12 quarts here. I've always loved the simplicity of buying and using all 3 gallons. Puts here to the top of the fill line every time. Stays there til it gets drained.

 

When I have the oil changed I always tell the shop not to just pump the 12 Qts in, pump in only 10 Qts and then top it off at a level just under the full mark on the stick. If I don't do this I end up dripping oil out of the breather and staining the driveway. I have run diesels over thirty years in marine applications (tugs, military and private yachts) and found it better to maintain the oil level slightly lower then the full mark.

Tony

 

I always fill off the dipstick, and never the amount...

I thought I read about some erroneous dipsticks in some of the trucks, thou can't recall the year.

Mine takes about 13.5 Qts with my bypass and 2" level.

 

fill the filter and the remaing 3 gallons in the motor and its full on my dipstick.

 

X2 here.

 

I change my oil myself. It is my dads truck that always get overfilled, he doesn't really care, if it blows up he will just get it towed to the dealer. Not his problem, and he trades them in every 2 years anyways.

 

12 qts and it's at the full mark everytime.

 

Alright....so I ALWAYS change my own oil , and it has always been 12 qts. w/filter....today I do it and it`s 1/2 in over the full mark on the dipstick. Do I need to worry about it or not?

Normally I get out 2 1/2 - almost 3 full gallons , this time I was only able to get out around 2 1/4 gallons ....sounds like I might be a qt. over.

It`s going to be messy draining out a qt. or so , but if it`s a matter of harming the engine I`ll do it for sure.

What do you guys think , if it IS a qt. over will it need to be drained out?

 

If you are worried about it do not drain but go to the parts store and get a bottle transfer pump, and some small tubing and go down the dipstick to suck some out.

 

I'll have to check mine...not sure I ever have checked the oil when I changed it. I always dump in 3 gal and shut the hood!

 

Now that's thinkin' with your dipstick!

 

Cummins states it take's 12 qts and that is what is put in it and I've never had it show over full on the dip stick. I've found its best to let it set overnight to get an true reading on the dip stick as IIRC the manual states that it takes at least 15 minute for all of the oil to drain back into the pan after you shut it off.