Oil on dipstick always too high.

Red66GT · Mar 14, 2006

Everytime I change the oil (and filter) I've been putting 5 quarts in. When I do this the reading on the dipstick is always about a quart too high.

The cars got a 289 in it and I'm pretty certain the stock oil pan. Do all 289's take 5 quarts???

I also get oil seeping out of my valve covers, I've changed the gaskets w/ the rubber ones you can get at autozone but it didn't help.
Could this be related to having too much oil in the engine, (that its just forced out)?

The oil pressure guage reads normal, a little less than half way on the stock guage.

Can anyone chime in?
If the rubber valve cover gaskets just suck, can anyone recommend some good ones?

75 mustang II · Mar 14, 2006

Not sure on the oil capacity,seems like 5 quarts should be correct.On the valve pan covers it sounds like they may have been overtightened.What you could do is pull them off and check them with a straight edge.If you see alot of high and low spots thats the problem.You could try to straighten them the best you can and reassemble.Should be fine.

06stangtyme · Mar 14, 2006

You may have the incorrect dip-stick...

rbohm · Mar 14, 2006

stock oil capacity is four quarts in the pan and one in the filter. you should be checking the oil level AFTER you have run the engine, gotten oil pressure, and checked for leaks. if you have an extra quart after that, then you likely have the wrong dipstick.

as for the oil leaks from the valve covers, i agree you have a warped edge, or the bolt holes are dimpled.

Dark Knight · Mar 14, 2006

I use the cork gaskets and glue them to the valve cover, then put them on..
The rubber gaskets tend to slip or stretch.. Have you changed the PCV? Might be building to much crank case pressure..

68keyblr · Mar 14, 2006

Also don't overtighten the valve cover bolts - I think the torque spec on it is like 2 ft lbs.

302 coupe · Mar 14, 2006

my 302 takes only 4 when I use the short oil filter, 4.5 when I use the regular filter (motorcraft FL1A). Matching pan and dipstick. Pressure never drops when I slam on the brakes or launch at the strip, so it must have enough in it. 5 qts clearly shows overfull on my car.

10secgoal · Mar 14, 2006

I would also guess you have the very thin metal valve covers. I never could get those to seal.

Red66GT · Mar 14, 2006

10secgoal said:
I would also guess you have the very thin metal valve covers. I never could get those to seal.

I have the edlebrock chrome ones, they do seem pretty thin, what valve covers would you recommend?

Red66GT · Mar 14, 2006

68keyblr said:
Also don't overtighten the valve cover bolts - I think the torque spec on it is like 2 ft lbs.

I probably have overtightened them, I thought the tighter the better.

Dark Knight · Mar 14, 2006

Red66GT said:
I probably have overtightened them, I thought the tighter the better.

It distorts the metal, causing leaks. 10ft/lbs is all the valve covers call for.

BornInAFord · Mar 14, 2006

You can use your current dipstick if you re-mark it for the correct fill.
Daniel

Oil on dipstick always too high.

Red66GT

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75 mustang II

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