350 engine oil capacity - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

serge · 01-27-2016, 02:43 PM

I think the dipstick is incorrect on my 350 engine. Changing oil and filter I noticed it only takes 4 quarts to be at full mark on dipstick.
To correct need the following clarified.
Owners manual and GM service manual both indicate 6 quarts needed when filter included. I also noticed that several members say only 5 quarts needed when filter included. Which is correct?
Your thoughts appreciated and thanks for your time.

Wrenchbender Ret · 01-27-2016, 05:12 PM

With the factory oil pan it will hold 4 qts plus 1 for the filter.

**truckdude239** · 01-28-2016, 08:48 AM

4 -5 qts

serge · 01-28-2016, 09:11 AM

5 quarts is what I will go with.
Hard to believe the 1970 service manual which says 6 quarts needed was never corrected.

cadillac_al · 01-28-2016, 10:07 AM

It sounds like something isn't right with your dipstick. If you put 5 qts in will it be over full? Is yours a big truck (C50-60) that takes a 2 qt filter?

storm9c1 · 01-28-2016, 12:56 PM

I agree with everyone else. Unless you have something odd, every SBC powered vehicle I've owned, car or truck (including my C30) with a standard pan takes 4 in the pan and 1 in filter. Those 5qt bottles have always been ideal. I just fill up the filter, and dump the rest in the engine and plow on.

Can't assume that for LS-based engines though. The L77 (LS) in my 2011 Caprice PPV takes 8.1 qts. Go figure.

GASoline71 · 01-28-2016, 01:35 PM

I had a 1994 Chevy K1500 that with a factory installed oil cooler and a TBI 350, took almost 6 quarts.

It took forever for the oil to drain from the cooler lines unless I did a "hot" oil change.

Gary

Marv D · 01-28-2016, 02:41 PM

Yeah oil cooler on a 96 I had was the same way,, PITA

The stock Chevy SBC pan is a 4 qt pan (except SOME HD trucks 3ton and above which was a STUPID application for a SBC, but that's another story)

So PAN will most likely take 4 quarts,,,

Thing is you can get a 1/2 quart oil filter, or a 3/4 quart, or a 1 qt, or the big 2 quart filter. (and I think Delco makes a 1.5 qt.)

Tom · 01-28-2016, 03:21 PM

Never understood why our v8's take 5qts while a 2.8L v6 in a german car gets 8-9qts.

serge · 01-28-2016, 03:49 PM

Just to be safe I just changed oil one more time using 5 quarts.
Checked dipstick and same results. Oil level is about 1" above "full" mark.
For now will engrave correct level mark on dipstick.
Thanks again for your feedback.

storm9c1 · 01-28-2016, 03:50 PM

When you say 5 qts, did you put 4 in the pan and 1 in the filter?

GASoline71 · 01-28-2016, 05:25 PM

Or... start the engine, let the oil circulate and then shut off. Then check it after it all drains back into the pan.

Checking the oil after a change and not starting the engine will always show it to be too high on the dipstick.

Gary

brad_man_72 · 01-28-2016, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom

Never understood why our v8's take 5qts while a 2.8L v6 in a german car gets 8-9qts.

10,000 mile oil change interval. If you work the oil half as hard it will last twice as long. And who cares as long as it last past the warranty... #amiright?

Alex V. · 01-28-2016, 10:26 PM

My Cruze (1.4L - that's 83 cubes) yields 4.25 qts. per change.

I'm with everyone else - the vast majority of small blocks will require around 5 qts. for a change including filter.

**truckdude239** · 01-29-2016, 12:11 AM

Haha i did several like 3 or 4 newer kias today at work with a 1.6l 4 cylinder they all took 3.5qts

serge · 01-29-2016, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by storm9c1

When you say 5 qts, did you put 4 in the pan and 1 in the filter?

Yes

serge · 01-29-2016, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GASoline71

Or... start the engine, let the oil circulate and then shut off. Then check it after it all drains back into the pan.

Checking the oil after a change and not starting the engine will always show it to be too high on the dipstick.

Gary

Ran engine for 5 minutes after change. Let drain for 1/2 hour before I checked.

serge · 01-29-2016, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadillac_al

It sounds like something isn't right with your dipstick. If you put 5 qts in will it be over full? Is yours a big truck (C50-60) that takes a 2 qt filter?

