Post first oil change question

Did my first oil change today at 5600 miles since I am towing a travel trailer. Put the required amount of oil in, started it, checked for leaks. Waited about 30 minutes and checked it with the dipstick. I honestly cannot see the oil registering on it. I don't want to put any more in it because I already put close to the required 8 quarts in.

Thoughts?

 

We get that the oil is new, but the dipstick IS wet, right?

 

Probably shouldn't have put the oil in the gas tank...

Just kidding, but the dipstick should definitely have at least some noticeable oil on it. Take the dipstick out, wipe it clean and stick it back in. Try putting some more in 1/2 quart at a time to at least get it to register.

 

Usually takes me 8.5 qts. If I'm at 8 or just under, it barely shows on the dipstick.

 

Seems that the 18-19s require 8.5 quarts. Instead of 8 like my 15. To my knowledge nothing changed. I doubt they changed the oil pan so I assume the dipstick changed. Add a 1/2 quart and I bet it puts you right in the middle. The oil is super thin and practically transparent, which doesn’t help.

 

Shine a flashlight on it.

If you put in 8 quarts. It is safe to run. Go drive around the block then try. Maybe there is a few drops of old oil in the block that will mix and color it a little

 

Make sure the engine is warm as well.

 

Just to check oil? Doesn’t seem to change fluid level much warm vs cold

 

You're correct. I put 8.5 quarts in little by little and then it started to register on the dipstick. Odd. I'm good to go now. Thanks fellas!

 

I think my manual says warm engine and let sit for 5 min then check.

 

Brand new 0W20 oil is EXTREMELY hard to see on the stick with the naked eye. Pull the oil level stick. Wipe it dry. Put it back in....all the way. Pull it out. Look at it. Then sniff it. Thennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.............touch it with your dry finger in between the dots. Finger wet with fresh oil?

I have a 2017, 5.7 liter. It likes oil closer to 8.5 quarts then it does 7.9/8.

 

Yup. Warm up engine. Go inside. Check your wife's/GF's "oil level." Then go back outside and check your Tundra's oil level.

It really is a perfect world.

 

Unless the truck is cold by the time thats done

 

Perfect excuse to get a

$33 Fumoto F-103 with LC-10 Included F-Series Engine Oil Drain Valve, 1 Pack

Fumoto F-103 drain valve.

Makes it super easy to draw down oil level if too much added. Plus takes the hassles of drain plug out of the equation.

When I had one on my Tacoma I could literally complete the mechanic of an oil change in less than 5 minutes! Loved that on top filter on Tacos!
G

 

Check the oil after the engine has been turned off for about 5 minutes.
Some oil will remain in the upper (heads) area of the engine until they have time to drain back into the oil pan.

 

Oh yeah! I went ahead and installed one today. When I had one on my STi, I could have the oil changed on that thing in no time.

 

Most fluids expand when heated; oils are no exception. Your oil level should show slightly different when engine is cold vs. warm.

 

Cool!

Was it the

$33 F-103 with LC-10 Included F-Series Engine Oil Drain Valve, 1 Pack

F-103? I see I posted the model number without double checking... I'll be ordering one for my first change.

Thanks,
G

 

I got the 103S

$37 Fumoto Original F103S LC-10 Lever Clip FS-Series Engine Oil Drain Valve, 1 Pack

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D9FCRWM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

This sounds like my prom night.

 

This is getting hot.

 

I had to put almost 9 quarts for it to mark full. Kinda still has me scratching my head.

 

Makes you wonder...Is it more accurate to put in the amount of oil Toyota says is correct, and mark the dipstick?...Or, to put in however much the dipstick says is right? Hmmm...Inquiring minds should be wondering.

I am surprised that the oil level on the dipstick goes from no trace to midway between the dots in half a quart. Used to be the "two dots" represented one quart.

 

I’ll have to check when i get home. Oil is so dense i assumed it’s rate of expansion would be less than less dense fluids like atf and coolant. Thanks for tip

 

You need to have the truck parked on level ground. Don't check your oil level while parked on your hilly driveway.

 

If you scuff the dipstick with a file or coarse abrasive in a cross-hatch pattern between the dots, you can see the oil on it easier. Make sure to wipe it clean of any abrasive before re-inserting into your nice engine.

 

i can't emphasize how important this ^^^ is on the Tundra 5.7 liter. Especially side-to-side.

In fact, to be safe, have your big breasted girl get out of the truck before checking the oil.

 

This is the step I forgot. She never got out of the truck, bless her heart.

 

Blow up dolls don't count.

 

Rough up the stick with steel wool.