Coolhand37

Hey guys, I just changed my oil a week ago or so. I bought three 1 gallon jugs of oil so I figured the oil level would be right on. Right after I changed my oil I started it to circulate the oil then checked it and it was right in the middle of the safe zone. I then checked it a couple days later after driving it and it was just over the full level, so I figured it rose because it sat for a day or so and all the oil had a chance to drain into the pan. So I took it for another short drive and checked the oil once again after sitting for a day, and now its a good 1/4" to 3/8" above the safe zone.

My question is where on the dipstick does the required 3 gallons put everyone else? Also if my oil level is rising how big of a problem do I have on my hands?

Any info would be great, I'm a little worried I have a large repair bill on my way.

Thanks in advance

Bark

I dont know anything but what I have read before on this site but I would not drive it anymore period...Until the guys who know about this stuff get on it.

RamWheelsBy4

Well I would let it sit overnight and check it in the morning before starting. Drive it normal and then check again in the morning before starting. It does take a while for the oil to drain back into the pan. I check mine always in the morning before it is started to get an accurate comparison.

Increasing oil levels can be bad, as in injectors dumping fuel when they shouldn't. But I would not panic, just check a couple of days like I said. Then if the level is consistent you should be good to go.

timcasbolt

Three gallons on mine brings it right to the full line if I dump the old oil while it's warm and let it drain out completely while I do all the underside inspection. That takes a good 15 minutes or so.

Coolhand37

Well I went down to our local dealership tonight and they happen to have a 2006 with like 12,000 miles on it or so. The doors were unlocked so I checked the oil on that one. It was dark out, but I think it was at the exact level mine is. Maybe I'm just being overly cautious with my pride and joy, but i figured since I put in the exact amount of oil my owners manual called for it would be in the specified safe zone???

Roperteacher

You can always send in an Oil analysis. THese are great tools to help diagnose or put your mind to rest. I use blackstone. If you are getting anything in there to make it rise, they will tell you what it is...

speakle

It says specifically in the manual to let the engine sit for either 10 or 15 minutes after you have run it and then check the oil. If you checked it the first time right after you shut it off the level will be lower.

Kevin Krieger

Same thing happened when I changed the oil the first time. Changed oil, started truck and checked for leaks, waited for 15-20 min and level was low but in safe zone. Checked it again the next morning after truck sat all night and it was right at the top.

MikeyB

3 gallons puts me slightly above the full mark.

MikeyB

Jeff in TD

If I put in 3 gallons it will put my truck just a wisker above the full line, if the truck has sat for an hour or so.

If I check the oil a few minutes after shut down, it will likely be in the middle of the range. It seems to take mine more than the usual 10 or 15 minutes for all the oil to make it back to the pan.

As mentioned above, I'd check it before starting the motor in the morning for a few times. I'd bet it's fine.

Most of the time when you talk to someone with an injector leaking into the valve cover, it dumps gallons of fuel into the oil in just a few miles...

Norm01

I have had the same issue, the oil level varies a lot depending when you check it. I also saw my oil level rise and thought I had a leaky injector. Now I check my oil on a level surface and exactly fifteen minutes after i turn it off, been getting consistent readings.

Danderson

Mine new was above the full mark with factory fill. I drained out about 1/2 qt. and now it's right in the middle of the safe zone. I'm going to do my first oil change soon and plan to dump in 12 qt.'s including filter and call it done.

bauer500

I think these motors are very sensitive to the level you are parked on mine is very different just being in a sloped driveway compared to flat parking lot. But same as above I takes a good couple hours for the oil to settle.

fbx22

Im not sure about 3rd gen but I know the 2nds call for 11 qts not 12 qts. Either way though, you have to wait a few hours to get an accurate reading after doing the oil change. Id say the reading you got after it sat for a day(provided it was on level ground) is the most accurate reading that you got. 12 should put you right above the full mark. Usually I put 11 in mine and then drive it for a few days and then add the remaining quart

Coolhand37

Thanks for the feedback guys! I'm definitely feeling a lot better about it not being a leaking injector. I will keep a close eye on it for the next few runs I take it on.