Originally Posted By: Grebbler
Bottom line: Follow the manual and
hope there are no typos.
...and maybe verify certain things. Here's why:
I've found one
obvious error in the Camry manual: the battery's open voltage specs.
I've also found one
probable error in the Camry manual: the oil quantity difference between L (low) and F (full) marks on the dipstick.
I contend that the stated US quart spec is too low. Here's why:
- Checked oil level on dipstick using all recommended parameters (hot engine, level surface, wiped, fully inserted, etc.); reading at 25% between L and F marks (i.e. 75% of area between L and F has no oil on it).
- Did some math to calculate amount to add to get to F mark, as follows: 0.7 quarts between L and F times 0.75 of distance between L and F that's dry equals .52 quart; .52 quart times 32 oz/per quart equals 16.8 oz.
- Rounding down a bit for simplicity, poured 16 oz. oil into measuring cup, then poured all of that into oil fill hole.
- Waited 10 minutes and checked oil level via dipstick; result: very close to halfway between L and F marks.
- Assuming that reading is lower than expected due to not running the newly added 16 oz through the system, I cranked it, revved it at about 2k RPM for about 5 minutes and then, just for extra good measure, drove it about 2 miles around my 'hood for another 5 minutes before parking it precisely where it was parked before (i.e. flat section of driveway).
- Waited 10 minutes and checked oil level via dipstick; result: very close to halfway between L and F marks.
- Suspecting the spec in the manual to be incorrect, poured 8 oz. oil into measuring cup, then poured all of that into oil fill hole (we're now at 24 total oz. added).
- Waited 10 minutes and checked oil level via dipstick; result: right at F mark.
My conclusion: The manual is incorrect on this spec. I realize that it states "approximately" and that's not intended to be precise and following the manual definitely won't create any problems; however, I'm just doubtful that, had I conducted this same test starting with an
oil level right at the L mark, it'd still have required the same 24 total oz. to get to the F mark. I suspect that it'd require 32 oz., just like most other US vehicles. What say you folks? Is this merely an example of an intentional wide (i.e. 25%) margin of error by engineering in an attempt to prevent
any overfilling?
Originally Posted By: electrolover
Originally Posted By: Donald
So a follow-up question. What is the least amount of oil you will add when you are low. (How low before you add oil?) One cup (8 oz) PT (16 oz) QT (32 oz). (I hope no one says "when the light comes on!)
Will you add the remainder of an opened QT, or exactly what is needed?
I add if its a half quart low. Really just being in the middle of the stick is fine, but I like it to be at the top of the mark. So if it will hold a 1/2 without going over I add. If not I dont.
I've also been using this approach and practice.
