dip stick

[jorton]

99 F150 4.2
I didn't know I was a quart low. with six quarts the level on the dip stick checks 1/2 a quart low. That's OK. The level checked only 1/8 inch lower and I drained out only 5 quarts when I changed the oil.
Should I just add half a quart every month to keep it full?

 

[JCC]

Make sure you always check the level at about the same engine temp. Ford usually wants the check done hot after a few minutes shutdown. The cold level can be 1/2 qt lower depending on sump shape even if the engine was fully warmed up before stopping. I would not add oil until it's at the low mark checked hot ( unless the manual says otherwise) to avoid overfilling.

 

[widman]

Unless it is at the add oil mark, nothing to worry about (if it's the right dip stick). Some oil stays in various parts of the engine, some take 30 minutes to show the correct level. Of course, if the pressure light comes on, it's seriously low.