Changing oil, not draining completely?

[saranya]

So changed my oil over the weekend and it filled with just 5 qts (looking at the oil level, I'm just slightly under max). I know the engine takes about 6 qts so I'm guessing I'm not draining all the oil out.

I use ramps (10" height). is there some other technique I'm missing here as I've read about others using ramps. thanks.

notes:

checking the oil level the day after i've put new oil in and run around in the car already. in the morning, checked without starting the car.

in the garage, flat. no incline.

i keep thinking I have to bring the car level while draining the oil to get all of it out. I used to use a jack on my regular 3. jack it up drain most of the oil and then jack it down to get whatever oil might be left.

using ramps, no way to get it down off the incline so wasn't sure if I was getting all the oil out.

 

[Alexsered]

the way our cars are setup, if you drain both from the oil plug and the oil filter drain, it doesn't matter if you are on ramps or not.

When you are letting both drains drain, do you wait until it's just dripping? Also, do you warm up the engine very well? The oil will flow alot better if the engine is hot.

 

[saranya]

until it stops dripping and yes to last question. ok, well. at least being on ramps shouldn't affect how it drains properly. thanks for the reply

 

[Rotus8]

I think it drains a bit better on the ramps because the engine drain is at the back of the sump. When I do the change, I run the engine about 2 minutes first, to warm up the oil to make it runny, but not so hot as to be a problem if I get a bit on me. I open the plug and also the filler cap to let air in at the top, then let it sit about 15 minutes. Then pop the filter plug and let drain for a while, then the filter housing and let drain. I have changed the oil 7 times now and always put in 6 quarts. After running the engine to fill the filter, then waiting about 5 minutes for drain back, my level is right on full.

 

[coololddude]

it takes less oil if you DONT change the filter. 5.6qts U.S.

 

[Kain]

You shouldn't be checking the oil when the car hasn't been on in a while. Start the car up, let it warm to normal operating temp (or drive around the block), turn the car off and then check the oil.

 

[saranya]

it takes less oil if you DONT change the filter. 5.6qts U.S.

lol. yes, i know. it's pretty standard to change oil and filter at the same time.

You shouldn't be checking the oil when the car hasn't been on in a while. Start the car up, let it warm to normal operating temp (or drive around the block), turn the car off and then check the oil.

hmmm, I'll try that. I've always done it as a cold check.


and yes, I do warm up the car a bit before I drain the oil.

 

[FMOS Racing]

No purpose in warming the car up to drain the oil unless you just like working on a hot engine? The lightweight stuff these cars use runs out like water, especially if you're using a synthetic.

Because of the location of the drain plug, my thoughts are that having the car slightly inclined helps draining.

I've only had to change my oil once so far. Took exactly 6 quarts to reach almost exactly the top of the hatch on the stick.

 

[AutoXRacer]

When I change my oil, I'll jack up the car to unbolt the plug, then lower it back level to drain it out. It does drain out better while level.

And I recommend to do your oil changes in the morning or before cranking up the engine...its had all night to drip into the pan.

I'll also jack up the car a little and more oil gushes out... I'll do this a couple of times. A few minutes level and another few minutes slightly jacked up. This engine has a lot of nook and crannies where oil gets trapped.

I've always filled exactly at the max line with 6 qts.

 

[AutoEuphoria]

Remember that there is still a lot of oil in the oil lines, too. That's probably where the difference is.

 

[AutoXRacer]

Remember that there is still a lot of oil in the oil lines, too. That's probably where the difference is.

yeah, but not a full quart!!