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8.1 short dipstick

Cliff1943

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Cliff1943 Enthusiast

Cliff1943

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Anyone addressed the short dipsticks installed in the 8.1 engine? When full the level is below the marks on the dipstick. The owners manual indicates this is the correct way to read the oil level. Problem is, how do you know how low the oil is?

 

I have thought about taking a tubing cutter and shortning the dipstick tube by the amount it would take to make the oil level read correctly.

 

Anyone with an answer. Thanks.

 

Cliff

redvett Senior Enthusiast

redvett

Posted
Posted

Cliff1943,

I would rather have more oil than less. It wont hurt to overfill that small amount if that is the case. If something happened and GM found out you had too little oil it, it could be your baby. Have you checked by personally changing the oil and refilling it to spec? You have to remember that the engine :thumbs: isnt dry so figure on a small amount less than the spec. is.

Cliff1943 Enthusiast

Cliff1943

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I have a 2003 2500HD with 8.1 and Allison. I had the dealer change it the first time. After driving it for 500 miles I checked the olil level. I thought it was a quart low because it was at the lowest mark on the dipstick.

 

I changed the oil myself the next time. After adding 7 quarts it still was at the lowest mark. Thats when I got the owners manual out and it shows the oil level below the lowest mark. Hows that for being cheap. I bet it is the same dipstick as the 6.0. Only it doesn't read right.

 

Your comment makes me think the 2004 may be the correct length. I will ask my dealer and check the length of a 2004 as compaired to the 2003.

 

Cliff

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