes of operation. Their recommendation to keep the level up was to maintain that cushion. Maybe other mfrs were different, but it would not make sense to design an engine with an oiling system that could nominally run below the minimum necessary to maintain engine longevity and then place a 50K to 100K mile warranty on it. __________________

07-12-2017, 06:37 PM	#6
Matt Welker Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Clear Spring, MD Posts: 193 Likes: 1,458 Liked 77 Times in 15 Posts	Re: Oil Amount Question Running as little oil as possible, no, never, who would do that, why, it's just a bracket race.......... __________________ Matt Welker Stock 1741, SS/AH 114 www.facebook.com/welkerracing

07-12-2017, 07:17 PM	#7
John Dinkel Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Pinckney, Michigan Posts: 507 Likes: 399 Liked 263 Times in 68 Posts	Re: Oil Amount Question Why ruin an engine by using less oil? __________________ John Dinkel 3295 STK

07-12-2017, 07:19 PM	#8
Eman Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: E TN Posts: 473 Likes: 16 Liked 133 Times in 76 Posts	Re: Oil Amount Question First I install the dipstick and tubes with the engine on the stand and see where the full mark is relative to the crank. Then you can fill to where you want the oil level to be on startup. 1/8mi you can get away with a low oil level, I don't know about the 1/4mi.

07-12-2017, 09:52 PM	#10
Jeff Stout VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: phoenix Posts: 1,486 Likes: 66 Liked 704 Times in 281 Posts	Re: Oil Amount Question I installed a digital dash and have a oil pressure sensor. I have a 7 quart pan and run 5 quarts. When replaying pass the oil pressure would fluctuate from 15lbs to 50lbs throughout pass. Looks scary on graph but no bearing problem in filter or on rebuild. Motor runs 6300 to 8000 rpm. The fluctuation is so fast in time and I don't think a mechanical oil pressure gauge can catch it.