How much oil do I really need?
I have a 2011 HR with a 360 hp 8.3 liter Cummins engine. My owners manuel states that my engine holds 19 quarts of oil. When I change the oil and filter, my oil stick shows 2 quarts below the add mark...
Forum Discussion
The important issue here is the accuracy of the dip stick. The dip sticks were fit by the chassis maker, not engine maker.
What I would do:
Call Cummins with your engine serial number and CONFIRM CORRECT CAPACITY WITH FILTER: Cummins 800 343-7357
At the next oil change, calibrate the dip stick. Cost is $0. Here is the procedure:
At the next oil change, drain oil, remove old filter (as usual). Then install the drain plug and new oil filter and add the engine's correct oil capacity LESS THE NUMBER OF QUARTS you want between the "ADD" and "FULL" marks (let's say 2 quarts). So for an engine with 20 quart capacity you would add 18 quarts. Run the engine a few minutes, shut off and wait until oil has descended into the pan (at least 30 minutes and an hour is safer). Pull the dip stick and use a file or dremel tool to mark the oil level "ADD". Add the remaining two quarts, let the oil settle in the pan, pull the dipstick and mark this the "FULL" mark.
Also, when checking the oil level with the dipstick it is safest to do it in the morning after the oil has had all night to flow back to the pan.
Do not add oil until the level reaches the ADD mark.
Finally, make a sticker to affix near oil fill: OIL CAPACITY INCLUDING FILTER: xx QUARTS.
What I would do:
Call Cummins with your engine serial number and CONFIRM CORRECT CAPACITY WITH FILTER: Cummins 800 343-7357
At the next oil change, calibrate the dip stick. Cost is $0. Here is the procedure:
At the next oil change, drain oil, remove old filter (as usual). Then install the drain plug and new oil filter and add the engine's correct oil capacity LESS THE NUMBER OF QUARTS you want between the "ADD" and "FULL" marks (let's say 2 quarts). So for an engine with 20 quart capacity you would add 18 quarts. Run the engine a few minutes, shut off and wait until oil has descended into the pan (at least 30 minutes and an hour is safer). Pull the dip stick and use a file or dremel tool to mark the oil level "ADD". Add the remaining two quarts, let the oil settle in the pan, pull the dipstick and mark this the "FULL" mark.
Also, when checking the oil level with the dipstick it is safest to do it in the morning after the oil has had all night to flow back to the pan.
Do not add oil until the level reaches the ADD mark.
Finally, make a sticker to affix near oil fill: OIL CAPACITY INCLUDING FILTER: xx QUARTS.