Its a c-20. Nothing special noted on SPID so I'm pretty sure it is original standard oil pan.

serge · 01-29-2016, 10:13 AM

Decided to look for longer dipstick tube that attaches to block.
(Not sure how to proceed without mind in gutter. LOL)
Mine sticks out 6". 7" long would allow dipstick to read correctly. Need to find longer one if available and cut as needed.
Any ideas on were to find?

storm9c1 · 01-29-2016, 12:10 PM

Is the dipstick on driver or passenger side? You didn't say if your engine is original or not...or I missed it...older engines have it on driver's side...newer is on passenger side.

serge · 01-29-2016, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by storm9c1

Is the dipstick on driver or passenger side? You didn't say if your engine is original or not...or I missed it...older engines have it on driver's side...newer is on passenger side.

On drivers side. According to cylinder head casting number it is most likely original engine.

cadillac_al · 01-30-2016, 09:15 AM

You can't just pull the dipstick tube out. I'm pretty sure that has to be knocked out from the bottom. Aftermarket ones just slide in an inch or so. I was wondering if yours has been changed at some point.

serge · 01-30-2016, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadillac_al

You can't just pull the dipstick tube out. I'm pretty sure that has to be knocked out from the bottom. Aftermarket ones just slide in an inch or so. I was wondering if yours has been changed at some point.

The dipstick has the correct mark locations according to spec sheets shared on this site. Therefore I suspect the tube may be a fault.

68gmsee · 01-31-2016, 11:22 AM

On my old 69 with 350 I had to replace the dipstick and tube. Machine shop removed the old one and I lost it somewhere. I bought a dipstick kit from local auto parts, put 5 quarts of oil in the engine, ran it as serge did, let is sit for a while and checked dipstick. I made a full scribe mark with small file and forgot about it.

serge · 02-01-2016, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

On my old 69 with 350 I had to replace the dipstick and tube. Machine shop removed the old one and I lost it somewhere. I bought a dipstick kit from local auto parts, put 5 quarts of oil in the engine, ran it as serge did, let is sit for a while and checked dipstick. I made a full scribe mark with small file and forgot about it.

That's what I will do.
Thanks for the info.

01-27-2016, 02:43 PM	#1
serge Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Geneva, Ohio Posts: 201	350 engine oil capacity I think the dipstick is incorrect on my 350 engine. Changing oil and filter I noticed it only takes 4 quarts to be at full mark on dipstick. To correct need the following clarified. Owners manual and GM service manual both indicate 6 quarts needed when filter included. I also noticed that several members say only 5 quarts needed when filter included. Which is correct? Your thoughts appreciated and thanks for your time. __________________ General Contrucktor

01-27-2016, 05:12 PM	#2
Wrenchbender Ret Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Overland Park, Ks. Posts: 5,228	Re: 350 engine oil capacity With the factory oil pan it will hold 4 qts plus 1 for the filter.

01-28-2016, 08:48 AM	#3
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,237	Re: 350 engine oil capacity 4 -5 qts __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

01-28-2016, 09:11 AM	#4
serge Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Geneva, Ohio Posts: 201	Re: 350 engine oil capacity 5 quarts is what I will go with. Hard to believe the 1970 service manual which says 6 quarts needed was never corrected. __________________ General Contrucktor

01-28-2016, 10:07 AM	#5
cadillac_al Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Maine Posts: 2,369	Re: 350 engine oil capacity It sounds like something isn't right with your dipstick. If you put 5 qts in will it be over full? Is yours a big truck (C50-60) that takes a 2 qt filter? __________________ 76 Chevy K20 76 GMC K15 77 Chevy C10 77 Chevy K10

01-28-2016, 12:56 PM	#6
storm9c1 * That's interesting * Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,772	Re: 350 engine oil capacity I agree with everyone else. Unless you have something odd, every SBC powered vehicle I've owned, car or truck (including my C30) with a standard pan takes 4 in the pan and 1 in filter. Those 5qt bottles have always been ideal. I just fill up the filter, and dump the rest in the engine and plow on. Can't assume that for LS-based engines though. The L77 (LS) in my 2011 Caprice PPV takes 8.1 qts. Go figure. __________________ Tom Chevy by day... 1969 Chevy C30 Rollback Tow Truck -- 383 stroker, 4L80E 2011 Chevy Caprice PPV 9C3 6.0L 1995 Chevy Caprice 9C1 1994 Chevy Caprice 9C1 #3 1995 Chevy Caprice Wagon #2 1995 Chevy Impala SS Mopar by night... 1969 Dodge Charger 1972 Chrysler Newport 2dr Hardtop (27K miles) Plus others...

