When do you top off?
- Thread starter NMBurb02
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I add 1/2 quart at some point after it goes below 1/2 quart low.
Originally Posted By: 2James1
Maybe a case of oil level OCD but when I top off it's almost always 8oz. at a time.
This is what I've done for the past few years, at least up until this spring when I set a more liberal goal for myself.
Originally Posted By: volk06
I only refill when I hit the minimum mark. There's no need to top off before then.
This is one of my goals for 2013.
Originally Posted By: KHP
I found that some engines consume more oil when filled to the "full" mark.
I've read about this and I'm intrigued by it. I've not yet seen a plausible explanation for this phenomenon.
Maybe a case of oil level OCD but when I top off it's almost always 8oz. at a time.
This is what I've done for the past few years, at least up until this spring when I set a more liberal goal for myself.
Originally Posted By: volk06
I only refill when I hit the minimum mark. There's no need to top off before then.
This is one of my goals for 2013.
Originally Posted By: KHP
I found that some engines consume more oil when filled to the "full" mark.
I've read about this and I'm intrigued by it. I've not yet seen a plausible explanation for this phenomenon.
Originally Posted By: diver1972
Originally Posted By: KHP
I found that some engines consume more oil when filled to the "full" mark.
I've read about this and I'm intrigued by it. I've not yet seen a plausible explanation for this phenomenon.
The only sensible answer will be that a larger amount of splash in the pan causes additional vapor that drawn off by the PCV or maybe increases leakage, it's no doubt a exception vs rule...
Excepting for maybe engines with a front sump pan that have a marginal supply of oil at the pickup under hard acceleration(like my old Fairlane), there really isn't a legitimate reason to top up at less than the add mark... Adding 2-4oz is just pure OCD, no way a increase in TBN of .05(if that)is going to make a difference to any engine produced since their invention...
BTW the marginal oil system in my 428CJ Fairlane was addressed by Ford, for drag racing they offered a deep sump oil pan and pickup that cures the issue... Unfortunately it reduces ground clearance by approx 2", isn't something that's necessarily a good idea on a street vehicle...
Originally Posted By: KHP
I found that some engines consume more oil when filled to the "full" mark.
I've read about this and I'm intrigued by it. I've not yet seen a plausible explanation for this phenomenon.
The only sensible answer will be that a larger amount of splash in the pan causes additional vapor that drawn off by the PCV or maybe increases leakage, it's no doubt a exception vs rule...
Excepting for maybe engines with a front sump pan that have a marginal supply of oil at the pickup under hard acceleration(like my old Fairlane), there really isn't a legitimate reason to top up at less than the add mark... Adding 2-4oz is just pure OCD, no way a increase in TBN of .05(if that)is going to make a difference to any engine produced since their invention...
BTW the marginal oil system in my 428CJ Fairlane was addressed by Ford, for drag racing they offered a deep sump oil pan and pickup that cures the issue... Unfortunately it reduces ground clearance by approx 2", isn't something that's necessarily a good idea on a street vehicle...
I top off when I feel like it. I don't drive hard, and will change my driving habits based upon weather conditions and vehicle condition. Tires getting close to wear bars? Drive slower in rain. Oil a bit low on the dipstick? No shifting at redline.
I usually overfill in the first place, and if I had an oil burner I'd probably wait until it was a full quart low just prior to oil change time.
I usually overfill in the first place, and if I had an oil burner I'd probably wait until it was a full quart low just prior to oil change time.
Engine oil: at 5k miles if I'm doing 7.5k change. I'll never top off if I do 5k change because it doesn't go low enough.
Any other fluid: never, if I have to top off I'll probably either dump the car or fix the leak (or plugged vent).
Any other fluid: never, if I have to top off I'll probably either dump the car or fix the leak (or plugged vent).
Although I haven't had a vehicle in some time that noticeably consumed/leaked oil between OCIs, some in past years I would normally top off if it would drop about half way between add & full marks.
1/2 way between the add and full marks. Only the saturn has to be topped off. Or you can be like my BIL. He says he knows when to add oil without looking at the dipstick. He listens for a clacking sound then adds oil! ( I can't convince him otherwise.)
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