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John Lapina
Dodge Dakota
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7/03/2003
13:46:22

Subject: Crankcase Oil Level
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I have a 2000 Dakota with the 4.7 liter V8 and am concerned with oil level. The manual says the engine takes 6 qts. with filter change. The 6 qts. results in oil level on dipstick reading about 1 qt. above full line. Neither dealers or Dodge customer assistance can help determine correct capacity. I heard some dipsticks were incorrectly manufactured, but Dodge denies it. I just want the specified 6 qts. to bring oil level to the 'full' mark on dipstick. Any advice???



eallen
Dodge Dakota
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7/03/2003
14:47:26

RE: Crankcase Oil Level
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I have a 2001 4.7L and I would tend to agree with you. I have a feeling that when the dipstick says full it is actually 1 quart low. The reason I say this is because I get a pinging noise when the oil is still in the safe zone but adding oil (up to full or over full) makes this noise less noticable. I have been to the dealer numerous times for this problem with no help. I also always get my oil changed at the dealer and when I check my oil it is exactly "full" per the dipstick but I don't think it is really full.

I plan on changing my own oil next time to see what the stick registers with 6 quarts per the specification.



dkr8611
Dodge Dakota
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7/03/2003
16:06:42

RE: Crankcase Oil Level
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I have a 2001 4.7 Quad cab 2wd. I change my own oil and use 6 quarts. After running the engine to fill the oil filter, it comes out perfect every time.



wr280f
Dodge Dakota
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7/05/2003
16:36:12

RE: Crankcase Oil Level
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I got my 03 4.7 in Dec 02 and it read low when I first checked it,topped it off thinking it was not filled correctly from factory.At first oil change,1000kms,installed exactly 5.7liters of oil with a filter and it read low again,halfway in the safe zone.Just did another oil change w/filter yesterday and it reads the same again,low.Will be phoning the dealer on monday to see if they can take a look at it,anyone know what the actual length of the dipstick is?



dcxer
Dodge Dakota
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7/06/2003
00:18:42

RE: Crankcase Oil Level
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The proper level is 6 qts with a new dry filter.



eallen
Dodge Dakota
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7/08/2003
11:18:52

RE: Crankcase Oil Level
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I just did an oil change myself and put exactly 6 quarts in. The dipstick reads low (1/8 below full but still in the safe zone)



JasonB
Dodge Dakota
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7/08/2003
13:46:44

RE: Crankcase Oil Level
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There is a reason the dipstaick has a SAFE range noted on it. Anywhere in this range is acceptable for oil fill level, otherwise, it would not read SAFE.



eallen
Dodge Dakota
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7/08/2003
16:49:34

RE: Crankcase Oil Level
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JasonB,

True, but wouldn't you worry if you were only 1/8 ABOVE or just EVEN with the safe mark? This would mean you are almost 1qt low. Being 1qt low in my mind is NOT safe.



JasonB
Dodge Dakota
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7/08/2003
17:01:36

RE: Crankcase Oil Level
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If you are referring to the bottom edge of the safe mark, no I would not worry too much although I would not leave it there long. The only reason I posted what I did earlier was to point out that being "exact" is not necessary.



wr280f
Dodge Dakota
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7/08/2003
20:49:25

RE: Crankcase Oil Level
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Dcxer I am working in liters not quarts,5.7 liters is 6 quarts so I would have expected it to read full or fairly close.The first oil change it read full after adding another 3/4 liter so this means I installed 6.450 liters(approx.6.8 quarts) in order to get it to the full mark on the dipstick,this is not right,I drained the excess to get it down to 5.7liters again which is half way in the safe zone.Talked to dealer today and he is going to try to get me the measurement for the dipstick or he suggested the tube may not be installed properly.



dcxer
Dodge Dakota
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7/09/2003
01:26:44

RE: Crankcase Oil Level
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First why are you working in liters? Second the oil fill is 5.7L or 6 qts with a dry filter( the short one).No more no less.You may have the the wrong dipstick tube or dipstick but the fill of 6 qts is correct.The tube may be slightly bent or not be completely seated into the hole in the block.How long did you wait before checking the level? 4.7L engines need about 5-7 minutes before checking the oil level.Start the engine and let it warm up to normal temp.Shut it down and check the level immediately.Then wait 5-7 minutes and check it again.The oil level will be much higher.Try it.



Lurkin
Dodge Dakota
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7/09/2003
09:19:21

RE: Crankcase Oil Level
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Don't forget that the 4.7 is a "slow drain" engine. If you are checking the oil level on a warm/just run engine, the level may appear low. I would consider checking it when cold before you start it. I've noticed that it can vary by the "safe" margin on the dipstick depending on if you check it cold or hot.



dcxer
Dodge Dakota
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7/09/2003
10:07:02

RE: Crankcase Oil Level
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FYI. The oil dipstick level calibration is done with hot oil not cold.



wr280f
Dodge Dakota
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7/09/2003
21:05:23

RE: Crankcase Oil Level
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I have to fill it by liters because I live in Canada eh,only way the oil comes in jugs here and I am using the Napa gold #1085 filter.I have tried it several different ways and it just is not reading right,cold,hot at the end of a gas fill.
Not to sound like some kind of pervert or anything but can someone give me a measurement of their dipstick so I can compare the lengths. Dealer seems to be taking his sweet time about it.
Thanks...



dcxer
Dodge Dakota
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7/09/2003
23:25:55

RE: Crankcase Oil Level
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Doesn't matter liters(5.7) or quarts (6).If you want the procedure to recal the oil dipstick your self,email me and I will send it to you.



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