I have a '93 Cummins and just changed the oil last weekend. I put about 800 miles/year on it so I change the oil just once a year. This time I got the engine warm and allowed it to drain overnight--I loosened the filler cap during this time.

The next day I completed the change including a new oil filter. I had 3-1 gallon containers of oil and this should have filled it. I used some of this oil to fill the filter before it was installed. After I used all 3 gallons and running the engine for about 2 minutes, I checked the dipstick about 30 minutes later and it is reading half way between the dashed marks.

I rechecked the manual and sure enough it says it takes 12 qts with the filter change. I know there's 12 qts in the engine--why is it reading low on the dipstick?

Any help will be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Jim

 

I have always heard 3 gallons And one 1qt in the filter.

 

That's what I do and level seems to be pretty close to perfect

 

On 2 different trucks doing oil changes, 3 gallons total gets it right at the full line.

 

Interesting. I looked in the owners manual and it says the crankcase capacity = 11 qts and filter = 1 qt. I have a Mopar 2.5" Service Manual and it says cc = 12 qts and add 0.5 qts with filter change.

Thanks for the replies.

Jim