Lack of oil and coolant

Does the car smoke or run hot?

Is the oil that is in the crankcase clean, or does it look milky, thick, slimy, or watered down?

When you put coolant back in the reservoir, check after the engine has ran/warmed up for any oil contamination. Also, look in the reservoir before adding coolant to see if there's any oil contamination.

How low was it on the dipstick?


The oil filter housing isn't an uncommon place to leak, but if you're really THAT far down, chances are you'd notice a puddle under the car.

Possibility you have a popped head gasket and the oil and coolant are being burned off in the engine.

How long have you had it and what kind of cars are you used to???

I came from f-bodies... With the exception of my fully built 383 LT1 94 Formula(GOD I miss that car) they all took 5 qts of oil... 1st thing I did a week ago after getting my stang I checked on here to see how much oil was needed...

Did you only put 5 qts in it???

fullrearview said:

Did you only put 5 qts in it???

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4.6L SOHC motors require 6 quarts.

Nightfire said:

4.6L SOHC motors require 6 quarts.

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Hence why I asked... Only 5 qrts!

Did you check in when it was stone cold and level?

When was your last oil change? If it was at or above minimum level you are fine, if it was below, time to add a half or so a quart of oil.

As long as your coolant light wasn't on you are fine, the coolant could still be within the motor...

Don't worry, I've gone some oil changes with only draining 3 quarts out plus the filter which can hold up to a quart or so. It could be the driveway and way I jack it up not allowing all of the oil to drain but whatever. Oil always looks good and is always changed on time.

I have a small oil leak that pools on the bottom of the front sway bar, it actually is more of a seep than anything else. I burn maybe a quart every 3k miles and that's with a Vortech. Sounds just like it hasn't all drained back into the pan.