In a message dated 8/23/05 7:25:51, dan_drury@midamcorp.com writes: << The next time you change the oil, put 4 quarts in and start the car and let it idle. Give it enough time to fill your filter and then stop the engine. Let it sit for a while then check your dipstick and mark it so you will know if your a complete quart low. Then I would add the fifth quart and run the engine and stop it and record where "full" is. (Based on a 5 qt. requirement) >>>Ah yes, but that's the rub--I don't know what the actual capacity of this oil pan is. Plus I have an oil cooler, remote oil filter, and with it quite a few feet of oil lines. >As far as the dipstick pushing up, I would check the PVC valve (already mentioned) and then maybe consider setting an O-ring into the bonnet of the dipstick. (I've never had to do that, but it might work for you.) >> >>>Well, realize that the dipstick is hitting something inside the engine (probably the windage tray). It used to go through it just fine, but over the y ears has become bent and is now apparently striking it and turning sideways instead of going through it into the oil. So the dipstick is being forced out mechanically--that is, when it's forced all the way home there is some 'spring' tension on it, and at the slightest bump it pops out again. I'm going to investigate getting a Lokar dipstick, primarily because it's a cable rather than a flat ribbon of steel and thus should be happy bending in all directions. Thanks! Mike
