Oil change

[NobleGuy]

Just done an oil change but the Shell Helix Ultra is so clear I can't read the dipstick. It looks a bit like the level is above maximum even though I fully drained the sump and put in the standard 5.5 litres. Don't really want to have to drain some off if this is normal when it's first done. Like I say though, it's hard to tell...

[peterguk V6 KWK]

Standard sump or track day sump?

[node]

Whatever you do dont start the car if you think you may have over filled it. Double check your level.

Its better to have your oil level 3/4 full than over the maximum mark.

[JLSELAN]

Modest overfill (say about 0.5 litre) is no problem at all in my experience (track sump). In fact, I usually make sure the indicated level is somewhat above the full mark before any track day outing.

[NobleGuy]

I've been painting the chassis around the rear section, renewing the exhaust wrapping and the heat shield on the diffuser. All had been going really smoothly and I thought, 'Hmmmmm, it could do with an oil change anyway....'.

Most stupid thought I've ever had. I ended up draining a bit and making a mess (after the actual change went nice and smoothly and I was all smug having no additional oil stains on the drive ) I started the engine and it sounds fine, behaves normally. Still looks a little overfull though. I can't work out if maybe I under-emptied it somehow (no more was running from the sump when I plugged it back up and refilled). I bought 8 litres (2 4's - added one fully and then added the second to the point where there was 2.5L left in the bottle. That's 5.5 total in my book. Can anybody spot a maths flaw?

[Bittercars]

I have a Track sump and I'm just about to change my oil.
Is 5.5 ltres for a Track or normal sump?

Edited by Bittercars on Monday 4th August 13:12

[NobleGuy]

Bittercars said:

I have a Track sump and I'm just about to change my oil.
Is 5.5 ltres for a Track or normal sump?

Edited by Bittercars on Monday 4th August 13:12

5.5 is for the normal sump.
I think it's closer to 8 for the track one - not exactly sure though.

[Jenx]

8.5 for the Track day sump.

There is allways a little residual oil left (in any engine) even though it's stopped running out the drain hole. In future, only put 5 litres in, check, top up, check, top up etc. untill you're happy.

Martin.

[NobleGuy]

Jenx said:

8.5 for the Track day sump.

There is allways a little residual oil left (in any engine) even though it's stopped running out the drain hole. In future, only put 5 litres in, check, top up, check, top up etc. untill you're happy.

Martin.

Yeah, that's what I did last time. Think I got complacent and was a little bit in a rush to get it done along with all the other poo I had to do this weekend. The level looks a lot better now.