Changing Oil - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bdmcgee · 08-28-2007, 07:22 PM

This is a dumb question, but I just got a 69 GMC pickup. It has a 396 which has been modified. I changed the oil and much to my surprised it only took 4 quarts. The mannual says 5. . . . any ideas? Thanks

Sport/Truck · 08-28-2007, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdmcgee

This is a dumb question, but I just got a 69 GMC pickup. It has a 396 which has been modified. I changed the oil and much to my surprised it only took 4 quarts. The mannual says 5. . . . any ideas? Thanks

You forgot the filter?

sorry, too easy.
Welcome to the forums!

s/t

cdowns · 08-28-2007, 07:38 PM

wrong dipstick

msgross · 08-28-2007, 07:44 PM

did you start it, shut it down and check again? might need to fill the filter...

Sport/Truck · 08-28-2007, 07:59 PM

Does the oil pan look to be original?
s/t

mvfd70 · 08-28-2007, 07:59 PM

Yup...filter takes about a quart to fill it

bdmcgee · 08-28-2007, 09:17 PM

Thanks for all the quick answers guys. . . Yep, there's a filter on it.(LOL) . . I don't know if it's the right dipstick and oil pan or not. I'm stump

ed.

mnunn454 · 08-28-2007, 09:40 PM

If it has a normal sump volume and a large (1-quart) filter, then 5 quarts (regardless of the dipstick) is about right. If it's a deep sump pan, then 5 quarts isn't enough, 7 is probably about right.

Whatever you do, you don't want the oil level high enough to get whipped into a foam by the rotating crank and rod journals.

bdmcgee · 08-28-2007, 09:48 PM

Thanks. . . . It only took 4. . . the only thing I can thnk of, and this is pretty basic, is that the dipstick isn't suppose to "seat" all the way down when checking the oil? My Valkyrie is like that. You only sit the stick on top, then check the oil. Is the GMC like that? Sorry for stupid questions...

Sport/Truck · 08-28-2007, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdmcgee

Thanks. . . . It only took 4. . . the only thing I can thnk of, and this is pretty basic, is that the dipstick isn't suppose to "seat" all the way down when checking the oil? My Valkyrie is like that. You only sit the stick on top, then check the oil. Is the GMC like that? Sorry for stupid questions...

I think it should be seated when checking.
s/t

glock35ipsc · 08-28-2007, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdmcgee

Thanks for all the quick answers guys. . . Yep, there's a filter on it.(LOL) . . I don't know if it's the right dipstick and oil pan or not. I'm stump

ed.

I think he meant.....did you replace the filter with a new one, or leave the old one on?

Farmstore34 · 08-29-2007, 12:39 AM

I have the same situation on my '72 K20, 350 motor. I think the dipstick is out of a car. It shows full after only 4 qts. The last time I changed the oil I filled it with 5 qts, ran it, then remarked the dipstick with a punch.

BCOWANWHEELS · 08-29-2007, 12:45 AM

you better put 5 in it. i,ve never seen a bbc take 4 in 53 yrs of living

Select · 08-29-2007, 12:52 AM

How many quarts does a 454 take? I haven't changed mine yet due to it's consumption and blow by. First BBC owner here.....Mikey

BCOWANWHEELS · 08-29-2007, 01:49 AM

5 qts minimum, h/d trucks 7 qts, race pans up to 15 qts. my boat pan holds 12 qts.

bdmcgee · 08-29-2007, 06:24 AM

Replaced old with new. . . . diffeent brand is all. I'm thinking it's the wrong dipstick. That makes the most sense.

**jerry moss** · 08-29-2007, 10:03 AM

wrong dipstick or the pan was really smashed

, it should take 5 qts minimum.

Green Machine · 08-29-2007, 12:42 PM

The long filters hold about a quart, the short ones only hold about 1/2 quart, that makes a little difference when trying to see if it is full enough. Likely need five quarts with a standard long filter.

piecesparts · 08-29-2007, 03:30 PM

You should have 4 quarts for the pan and 1 quart for the filter, unless it has a deep sump or an aftermarket pan that is made for more oil volume. Seat the dipstick to the tube and check it after the fill. I always fill my filter as much as I can before I mount it to make the dry start easier on the bearings. I don'know about your valkyrie, GM is not that creative in their processes.

stllookn · 08-29-2007, 08:27 PM

How high was the engine when it dropped off the hoist onto the pan?

08-28-2007, 07:22 PM	#1
bdmcgee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Central Michigan Posts: 42	Changing Oil This is a dumb question, but I just got a 69 GMC pickup. It has a 396 which has been modified. I changed the oil and much to my surprised it only took 4 quarts. The mannual says 5. . . . any ideas? Thanks

08-28-2007, 07:38 PM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Changing Oil wrong dipstick __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-28-2007, 07:44 PM	#4
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Changing Oil did you start it, shut it down and check again? might need to fill the filter... __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer" Last edited by msgross; 08-28-2007 at 07:44 PM.

