Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Not much oil in filter when removed

[Archive]

A month ago I did my first oil change, and when the old filter was removed, it was completely full of oil. I had already drained the crankcase, and I removed the filter 45 minutes after shutting of the engine.

Today I changed filters, 1. 5 hours after shutting down. I was concerned to find the filter was only 1/3 full of oil when I removed it. I also noticed a full 4-5 seconds elapse before the oil pressure gauge rises whenever I fire up, hot or cold.

Has anyone else had a similar experience? Anything to be concerned about? I am wondering if the filter could have clogged due to changing to synthetic oil--maybe some sludge/deposits worked loose, I don't know. Maybe a check valve isn't seating. I always thought the filter was kept primed. I can't understand how oil could run out of an upside-down filter, except by siphoning action back down thru the oil pump. Hope someone has some good ideas.

TIA,

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Vaughn MacKenzie

1998 3/4T Quad Cab 4x4, 24-valve, 5-speed w/3. 54 rear, White over Driftwood, Fog Lamps, Air Dam, Agate leather with most options.
245/75/16 Kelley Safari MSRs on M/T Classics, DeeZee running boards, diamond tread bedrail & tailgate protector.
54,722 miles (12/27/99)

 

[Archive]

That does sound unusual. I have never experienced that myself, but I am usually in a big hurry and spin the filter off just minutes after dumping the oil and of course the filter is over flowing with oil and I end up making a big mess. I use several catch pans!

What caught my attention to your post is that you said that it takes 4-5 seconds before you get oil pressure. My truck has always been slow (4-5 sec) to move the gauge on start up. I switched from 15-40 to Delo400 10-30 for winter use and still haven't noticed any faster pickup in the oil pressure at start up. I just thought that this was normal. Anyway, maybe someone else can enlighten us... good luck.

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FUNTON 1998. 5, 3500 Quad Cab Sport 24V,4X4, A/T (They pay me to shift gears!)Clearcoat Black, Mopar Mud Flaps with Geno's Crome tips and a Monster Tip, black back-up lights mounted under the bumper, Firestone Air Ride Rite helpers with a Bigfoot 10. 11 camper in the box for extra traction.

 

[Archive]

That is normal , I always wait about 15 minutes after draining the oil before I take the filter off , some of the oil drains back into the pan ,but only when the oil pump/ pick-up tube allows it. Not every time you shut off engine.
Since new , my oil pressure has always taken 2 or 3 seconds to register on the guage.


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99 3500 QC, white, 5sp, 3. 55lsd, isspro EGT & boost, stock, 26,200 miles 12-13-99- -EX phord owner
15-16. 5 MPG hwy ,14-15 city , 10-12 with 4,000lb TT

 

[Archive]

The delay in the gauge is normal. There was a thread about it not too long ago. Unfortunately I don't have a link. Anyway, the gauge delay was said to be in the electronics, not an actual delay in the oil pressure coming up. Pressure comes up the instant the engine is started, it just takes a bit for the gauge to catch up.

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2k Dodge Ram 2500 QC, Cummins 24v Diesel, 5-Speed Manual, SLT, 4x4, Full-Length Bed with Spray-On Ultimate Lining




[This message has been edited by Gary7 (edited 12-28-1999). ]

 

[Archive]

My oil pressure gauge takes about 4 seconds to come up, cold or warm and the level of oil in the filter has never been the same at a change. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

John

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1999 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 5 spd; 4:10 LSD rear; Mag-Hytec diff. cover; US Gear EGT and Boost gauges.
Rammin' and Runnin', but not stepping on the rails

 

[Archive]

Vaughn, The half full oil filter is normal. Mine always does this. I think it siphons back to the pan. Also when I change my oil,I let it drain overnight. This seems to help get all the old oil out. #ad

 

[Archive]

Thanks guys, you've put my mind at ease. . .

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Vaughn MacKenzie

1998 3/4T Quad Cab 4x4, 24-valve, 5-speed w/3. 54 rear, White over Driftwood, Fog Lamps, Air Dam, Agate leather with most options.
245/75/16 Kelley Safari MSRs on M/T Classics, DeeZee running boards, diamond tread bedrail & tailgate protector.
54,722 miles (12/27/99)

 

[Archive]

If possible, I let the oil drain overnight (and put a note on the steering wheel!) this seems to empty the oil filter by siphon.
Also, I fill the new filter with oil before installation to reduce the lag time before oil pressure appears.

 

[Archive]

I prefilled the new filter before removing the old one. Oil level on dipstick before filter change was about 1/4 qrt low (which is where it came to with 11-quart oil change 3K miles ago). After putting on the new filter, oil level is 1/4 qrt. above "Full" line. I suppose it's OK. In the future, I'll only add about 1/2 quart to a new filter to keep from overfilling.

 

[Archive]

Vaughn, I'm kinda' leaning towards going with the recommended volume of oil versus what the stick says. After carefully measuring the oil at replacement time (watching my dealer do it, that is), my dipstick reads about an inch "too full" -that indicates about two quarts!. There was a TSB about his somewhere in the past, but I don't have it at my fingertips. Considering the above, plus the fact I had to grind off the end of the transmission dipstick just so it would fit in the pan, I'd be more wary of the dipstick reading. From posts in the past, others have experienced the same thing.

'Doesn't mean your truck's "personality" is the same, though... Your method could well be perfect for your truck.

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Bruce Reynolds

Y2K 2500 QC 4X4 Sport, black 3. 54 auto, EVERY option but Cab Lights. Black brush/grille guard and bed rails (Dodge), black Westin nerfs. Black diamond plate in-the-bed tool box. K&N air filter. Westach gauges in the A-pillar. Kickaway Side Steps. Tailsafe, Steadfast Ignition Armor and other security stuff. Silencer ring and muffler OUT - Love that sound! Performance mods in the distant (post-warranty) future... Pesonalized tag issued yesterday: RAMPAGE

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Wow, I was poking around some of the old threads and found one I started when I had my FIRST Dodge Cummins! (That was 2 trucks ago!).



Just wanted to see if it's possible to bring 4 year old "archive" threads back from the dead Guess ya can!!!



Anyone else ever have their filter less than half full of oil at oil change time?? I never had it happen again after this one particular incident with my 1998 24-valve



Vaughn