Losing oil somehow?

[Riptide]

I have an 06 mustang GT with the 3v 4.6L SOHC. Currently using Pennzoil Platinum 5w-20.

1100 miles ago, about 2 months back, the oil was changed. Had Mobil 1 5w-20 in there before.

When I last changed the oil I checked the level after adding 6 quarts and it was 1/2 way between the two dots. I topped it off and got it up to the top dot.

I checked it last night and noticed the level seems to have crept down a small amount. Approx 3mm from the top dot. Now it is about 3/4 up between the two.

Is there a problem? Engine doesn't leak or burn that I can tell visually. Only has 11,000 miles.

 

[panthermike]

I have heard that some people have used oil with PP for an OCI or two. Happened to my brother's F150, he's on his 3rd OCI now and it seems to be fine.

BTW, if your car calls for 6qts and it is halfway up the stick, I would leave it, it will be fine.

 

[glenncof]

Yea, my 3005 3L Ford only fills to 50% on oil change. I believe Ford designed it that way to minimize crank splashing in the pan for slightly better mileage.

 

[Riptide]

Ah OK. So I should just keep an eye on it. How many more times should I change the oil before I take it in, assuming it keeps dropping on me?

If something is really wrong, what would cause this in an engine with so few miles relatively?

 

[Smokescreen]

Try switching to a 5w30 for 1 OCI.

 

[lazaro]

Originally Posted By: Riptide
I have an 06 mustang GT with the 3v 4.6L SOHC. Currently using Pennzoil Platinum 5w-20.

1100 miles ago, about 2 months back, the oil was changed. Had Mobil 1 5w-20 in there before.

When I last changed the oil I checked the level after adding 6 quarts and it was 1/2 way between the two dots. I topped it off and got it up to the top dot.

I checked it last night and noticed the level seems to have crept down a small amount. Approx 3mm from the top dot. Now it is about 3/4 up between the two.

Is there a problem? Engine doesn't leak or burn that I can tell visually. Only has 11,000 miles.

you check the oil level in the morning with a cold engine?

 

[SnakeOil]

You could have not been on level ground. When you check oil, try to always check it at the same place if you don't already.

 

[roushstage2]

Well, either way something seems wrong unless you have a leak. That engine with filter only holds 6 qts. of oil and you've put in 6.5 now. Did you check it in the same, level spot when cold?

 

[Riptide]

6.0 puts it right in the middle on the dipstick. That's normal. I've seen it discussed in the forums. It takes about another .25-.50 quarts to get it to the full mark.

I have not been checking it on a cold engine in the morning. I drive the car and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. Then I check the level.

It has been checked on the same surface consistently so the level probably doesn't have much to do with it.

 

[PT1]

Originally Posted By: Riptide
6.0 puts it right in the middle on the dipstick. That's normal. I've seen it discussed in the forums. It takes about another .25-.50 quarts to get it to the full mark.

I have not been checking it on a cold engine in the morning. I drive the car and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. Then I check the level.

It has been checked on the same surface consistently so the level probably doesn't have much to do with it.


Check it in the morning after it sits all night.

 

[Benzadmiral]

Originally Posted By: panthermike
I have heard that some people have used oil with PP for an OCI or two. Happened to my brother's F150, he's on his 3rd OCI now and it seems to be fine. . . .


My Buick has; just under a quart of Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 in 5000 miles, during two OCIs.

 

[GMorg]

The middle of the range is the full point. The top line means "don't use more than this" and the bottom line means "don't use less than this".

 

[SAJEFFC]

Originally Posted By: GMorg
The middle of the range is the full point. The top line means "don't use more than this" and the bottom line means "don't use less than this".
I agree. I have the same car but 2008 model 4.6 I put 6 qts in per manual and it always goes to dead center of low and high mark on dipstick. I think its just the nature of the beast!

 

[Gary Allan]

There may be some initial volatility issue. Maybe Doug Hillary will chime in. When he serviced his rigs, there was some "leveling" process that occurred right out of the gate (iirc). They then just maintained it in the given range.

Here's an easy experiment. Top it off to the full mark. Does it stay there, or does it retreat to the midspan of the stick. If it stays there, it was some flashing off of some component in the oil (fully intended to do so, I'm sure). If it retreats to the mid-span and stays there, then it is probably some windage issue that won't tolerate the higher level while in (your) operation.

You should be able to tell the difference between regular consumption and the other types by the rate. If it's windage, it should stabilize in a short time/mileage ..then the consumption should slow.

If it's volatility, then it shouldn't return since you're volatilizing a much smaller amount compared to the new fill.

If the consumption appears to be relatively linear (but what you feel is excessive), check your PCV system for proper operation.

 

[SnakeOil]

My F150 eats a little oil initially with a related modular engine, but then it doesn't consume a drop (with synthetic).

 

[roushstage2]

Originally Posted By: GMorg
The middle of the range is the full point. The top line means "don't use more than this" and the bottom line means "don't use less than this".

Great point. Seems I forgot to reply with this, duh on my part, lol. But yes, in the middle is exactly where you want it.

 

[addyguy]

Originally Posted By: roushstage2
Originally Posted By: GMorg
The middle of the range is the full point. The top line means "don't use more than this" and the bottom line means "don't use less than this".

Great point. Seems I forgot to reply with this, duh on my part, lol. But yes, in the middle is exactly where you want it.


Uuummm.....no. Don't know where you got your information, but the top line of a dipstick is where you want the oil to be. That is the amount the man. designed for their to be in the engine.

Now, agreed, they did build in a 'safe range' to allow for consumption, etc., and running with the oil at the half-way point isn't going to do any harm - but on the top line is the 'ideal' where you want the oil to be.

 

[Riptide]

Actually the manual states quite clearly that if the level is in between the two dots to not add oil. It actually boldfaces that. So topping it off to hit the top dot is specifically a no-no according to the manual. However some people still do it anyway and no harm comes.

Regarding the PCV system - what is that? Is that what you get an oil catch can for when you put a blower in the car?

 

[SAJEFFC]

Originally Posted By: addyguy
Originally Posted By: roushstage2
Originally Posted By: GMorg
The middle of the range is the full point. The top line means "don't use more than this" and the bottom line means "don't use less than this".

Great point. Seems I forgot to reply with this, duh on my part, lol. But yes, in the middle is exactly where you want it.


Uuummm.....no. Don't know where you got your information, but the top line of a dipstick is where you want the oil to be. That is the amount the man. designed for their to be in the engine.

Now, agreed, they did build in a 'safe range' to allow for consumption, etc., and running with the oil at the half-way point isn't going to do any harm - but on the top line is the 'ideal' where you want the oil to be.
Uhhhhhh Wrong. As stated in the post below...the owners manual clearly states that the oil level should be between the dots. I've owned three of the current body style Mustangs with the 4.6 V8. ALL three read between the dots when 6 quarts of oil were put in.

 

[Riptide]

http://www.stangnet.com/Tech-Articles/Create-A-PCV-Valve-Bypass-System.html

So if that is the issue then I've probably got about an ounce or two of oil all over my intake manifold then. Nice design! Pffftt...

Guess next time I change the oil I'll put in six even and that's it. And when I get a blower I'll definitely setup a catch can.

That is ofcourse assuming that is what is going on here. I'll keep an eye on it. I don't feel like taking the manifold off right now.