Has anybody ever gotten a low reading on the dipstick after putting 5.1 quarts of oil in an S197 v6 crankcase? The capacity is 5 quarts and I am still getting a low reading. The level is maybe a half inch below the top hole on the dip. Just wondering if this is unusual. My 1.9L Saturn was 4 quarts every change, so this was my first change with the pony so I am just wondering...:icon_qu estion:

 

First, as long as you're between the 2 holes on the dipstick, your level is fine. Second, if you've added over 5 quarts and you still believe it's reading low, then I'd have to ask if you're using the OE Motorcraft filter or some other, possibly oversized, filter. Either way, I wouldn't sweat being in between the 2 holes with 5.1 quarts.

 

Ahhh that's it! The filter I replaced was almost twice as big as the old one. I was like, "WHAAAAAA!" when I first compared the two. The thread looked the same and there was room for it so idk. That explains the low reading. More oil will go into the filter. Thanx dude! I never would have figured that out.I only spent 6 bucks on the filter and I think it was a toughguard but not sure. doesn't really matter what kind of filter u get, does it?

 

I run Motorcraft on mine. You must have bought a PH8A Fram, I can't remember if it is 1/4 of a quart or 1/2 quart over the stock filter.
BTW that is the same oil filter my 4.0 in my old Explorer ran.

 

No problem. Two heads are better than one.

 

Its a Puralator brand filter. And yeah Ive got an explorer engine in my pony. So why do they make larger filters? More filtering space to filter I guess.

 

Damn, you managed to find a bigger one then the one they already use?!

 

I used to use Fram filter's a LONNNNNG time ago and to be frank, I wasn't very smart knowing what I know now. Fram filters have a bad reputation (at least the older "rag-in-a-can" all orange filters) although the ToughGuard isn't the worst out there.

The OE Motorcraft filters actually have a very good track record. I use them in my wife's '06 V6 Pony since we change her oil within about 6k-7k miles but I use Amsoil eA filters and Mobil1 filters on my Stang and the SUV since I tend to go 8k-12k miles between oil changes. The Motorcraft filter just doesn't seem to hang in there with the others I mentioned over those longer mileages.

 

+1. I use the 820S motorcraft filter; they are better and lower in price than any fram or other brand (walmart sells them locally for under $4).

Normally, a v6 will take around 4.5 quarts with filter. I've never put over 5 quarts into one of my v6's. Make sure the dipstick is all the way down of course.