01-28-2016, 02:41 PM	#8
Marv D Registered Truck Offender Join Date: May 2008 Location: hells training ground (aka Ariz) Posts: 3,118	Re: 350 engine oil capacity Yeah oil cooler on a 96 I had was the same way,, PITA The stock Chevy SBC pan is a 4 qt pan (except SOME HD trucks 3ton and above which was a STUPID application for a SBC, but that's another story) So PAN will most likely take 4 quarts,,, Thing is you can get a 1/2 quart oil filter, or a 3/4 quart, or a 1 qt, or the big 2 quart filter. (and I think Delco makes a 1.5 qt.) __________________ Still playin with trucks, even at my age! When you're dead, it's only a problem for the people around you, because you don't know you're dead. .....It's kinda the same when your STUPID. I just did my taxes and reviewed my SS statement. Thanks to the current administration it looks like I will only have to work till noon on the day of my funeral.

01-28-2016, 03:21 PM	#9
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,737	Re: 350 engine oil capacity Never understood why our v8's take 5qts while a 2.8L v6 in a german car gets 8-9qts. __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

01-28-2016, 03:49 PM	#10
serge Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Geneva, Ohio Posts: 201	Re: 350 engine oil capacity Just to be safe I just changed oil one more time using 5 quarts. Checked dipstick and same results. Oil level is about 1" above "full" mark. For now will engrave correct level mark on dipstick. Thanks again for your feedback. __________________ General Contrucktor

01-28-2016, 03:50 PM	#11
storm9c1 * That's interesting * Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,772	Re: 350 engine oil capacity When you say 5 qts, did you put 4 in the pan and 1 in the filter? __________________ Tom Chevy by day... 1969 Chevy C30 Rollback Tow Truck -- 383 stroker, 4L80E 2011 Chevy Caprice PPV 9C3 6.0L 1995 Chevy Caprice 9C1 1994 Chevy Caprice 9C1 #3 1995 Chevy Caprice Wagon #2 1995 Chevy Impala SS Mopar by night... 1969 Dodge Charger 1972 Chrysler Newport 2dr Hardtop (27K miles) Plus others...

01-28-2016, 10:26 PM	#14
Alex V. Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Campbellsville, KY Posts: 888	Re: 350 engine oil capacity My Cruze (1.4L - that's 83 cubes) yields 4.25 qts. per change. I'm with everyone else - the vast majority of small blocks will require around 5 qts. for a change including filter. __________________ Alex V. ------ 1967 C10 Suburban, 350/NP435, Green/Green, PS, PB, HD cooling, charging, shocks, and springs. 1985 GMC C3500 SRW, Sierra Classic, 454/TH400, white/blue.

01-29-2016, 12:11 AM	#15
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,237	Re: 350 engine oil capacity Haha i did several like 3 or 4 newer kias today at work with a 1.6l 4 cylinder they all took 3.5qts __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

01-29-2016, 10:13 AM	#19
serge Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Geneva, Ohio Posts: 201	Re: 350 engine oil capacity Decided to look for longer dipstick tube that attaches to block. (Not sure how to proceed without mind in gutter. LOL) Mine sticks out 6". 7" long would allow dipstick to read correctly. Need to find longer one if available and cut as needed. Any ideas on were to find? __________________ General Contrucktor

01-29-2016, 12:10 PM	#20
storm9c1 * That's interesting * Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,772	Re: 350 engine oil capacity Is the dipstick on driver or passenger side? You didn't say if your engine is original or not...or I missed it...older engines have it on driver's side...newer is on passenger side. __________________ Tom Chevy by day... 1969 Chevy C30 Rollback Tow Truck -- 383 stroker, 4L80E 2011 Chevy Caprice PPV 9C3 6.0L 1995 Chevy Caprice 9C1 1994 Chevy Caprice 9C1 #3 1995 Chevy Caprice Wagon #2 1995 Chevy Impala SS Mopar by night... 1969 Dodge Charger 1972 Chrysler Newport 2dr Hardtop (27K miles) Plus others...

01-30-2016, 09:15 AM	#22
cadillac_al Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Maine Posts: 2,369	Re: 350 engine oil capacity You can't just pull the dipstick tube out. I'm pretty sure that has to be knocked out from the bottom. Aftermarket ones just slide in an inch or so. I was wondering if yours has been changed at some point. __________________ 76 Chevy K20 76 GMC K15 77 Chevy C10 77 Chevy K10



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01-31-2016, 11:22 AM	#24
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: 350 engine oil capacity On my old 69 with 350 I had to replace the dipstick and tube. Machine shop removed the old one and I lost it somewhere. I bought a dipstick kit from local auto parts, put 5 quarts of oil in the engine, ran it as serge did, let is sit for a while and checked dipstick. I made a full scribe mark with small file and forgot about it. __________________ 68 GMC 250/3 speed Saginaw p/b p/s 69 Chevy 350/350 currently in pieces still lookin for a cab 06 Trailblazer I just want a vehicle that I can work on, that won't talk to me, leave error msgs or keep track of how I drive...

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