TC oil level

[Fotog]

I changed the oil and put in 9 pints as the manual calls for.  The level now is significantly above the 'full' mark on the dipstick.  About 3/4 inch.  should I be concerned, or is it just some problem with the dipstick that I shouldn't worry about?

Vince

[tedtaylor]

assume you ran the engine to get the filter filled up w/ oil before measuring?

[Fotog]

Yes, I did.

[BDA]

I think it's better to fill the filter up before installing it - but to your main issue, if you put in the correct amount of oil (and assuming there are no changes that would change that amount like, for example, a different oil pan), I would trust your measurement over the dipstick. Assuming your dipstick is seated in a repeatable place, I would mark your stick to show the actual full mark. Something else that is important, but I'm not sure how you would test this, is that the crank not swing into your oil. You'll lose power and froth up your oil making it less effective.

[Fotog]

. Something else that is important, but I'm not sure how you would test this, is that the crank not swing into your oil. You'll lose power and froth up your oil making it less effective.

. Hmmm.  Thanks for your thoughts.  I thought that an excessive oil level was potentially a problem, but I didn't know what that problem might be.  If anybody has further thoughts, I'm all eyes.

I do recall seeing some previous thread with some discussion about an inaccurate dipstick.

[Pfreen]

I did the same as you and remarked the dipstick.  The level on mine is about 1/2” above the standard level.  I reconfirmed the level as correct when I pulled the engine and oil pan.  I checked after running the engine and filling the oil filter

[jbcollier]

How much higher than the mark on the dipstick?

Do you know the history of the engine?  Stock oil pan?  Stock dipstick?  Stock oil filter?  No spin-on conversion?

[4129R]

It seems I may have an explanation...... or a further problem.

1 US pint = 0.832674 UK pints.

9 US pints = 7.49 UK pints.

Therefore 9 UK pints would equal 10.80 US pints.

Just so we are comparing like with like, are your measurements both in the same US or UK scale?

Just asking.............

[Grumblebuns]

Assuming that the correct amount of oil was added per the manual, has anyone else experienced oil starvation on long sweeping fast corners (freeway on ramps). I'm suspecting my dipstick level is indicating a false normal level when actual level is slightly low. As far as I know, my engine has never been rebuilt so the dipstick tube was installed at the factory.

With my engine currently in the beginning of its rebuild, is there a way to verify that the dipstick tube is in the correct position. There's not much guidance in the Miles Wilkens book in this regard. During the engine tear down, I'll see how much damage the oil starvation issue caused to the bearings.

Also the factory manual specifies 9 US pints or 7.5 pints (UK?)

Joji Tokumoto
Fallbrook, Ca   

[TurboFource]

It seems I recently read that Twin Cam oil pan should be baffled to prevent oil
Starvation especially in right hand turns....I will see if can find where I read it later.
Preferably dry sump. Perhaps an Accusump would be a worthwhile investments?

[Pfreen]

When you take your engine apart, it will be clear to you what the oil level should be.  You will also be able to see what the dipstick is measuring.  Basically, the oil level should be as high as possible but never allow the crankshaft to dip in the oil.   

I also welded in a Kelvedon sump baffle to prevent losing oil pressure during fast cornering.   This is the same as the one RD sells.  I am not a super racer in my car, but I have not lost oil pressure during fairly fast cornering.  It seemed like the best compromise between it and and an accusump or a dry sump for my car.

[Fotog]

How much higher than the mark on the dipstick?

Do you know the history of the engine?  Stock oil pan?  Stock dipstick?  Stock oil filter?  No spin-on conversion?

It's close to 3/4 in. above the full mark. 
Regarding history, the engine was rebuilt sometime before I bought the car with 54,000 miles on it 34 years ago (as a foolish young man) and I really don't know any details about what was done, except that it has some sort of Iskenderian cam in it.  I have only put a couple of miles on it since pulling it out of retirement six or so months ago.
The oil filter is stock. Dipstick certainly appears to be original, and the oil pan looks like it would be stock.
Other things about the car tell me that it was not treated with loving care, so I would think an upgraded or modified oil pan was unlikely.
No spin-on conversion.

[Fotog]

It seems I may have an explanation...... or a further problem.

1 US pint = 0.832674 UK pints.

9 US pints = 7.49 UK pints.

Therefore 9 UK pints would equal 10.80 US pints.

Just so we are comparing like with like, are your measurements both in the same US or UK scale?

Just asking.............

I don't think there's any problem there.  The manual calls for 9 US pints, and that's how much I put in.

[BDA]

No spin-on conversion.

I assume what you mean is there is no oil filter conversion and you still have the original spin-on oil filter. I didn't think any Europa, and certainly a TC, had anything but!

[jbcollier]

On second thoughts, just the very earliest TC engines had a canister filter with an internal replaceable element.

There are different length versions of the oil filter.  Is yours a short one?