5.7L Hemi® engine oil check procedure. *

[fnkychkn]

Two oil level check methods are recommended depending on present conditions. See notes provided below:


- Verify correct engine oil level gauge or dipstick is used. Two different dipsticks are available. The dipstick used in all wheel drive (AWD) models is twisted slightly. The dipstick used in rear wheel drive (RWD) models is flat / not twisted.

- Cold engine (engine off for 8 hours or more allows proper oil migration back to the oil pan): Check engine oil with dipstick. No special instructions involved.

- Hot engine (drive vehicle for apprximately 15 minutes to achieve 200 degrees oil temp): Shut engine off then wait 5 minutes before checking engine oil level. IMPORTANT: Oil level check before the 5 minute mark may be low due to the slow migration of oil back to the oil pan and oil level check after the 10 minute mark may be high due to thermal expansion of the engine oil.

[joseph]

Do you know the reason why it reads full after an oil change when we refill with 6.5qts, even though the manual says it needs 7 qts.?
I refilled it with 7qts at my first oil change and it was way overfilled, no matter how many times I checked afterwards (hot or cold) it was always overfilled, now it's always good at 6.5 qts, is the dipstick wrong or the manual?

[taki]

how about a procedure for the v6ers?

and (off topic), could you throw in the procedure for the 4.7L also? i always seem to overfill my dakota..

[quarky42]

joseph: How about draining it longer? I let mine drain for at least 30-45 minutes. Do you pour some oil into your new oil filter before putting the new one on?

I also change my oil after my car has sat over night or longer so all the oil is for sure in the pan.

Mine takes 6.8-7.0 quarts every time. The last .4 or .5 quarts always goes in after the car has run for a bit, sat for a bit, cecked the level and then filled...it has needed it every time.

[fnkychkn]

when it comes to engine oil, 1/2 quart low or high will make no difference to the engine. personally, i never check the level after changing the oil. i put the specified amount in and send him on his way. the only time i check after refill is if it's the first oil change i do on a new model/engine to make sure the spec is correct.

4.7L dakota engine oil capacity = 6.0 qts.

[fnkychkn]

from FSM:

2.7L & 3.5L engine oil level check procedure:

The best time to check engine oil level is after it has sat overnight, or if the engine has been running, allow the engine to be shut off for at least 5 minutes before checking oil level.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level reading . Add oil in the oil fill (5) only when the level is at or below the ADD mark.



from '05 dakota FSM:

Inspect engine oil level approximately every 800 kilometers (500 miles). Unless the engine has exhibited loss of oil pressure, run the engine for about five minutes before checking oil level. Checking engine oil level on a cold engine is not accurate.
To ensure proper lubrication of an engine, the engine oil must be maintained at an acceptable level. The acceptable levels are indicated between the ADD and SAFE marks on the engine oil dipstick.

1. Position vehicle on level surface.
2. With engine OFF, allow approximately ten minutes for oil to settle to bottom of crankcase, remove engine oil dipstick.
3. Wipe dipstick clean.
4. Install dipstick and verify it is seated in the tube.
5. Remove dipstick, with handle held above the tip, take oil level reading.
6. Add oil only if level is below the ADD mark on dipstick.

[srt61]

I also change my oil after my car has sat over night or longer so all the oil is for sure in the pan.

That is interesting. From the school I am from I was alsways taught to drain the oil when it was at normal running temperature, that way it will flow better/faster and any particles will be suspended in the oil (therefore will be drained too).

[sidetrack]

Do you know the reason why it reads full after an oil change when we refill with 6.5qts, even though the manual says it needs 7 qts.?
I refilled it with 7qts at my first oil change and it was way overfilled, no matter how many times I checked afterwards (hot or cold) it was always overfilled, now it's always good at 6.5 qts, is the dipstick wrong or the manual?

I have wondered the same thing myself. I always have the dealer change my oil and everytime the oil is about 3/8" above the safe line. Must be a DCX design error with the dipstick.

[joseph]

I alway let it drain for about 15-20 minutes with the filter off, that's more than enough, and wether or not I put oil in the filter before I put it on has nothing to do with checking the fluid later, and days later, all the oil is thoroughly mixed, and the amount is the same regardless.
Pouring oil in the filter before putting it on only serves to preload the pump and not cause the engine to run unlibricated for a few seconds while the pump is pushing oil in the filter, then up to the engine, if oil is already in the filter, it will be pushed up the engine right away providing almost instant lubrication (correct me or elaborate more if I'm wrong, fnkychkn)
I changed my oil 2 weeks ago, I checked it a few minutes after, I was top of the line (safe) with 6.4 qts, I checked it again that same evening hot, then in the morning cold, and again 5 minutes ago cold, and the level remains the same.
Next time I'll drain it for 30 minutes, even though it only drips a few drops every few seconds after 10 minutes, but just to please you I'll drain it longer next time, then I'll put the usual 6.4 qts and see if it reads full or needs more.

joseph: How about draining it longer? I let mine drain for at least 30-45 minutes. Do you pour some oil into your new oil filter before putting the new one on?

I also change my oil after my car has sat over night or longer so all the oil is for sure in the pan.

Mine takes 6.8-7.0 quarts every time. The last .4 or .5 quarts always goes in after the car has run for a bit, sat for a bit, cecked the level and then filled...it has needed it every time.

[Daniel454]

Mine takes about 7.5Qts every time.. but I am able to put almost a full qt in the filter as I use a larger filter. If I was to go back to the standard filter, I would be using about 7...

I do have a tendency to let it drain for a long time though, I heat the engine up, open the drain valve, and then remove the filter... I then move onto the wifes car (we almost always have the same service intervals) do the same steps with hers, then usually go get some lunch, or start another project... whatever.

After 30 minutes or longer (usually close to an hour depending on whatever project I have started!), I go back and put mine back together and re-fill, then do the same to hers.

[JSTBRAD]

I was wondering how often most people are changing the oil. My see dealer light comes on at about 2200 miles. I dont even have 8000 miles and its saying change the oil for the third time in 6 months. Is this normal for the 5.7.


Thanks Brad

[Fargo59]

that's based on an algorithm the PCM has. it calculates it off your driving habits, and conditions. it should run longer than 2200 miles, but if you're beating the tar out of the car, the PCM will ask for it.

[bmeyer40]

Do you know the reason why it reads full after an oil change when we refill with 6.5qts, even though the manual says it needs 7 qts.?
I refilled it with 7qts at my first oil change and it was way overfilled, no matter how many times I checked afterwards (hot or cold) it was always overfilled, now it's always good at 6.5 qts, is the dipstick wrong or the manual?

Just for referance if you have this issue use the NAPA 1515 oil filter. It has a larger capicity. Courtesy of Hemi31.