Oil sump capacity

[Piscator]

Hi all
I know the official capacity of the sump and oil filter (original paper element type) is 8.5 litres.

Whereas until recently Millers sold their oil in plastic containers with litre markings against a transparent strip down the side, they have now gone retro with tin cans (and increased their prices---quelle surprise!) so now I can only guess at the volume I have poured in.

I have at the back of my mind that someone who ought to know said the oil should be kept topped up to half way up the hatching on the dipstick, not to the top of the hatching.

Does this ring any bells?

Would welcome any confirmation or otherwise. Thanks

John

[Heuer]

It is worth taking the time to do the job properly for your car because it is all too easy to bend the dipstick when replacing it. Ideally you should, at the next oil change, refill the car with exactly 8.5 litres and after an running it and leaving it an hour or so see where the level is on the hatching - that will be your true level. Until then keep the level to the top part of the hatching after checking the dip stick is perfectly straight.

A quick warning - overfilling with oil can be disastrous for your engine. If the crank starts slapping the oil in the sump it will cause it to aerate and the pump will not be able to circulate the oil meaning even after a short journey you will destroy the big ends!

[Piscator]

Hi David,
Many thanks for your reply. Right, first step:-I'll measure the amount of oil I have not put in the car ie what's left in the second 5 litre can (fingers crossed that it's 1.5 litres ideally or a little bit more!).

Cheers
John

[Herzeg]

John

Why don't you use your wife's measuring jugs from the kitchen, then leave them unwashed in the sink. That way you get to spend more time with your car when she throws you out

[cactusman]

8.5 litres gets mine to the top mark on the dipstick. Sadly it gradually goes down as the patented jaguar anti rust system gently distributes it....I keep mine between half and 3/4 between changes which get don't annually.

[Vegard]

8.5 litres gets mine to the top mark on the dipstick. Sadly it gradually goes down as the patented jaguar anti rust system gently distributes it....I keep mine between half and 3/4 between changes which get don't annually.