Dip SticK Full Mark

[Speedwaypj]

I have a 1969 429 Thunder Jet with an aftermarket Dip Stick. How far from the dip stick seal is the FULL mark. My Dip Stick tube sticks up 1" out of the timing case. I have estimated 16 1/4" from the seal down to the full mark.
- Also how much oil (5 qt ?), I have a remote oil filter (Long one) and 10 feet of 1/2" hose which is a little over 1/2 qt more.
- I plan to do first start up today; Bought in boxes in 1971...
Thanks,
PJ

[Dwight]

Find out how much oil your pan holds. Then pour that amount into the engine. Check your dip stick after ten minutes or so. Drain down time.
I have remarked some dip stick with an engraving tool and some I have cut off to move the full mark. You note where the oil is on the stick. If you cut the stick then just measure where the full mark is and where the oil shows on the stick.
If you need to add length it's a bigger problem. I did weld two sticks together one time but with an after market unit just try to find a new one that is longer. Or use the engraving tool.
Once you have the oil matching the full mark on your dip stick then crank the engine for a couple of minutes, shut it down, let the oil drain back into pan, check the dip stick and add what oil you need to bring it back to the full mark.
When you change oil you don't generally drain the remote lines or a cooler. If you have a 5 qt pan with a remote filter you will need about 6 to 6 1/2 qts.
I have removed a pan and pour a measured amount of water into till it reaches full point in the pan so I would know how much the pan holds. Dry out the pan, install it onto the motor to remark a dip stick. But a stock pan you should be able to find out hold much it holds.
Check Ebay and read the ads. Watch out because some ads list the pan amount with the oil filter included.
IMHO

Dwight
hope this helps

[Speedwaypj]

Dwight - thanks, that would work but it is all Assembled - I'll put 5 qts in and mark it. I was thinking when someone had a chance (with a similar engine) they could just measure where their Fill mark is from the seal.
Thanks again,
PJ

[Tom Wells]

PJ,

Depends on the pan too. Both of my 385 series blocks have the aftermarket Ford Racing pans that have 6-quart capacity; alas, one has a dipstick going to the pan. Fortunately the Cobra has the front cover type.

I measured the one in the Cobra and what I found is going onto my web site here: First Coast Cobra Club • View topic - Dipstick measurements

Hope it helps.

Tom

PS: We are in Saint Augustine in case you get up this way!

[Speedwaypj]

Tom,
Thanks, I estimated 16 1/4" but that was with only about 4 1/2 quarts. I'll go with your measurement - seem safer.
I plan to start it shortly; then only about another year to finish......LOL
Thx,
PJ

[Tom Wells]

PJ,

You might bring it up to 5 quarts and re-measure. If you plan to track the car, having too much in the pan can cause problems. Experience taught me being 1/2 quart low is better than too much. Or is that me

Tom

[mdross1]

Originally Posted by Dwight

Find out how much oil your pan holds. Then pour that amount into the engine. Check your dip stick after ten minutes or so. Drain down time.
I have remarked some dip stick with an engraving tool and some I have cut off to move the full mark. You note where the oil is on the stick. If you cut the stick then just measure where the full mark is and where the oil shows on the stick.
If you need to add length it's a bigger problem. I did weld two sticks together one time but with an after market unit just try to find a new one that is longer. Or use the engraving tool.
Once you have the oil matching the full mark on your dip stick then crank the engine for a couple of minutes, shut it down, let the oil drain back into pan, check the dip stick and add what oil you need to bring it back to the full mark.
When you change oil you don't generally drain the remote lines or a cooler. If you have a 5 qt pan with a remote filter you will need about 6 to 6 1/2 qts.
I have removed a pan and pour a measured amount of water into till it reaches full point in the pan so I would know how much the pan holds. Dry out the pan, install it onto the motor to remark a dip stick. But a stock pan you should be able to find out hold much it holds.
Check Ebay and read the ads. Watch out because some ads list the pan amount with the oil filter included.
IMHO

Dwight
hope this helps

With the Canton pan I got did exactly this poured in the required amount dropped in the dipstick then made my own mark. A lot of people in the know comment on my big block Chev dipstick.

[CHANMADD]

I like to mark the stick level with the lowest part of the crank. when its upside on an engine stand it is easier....

[Speedwaypj]

Thanks all!
PJ

[mdross1]

Originally Posted by CHANMADD

I like to mark the stick level with the lowest part of the crank. when its upside on an engine stand it is easier....

The best way to go for sure but an oversight on my part. The dipstick I used was too long to begin with so once the bottom of the pan was established it was easy to find the correct level to mark the stick once oil was in and all lines filled.

[Steve Gallegos]

I have a 351W with remote oil filter and oil cooler. without the cooler the book says it should take 5 qrts. I was told to put in an extra qrt for the cooler. I put in 5qrts which came right up to the fill mark, I then added another qt and marked where that came to. Question, is it wrong to add the extra qrt for the oil cooler

[mdross1]

It is the right thing to do.

[Dwight]

Steve
pour in the 5 qt and check the dipstick to see if the oil is at the full mark.
Then crank the motor and let it run for a couple of minutes.
Shut it off and wait till the oil drains back into the oil pan.
Then check the dipstick and add oil till it is back to the full mark.

I have found that a filter will not hold a qt of oil. Maybe a 1/3 to 1/2 qt.
The length of the hoses and the size of the cooler plus the filter MAY hold a qt or more.

I think most stock pan are rated for the amount of oil they hold includes the filter.
Last year while searching for a stock 440 Chrysler oil pan I found some listed the pan as 4 1/2 qt or others listed the same pan as a 5 qt. The filter was the differents.
If you have a 1/2 qt to much oil in a street car, I don't think it's a problem.

Dwight