Has anyone who has ever ran a 5.7l GM van had a problem with oil readings on dipstick? It seems the only time I can get an accurate reading is after it has sat overnight. If I try to check it during a fuel stop it always reads low. There is a mfg sticker right next to the oil fill that states max capacity for 5.7l engine is 6 quarts but I constantly have issues when taking it in for oil change the techs overfill it because at 6 q "it only shows half-full", then I make them pump it back out to max 6 q. After it sits it shows normal. I often wonder if I have the right dipstick. Then I think others must have had same issue as this is the first vehicle I have ever owned that has the sticker right next to the oil fill telling you not to overfill it. Any guidance here?
GM van 5.7l engine question
- Thread starter MSinger
- Start date
It can take up to 20 minutes for all the oil to drain back into the pan, it's worse when it's cold. That might have something to do with it.
Starting an engine after a service and then checking the oil right away will always result in an overfill, too bad so many places do this.
The first M-11 Cummins engines I bought I had to get decals made up saying to wait 20 minutes after shutdown before checking, it was real easy to get an extra couple gallons in there!
Starting an engine after a service and then checking the oil right away will always result in an overfill, too bad so many places do this.
The first M-11 Cummins engines I bought I had to get decals made up saying to wait 20 minutes after shutdown before checking, it was real easy to get an extra couple gallons in there!
60MPH
Expert Expediter
I had a 2000 5.7 and it said 5-1/2 but I would always put 6 quarts in and never had any problems. I know it does take 15-20 mins for the oil to get all the way to the pan and that was using syn oil. I would not worry about it if you don't put over six. Your engine will probley burn off any extra I would burn off about a quart in 10k if I idled alot like in the summer with the ac on.