Oil Level on DIP Stick after Filter/Oil Change

[Leaky88]

Ref: http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1998/09-06-98.htm

ATTN: Any/ALL 99 Dodge 3500 owners PLEASE.

Hi,
My problem involves a 99 Dodge 3500, 2WD, 47RE, 5.9 ISB Cummins Engine, specifically the OVERFILL reading on the Dip Stick after dropping Oil, Changing Filter and adding 2.5 Gallons (10 QTS) of Rotella T4.

I understand some people allow the engine to drain ALL night. I did not do this, but I can't in my wildest dreams begin to think I left 2QTS of old oil in the engine. The oil on stick is crystal clear, and has no visible contaminates (Water/Fuel)

ANYWAY: I got the engine hot coming home after work (35 miles). I dropped the oil prior to dinner and probably waited 1hr or 2 before installing drain plug after there were no drips from crankcase. [Out with ALL the old and in with the new is my theory.] I put in a new primed Mopar filter and poured rest of 2.5 gallon into the Engine. I then started the Engine, let it run, and shut it down.

The next day, when I check the oil level COLD, it DIP stick indicates 1/2" above the top Safe mark. Not good, considering I only put 10QTS in the Engine TOTAL.

I'm just lost, I don't want to run it low and high is not good either.

A did some research and discovered the referenced TSB above.

I check oil level in the morning. Procedure is to stick the dip stick in all the way until it bottoms out under the hood/skirt at top of dip stick, correct?

So I took the part number (3935648) off my dip stick and Googled it. Up pops a Geno's ad for it. Fits a 98.5 - 00 5.9 Cummins. Stick is 45" long. Unless I take into account the depth of hood/skirt - at top of dip stick, mine is over 45" long. I measured this extra distance with a depth gauge and it equals the distance between the OEM "add" and "safe" area on the stick - which owner manual states is 2 quarts. I scribed this distance "above" the Safe Mark on my dip stick and when I re-inserted it, it came to half the distance between top OEM "safe" mark and my newly inscribed mark. So, if it's an 11 quart system, and I only put 10 quarts in it WITH a new filter. I should still be 1 quart low. Is this a possibility?


This is driving my crazy.

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Leaky

 

[Stox5225]

Any extra oil, the engine just throws out via the slobber tube. If you’re 2 qts. over, the issue will quickly resolve itself. And the worst case, it just froths up in the pan because the crank keeps smashing it. The bottom where the pick up tube is will be unaffected. 2 qts. is nothing in these engines.

When I change my oil every 20k, I’m due for a tire rotation (every 5k). I pop the plug and let it drain while I rotate the tires. When I’m done, I put the plug back in. 20 minutes tops including BS time with a buddy. After, I’m half way up “safe”. If you put 10-11 qts. of oil in, you’re fine. It’s the dipstick.

 

[Leaky88]

Stox5225,
Thanks. This has been driving me nuts. I appreciate the feedback.
Leaky

 

[Missouri Mule]

Friend told me years ago that diesels get rid of extra oil it doesn't need. You sure you filled the oil filter?

 

[KATOOM]

The oil capacity is 3 gallons for all the 2nd gens. Just drain the oil from a warm engine into a bucket for about 30 minutes. Remove the oil filter and pre-fill the new filter before installing. Pour the remaining of the three gallons of oil into the engine.
Start the engine and run for leaks. Shut it down and let it sit for 30 min or so and then check the dipstick level. Mark where the level is with a file because thats where it should be. Or get a new dipstick.

 

[Stox5225]

Also, use the same method every time you check the oil. For example, I check it every time I fill up. I start filling my truck, then pull the dipstick and let it sit until I’m full. Then I check the oil.

 

[DavidC]

Manual shows 11 with filter. At least that's what I have been doing since 99. Stick always shows full

 

[KATOOM]

Just for clarification, the only reason overfilling can ever be a problem in any engine is because of crank windage. But that said, windage is only a problem for high RPM engines where the crank could possibly contact the oil sump... There is no way crank windage is a problem on these engines.

Plus, an additional quart of fluid in a 11 quart oil pan isnt going to raise the level enough to ever contact the crank. What do you think happens when you drive up or down hill?

Just dump three gallons in there and then you dont have to worry about storing one quart until next time.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

My 2001.5 ALWAYS is over the full line after a long drain and oil/filter change (always add 11 quarts), about a 1/2" or so, up in the numbers above the full mark. Been that way 18 years and 293K miles.