How far down does the dipstick dip

[MadMaxHSV]

I've been checking the oil regularly but after noticing the engine sounded a little noisier than normal I checked the oil to find not a lot on the end of the stick Its gone from full to very empty in a trip to LeMans and back.....!

It hasn't had a hard time and the engine now sounds quieter again for a top up.

Does anyone know on these how low the oil has to be before problems start (under normal driving conditions). The oil was up to one of the lines a few cm's below the low marker. I've known cars where even when the oil is off the stick there's still enough in the sump.

I'm paranoid now as beforehand I had a dash warning pop-up and disappear before I could read it and now worrying it was low pressure and its done some bearing damage.
Is low pressure recorded as a trouble code?

Any wise words appreciated.

[ringram]

Not that Im aware of. Most errors are to do with weird signal errors that dont match operating situations.
(eg) 5000rpm with zero throttle position

So low fuel or low oil are not considered errors per se.
My new engine is a bit thirsty for oil, so I check every 1000 miles or so. Apparently 1L per 2000 miles is considered by GM as acceptable IIRC.
Some use more than others, my old LS2 used nothing between services. I think Im looking at 1.5L or so between services now.

[MadMaxHSV]

hmmmm, Thanks Rich,

Definately would appear to be oil thirsty. Much check more often. Used to BM's using nothing in 50k miles

Hopefully got away with no problems this time.

[MyM8V8]

MadMaxHSV said:

hmmmm, Thanks Rich,

Definately would appear to be oil thirsty. Much check more often. Used to BM's using nothing in 50k miles

Hopefully got away with no problems this time.

How's the oil pressure now? I think you'll be OK, I assumed there would be some margin.

[MadMaxHSV]

Pressure is fine so certainly nothing serious has happened.

I have plans at some point for some forged internals, but hoping not to have to pull the engine out before then

[Black VXR]

A good indicator would be, how much new oil did you get in to top it back up to the full mark?

[MadMaxHSV]

It took about a 1.5 litres if I remember correctly. Maybe a bit more. Remember it took quite a lot.

Although it would be interesting to know how much oil has to be in the sump to reach the bottom of the stick....