Dipstick Reads High After OCI

[JerryBob]

I changed the factory oil on my Tacoma 6-cyl, putting in 5.5 quarts (with filter), per the manual. I poured the old oil into the Mobil1 5 quart container, until it almost overflowed, and I still had some left in the drain pan. So I am pretty sure that roughly 5.5 quarts came out of it.

However, after driving it for about 20 miles, the dipstick reads what appears to be 1 entire quart over. This was after letting it sit for 24 hours.

I also had a similar issue with my previous Tacoma (4-cyl).

I can't really drain any out unless I want to reuse the crush washer (or stick my finger in there while I try to put a new crush washer on). I also thought about just putting on a new, dry filter.

Should I obsess about this? Next time, I am putting exactly 5 quarts in, and not buying and splitting an extra quart in half.

 

[901Memphis]

The only explanation is that it was over filled from the factory or maybe the dipstick is wrong?


Sometimes the dipstick can vary by model.

Did it appear over filled before you drained the FF?

 

[qdeezie]

I will probably get flamed for this, but you can use your crush washer twice. I wouldn't recommend using it over two times, though.

 

[HTSS_TR]

How do check the oil level on dipstick ? Just pull out the dipstick after parking for 24 hours ?

You should wipe the oil on dipstick on the first pull, reinsert dipstick fully then pull out to read the oil level.

To avoid over filling the sump you should check the oil level before drain, if the level was full then fill the sump equal to amount drain out.

 

[oldhp]

2014 RAM 3.6 takes 6qts with filter. I put in 5qts so I know where 1qt low is really at. 1qt low shows "nothing" on dipstick. Add 1qt, let it sit 10mins, it shows just above 1/2qt low. If dealer or local oil change place changes oil, you can bet it will be right on the full mark so they are good to go, but actually over filled crankcase.

 

[mrsilv04]

Originally Posted By: qdeezie
I will probably get flamed for this, but you can use your crush washer twice. I wouldn't recommend using it over two times, though.


Can't be too careful. I've never replaced one... ever.

 

[901Memphis]

I too have heard many re use the crush washer a second time with no issues but if re used twice it will begin to weep.

 

[guyonearth]

Why worry about it? That extra amount isn't going to hurt anything...and it's nowhere near the crank, I bet.

 

[guyonearth]

Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
I too have heard many re use the crush washer a second time with no issues but if re used twice it will begin to weep.


Washer? What washer?

 

[Noobie]

Its a common issue with Toyotas. Mine has the same issue, it ALWAYS shows overfilled even after i didnt use the car for a couple days. I searched around the web and its normal.
Toyotas are [censored]. Zero engineering in them, even the dipstick doesnt works.
Personally, i will probably never buy another one.

 

[fredfactory]

Originally Posted By: qdeezie
I will probably get flamed for this, but you can use your crush washer twice. I wouldn't recommend using it over two times, though.


Flip the washer over and it will crush differently and seal. To be sure, smear a little silicon sealant on the base of the threads, not much, then put it on.

 

[mongo161]

When I use the same filter for back to back oci's, the engine sump usually takes about the same amount of oil that is used in a fill with a new filter.

This only happens when I use a light weight oil like 0w20 with 0w30 oils for the winter run. However, I usually use conventional oil in 5w30 weight for the second run, in warmer weather, since the engine is coated with the synthetic oil from the first oci.

 

[jacky]

if it was a newer vehicle it would bother me and i would change the oil again
my car has severe leaks so i could live with a slight overfill

 

[JerryBob]

I decided the safest and cleanest (in terms of mess) was to just pop on a new filter (bought a XG3614 at WM). The M1 filter was pretty full when I pulled it off.

I am going to check it in the morning. Or not. Tired of worrying about it. I did everything right, so if the dipstick is wrong...I've got better things to worry about.

Next time, I will stop at 5, though.

First time I've run a Fram. The oil light went out immediately when I installed it, and no start up noise. This is the engine where the filter faces straight down.

 

[jacky]

my car uses that same filter

 

[dernp]

Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
I too have heard many re use the crush washer a second time with no issues but if re used twice it will begin to weep.


I rarely replace. Zero issues.

 

[JerryBob]

Originally Posted By: dernp
Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
I too have heard many re use the crush washer a second time with no issues but if re used twice it will begin to weep.


I rarely replace. Zero issues.



Out of ignorance, I didn't change the CW on my wife's minivan for the 1st ten years of oil changes. Then, I went to change the ATF myself, after having it done. I didn't replace that CW either, and it promptly leaked.

Now I change them, just for peace of mind. I bought a bag of 20 or so online that should last longer than the car.

 

[901Memphis]

I'm not used to crush washers, my Gm plug has a built-in rubber o ring and it pretty much weeps very little in matter what torque I put on it. It not enough to drip so I don't think I'm going to replace it yet.

 

[Drewby83]

I have the same engine. 5.5 qts is the correct amount of oil with a filter change. dipstick is tricky on the Tacoma. I check when cold and go by where the oil is solidly on the stick if that makes any sense. There is always some streaky looking oil on the dipstick which is just part of the design of it. Just a little tricky. Believe there are forums about it on tacomaworld.com. You are fine. Not sure why the poster above hated on Toyotas but I love my truck. They keep it simple. I don't have to worry about 30 different sensors breaking on the Tacoma that's for sure. Good little pick up trucks that will last and last.

Also, I use the same crush washer for a while with no issues.

 

[SilverC6]

Sounds like the dipstick might be wrong.

Put the factory prescribed amount in and call it good.

During the dealer service period for my Camrys, the dealer didn't use any crush washers on the drain plug.

I didn't know they even had one!!!

No leaks...