nothing better to discuss, so . . .

[dmiller]

the other day i checked my oil level after driving the car ( i normally chk it before a drive ) and observed it was about 1 qt lower than normal. due to sorry wet weather, i wasn't able to drive the next day, but chked the oil again, and found it wasn't as low as the previous day. the sorry weather continued for almost a week, and i observed that the oil level was increasing everyday for almost 4 days. after that it remained a little below full.

i'm suprised about how long it took for the oil in the engine to return to the pan.

and it brings to mind a question. most suggest that one change the oil when the oil is at operation temperature. well, if one does that, in my engine, there would be almost a full quart still in the upper engine.

after this observation, i checked my honda S2000 after a drive and found that the level was fairly consistent within a few minutes of driving.

i doubt that the oil weight could have much to do with it, but the honda is using 10-30, the 351W is 15-50.

during these dull weather wet months, with nothing better to discuss,


doug

[pgermond]

Hi Doug,

There was an interesting discussion on this topic awhile back - http://www.uniquecobra.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=368&SearchTerms=canton may help explain some of what you are experiencing.... and then again, as you said, nothing else significant going on.

I changed all my fluids last weekend in preparation for a dyno on Saturday at 8 AM - It's been unusually cold here in northern CA the last few days (high 20's in the morning) so I'm going to have to dig out the wooly's.


Phil

427 Roadster, #4279436
Southern Automotive FE
3:31 and Toploader

Roseville (N.Cal)

[dmiller]

thanks for the link.

my pan and remote oil filter, no cooler, takes 9 qts allowing for filter, I think.

i've used 1 qt. in 1200 miles. changed the oil twice in the first 1000 miles. now using mobil 1

i'll be interested in your dyno results.

i've only hammered my car a couple of times, and it is scary. never felt anything like it.

doug

[pgermond]

"i've only hammered my car a couple of times, and it is scary. never felt anything like it"

I know exactly we here you are coming from - the first time I tapped the throtle it scared the b-jesus out of me. Since then, I've gotten more comfortable with it - to the point where (I believe) the 6k rev limiter is kicking in 1st gear. Ain't it great [:P]

Phil

427 Roadster, #4279436
Southern Automotive FE
3:31 and Toploader

Roseville (N.Cal)

[eliminator]

Doug,

What oil pan are you using? If your using a Canton pan and no oil cooler your at least a quart over your system capacity. A Canton pan is an 8 qt. system not a 8 quart pan. The system allows for 7 quarts in the pan and one quart for the filter. Sounds like over filling is the problem. Too much is as bad as too little.

Rick
#4279405

[dmiller]

this is the part# and description from JEGS,
i thought it meant 8 qt in pan, plus 1 qt for oil filter and remote lines.
am i correct that 9 qts would be for an oil change.

thanks

doug

Ford, Small Block - Low Profile, Front Sump
8-quart capacity plus filter.
697-30926
SB-Ford Oil Pan, 351W

[eliminator]

Nope[V]
It's an 8 quart system not a 8 quart pan.....
See the thread on calibrating your dip stick with a Canton Pan.
I will pull the old thread up.;)

Rick
#4279405

[dmiller]

eliminator, thanks, i'll save a qt next oil change, and it means that my oil is still full, and i must have splashed away that extra qt.

thanks

doug

[spd4me]

I changed my oil and filter last weekend. Put 1 quart into filter before screwing it on and 7 quarts in pan. The dip stick showed it just over the full line. I also have cooler. If Southern Auto. uses the correct dip stick then it's a 7 qt. oil pan.

Another thing I've learned, if you have solid lifters and the idle starts getting ruff, it's time to adjust em.

[eliminator]

A good rule of thumb is to adjust solid lifters when you change oil.
I usually change oil twice a year around 1,500 miles on the oil. I drive about 1,800-2,000 miles per year. I am sure you could get by with one change. Running through the solid lifters is easy and generally there is minor adjustment needed. I do it hot right before I drain the oil, one side at a time. With the FE engine this is also a good time to change the plugs when the valve covers are off, once a year.

Rick
#4279405

[spd4me]

Rick- I've got about 3300 miles on my 396W stroker and have had to adjust valves 3 times. I like to do it this time of year when garage is cool. Run the engine up to about 190-200 degress, do one side, re-heat and do other side. Have to be careful about not touching stuff that's hot. I got a nice quarter size burn on my wrist changing the oil. Ouch![xx(]
Bob

[eliminator]

Good investment, a good pair of Mechanics Gloves;). Makes the valve cover removal and adjustment of the valves more pleasant[^].

Rick
#4279405