08-28-2007, 07:59 PM	#5
Sport/Truck Sierra Grande Club Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Mexico USA Posts: 2,433	Re: Changing Oil Does the oil pan look to be original? s/t __________________ 1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe.

08-28-2007, 07:59 PM	#6
mvfd70 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Opdyke, IL Posts: 775	Re: Changing Oil Yup...filter takes about a quart to fill it __________________ 1978 Chevrolet Silverado 3/4 ton 400 small block. 2000 F-250 Powerstroke 2002 GMC Yukon Denali XL

08-28-2007, 09:17 PM	#7
bdmcgee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Central Michigan Posts: 42	Re: Changing Oil Thanks for all the quick answers guys. . . Yep, there's a filter on it.(LOL) . . I don't know if it's the right dipstick and oil pan or not. I'm stump ed.

08-28-2007, 09:40 PM	#8
mnunn454 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 602	Re: Changing Oil If it has a normal sump volume and a large (1-quart) filter, then 5 quarts (regardless of the dipstick) is about right. If it's a deep sump pan, then 5 quarts isn't enough, 7 is probably about right. Whatever you do, you don't want the oil level high enough to get whipped into a foam by the rotating crank and rod journals. __________________ 69 C-10 SWB Fleetside 454/TH400 (For Sale) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...ct=1299&cat=12 70 El Camino 454 TH700 29 Model A 4-DR Sedan Deluxe

08-28-2007, 09:48 PM	#9
bdmcgee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Central Michigan Posts: 42	Re: Changing Oil Thanks. . . . It only took 4. . . the only thing I can thnk of, and this is pretty basic, is that the dipstick isn't suppose to "seat" all the way down when checking the oil? My Valkyrie is like that. You only sit the stick on top, then check the oil. Is the GMC like that? Sorry for stupid questions...

08-29-2007, 12:39 AM	#12
Farmstore34 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 109	Re: Changing Oil I have the same situation on my '72 K20, 350 motor. I think the dipstick is out of a car. It shows full after only 4 qts. The last time I changed the oil I filled it with 5 qts, ran it, then remarked the dipstick with a punch.

08-29-2007, 12:45 AM	#13
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: Changing Oil you better put 5 in it. i,ve never seen a bbc take 4 in 53 yrs of living __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16

08-29-2007, 12:52 AM	#14
Select Friday's Toy Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ovilla, TX Posts: 574	Re: Changing Oil How many quarts does a 454 take? I haven't changed mine yet due to it's consumption and blow by. First BBC owner here.....Mikey __________________ 68 C10, SWB Fleetside with a 454, Turbo 400 and 4.11 posi....Exxon/Mobil loves me. 2009 Jeep Rubicon 2011 Powerstroke FX4 (totaled) 71 C10, SWB Fleet with factory tilt 72 LWB C10, 350 700R4 with factory tilt

08-29-2007, 01:49 AM	#15
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: Changing Oil 5 qts minimum, h/d trucks 7 qts, race pans up to 15 qts. my boat pan holds 12 qts. __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16

08-29-2007, 06:24 AM	#16
bdmcgee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Central Michigan Posts: 42	Re: Changing Oil Replaced old with new. . . . diffeent brand is all. I'm thinking it's the wrong dipstick. That makes the most sense.

08-29-2007, 10:03 AM	#17
jerry moss Born Psycho Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: brentwood,cal,usa Posts: 4,946	Re: Changing Oil wrong dipstick or the pan was really smashed , it should take 5 qts minimum. __________________ jerry moss 72 cheyenne super K20- tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,tow hooks,bumper guards,toolbox,aux. fuel tank,posi front and rear,plus other goodies!!! SOLD 69 suburban K20-tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,4 inch all spring lift,4 speed, 14 bolt full floater, dana 44 HD,warn winch,posi front and rear,tow hooks,plus other goodies. 73/80 chevy/gmc K20 SB400,turbo 400,205,tilt,a-c,gas hog. 77 K/5 cheyenne blazer-daily driver/beater. SON HAS IT NOW BRENTWOOD,CALIFORNIA

08-29-2007, 12:42 PM	#18
Green Machine Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Estherville, Iowa Posts: 3,371	Re: Changing Oil The long filters hold about a quart, the short ones only hold about 1/2 quart, that makes a little difference when trying to see if it is full enough. Likely need five quarts with a standard long filter. __________________ 1968 C10 307 3spd Long Fleet ------ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=201103 1970 C10 305 Super T10 Long Fleet --- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=202285 1971 C20 383 TH350 Dana Posi ----- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=206894 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 C3 6.0



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08-29-2007, 03:30 PM	#19
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: Changing Oil You should have 4 quarts for the pan and 1 quart for the filter, unless it has a deep sump or an aftermarket pan that is made for more oil volume. Seat the dipstick to the tube and check it after the fill. I always fill my filter as much as I can before I mount it to make the dry start easier on the bearings. I don'know about your valkyrie, GM is not that creative in their processes.

08-29-2007, 08:27 PM	#20
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Re: Changing Oil How high was the engine when it dropped off the hoist onto the pan? __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

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