Dip Stick Placement

[Jansen]

How accurate is the dipstick placement on the 5.3L? When I look at one side it shows full, however the other side shows about 1/4th low. My truck doesn't burn oil as the oil level never changes. Just curious.

 

Also, I went to an auto show this past weekend and a GM transmission tech was there. So I pegged him on the 5.3L 4spd auto and he told me that tranny was used in H2's, all SUV's, and the corvet (pre 2006 model). Kinda cool.

 

Jansen

[HaroldCallahan]

Noticed the same thing on 5.3 dipstick in 2005 yukon xl.

 

On first oil change I used six quarts as the manual says. When I check the level on dispstick the side with markings shows almost 1/4" over full mark. On the other side it shows right at the full mark.

 

Next oil change I am going to add 5.75 quarts first and check level as I dont like it being at all overfilled. Although I dont think 1/4" is a problem.

[biochemist]

How accurate is the dipstick placement on the 5.3L?  When I look at one side it shows full, however the other side shows about 1/4th low.  My truck doesn't burn oil as the oil level never changes.  Just curious.

 

Also, I went to an auto show this past weekend and a GM transmission tech was there.  So I pegged him on the 5.3L 4spd auto and he told me that tranny was used in H2's, all SUV's, and the corvet (pre 2006 model).  Kinda cool.

 

Jansen

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Hey there, why were you asking about the transmission? Anything particular that you are wondering about? I know there are a few posts going on now about 1-2 upshifting and such...the 4L60E is used on lots of GM trucks, very common and very reliable, and sturdy (or they would not put it in so many trucks)...just wondering what more you were asking about, let us know...later,

[ctfan]

Could it be that the dip stick is in the oil pan at an angle? If this is so then one side will read normal and the other side would read low. I would think that if the dipstick was going straight into the oil pan then it should read the same on both sides. My 2 cents.

 

William

[redvett]

The 1500 series trucks and below use the 4L60E and the Hummer 2 which is a HD over 8600lbs uses the 4L80E a much heavier transmission. As for checking the oil level in the 5.3L you are supposed to wait at least 15 minutes after shutdown to check it.

[Jansen]

Here is the thing with my oil. I usually wait 15min-1hr then check it, when I thought there was a problem I waited a day. I just didn't want to be over full or under full at some point in time. With the dip stick showing two different readings I was a little confused. I also noticed a differnce in the level based on me switching to Mobil1. I say this because, in my opinion, the truck was over full from the factory (i.e.) 6 quarts of mobil one only show 3/4 full on one side. However, with the dino oil in it, it was 1'1/4 and 1. I figure on the check out the guy at the factory topped it off.

 

About the tranny. I read a few posts about people wondering about them with some problems. when i was at the auto show the GM booth had a I5 sectioned and the tranny torn down. I watched the guy reassemble it and followed up by asking him how common it was and what vehicles it powered. I just thought I'd share some of the info. What was cool was seeing the styrofoam casting blocks for the Inline 5.

 

Jansen