Got An Odd Oil Problem With My '08 5.3

JNG3 · March 7, 2009

'08 GMC Sierra 5.3 flex fuel

Engine takes 6 quarts. Filter is an AC/Delco PF48. The last two oil changes have resulted in 6 quarts overfilling the crankcase signifigantly. The only change I can think of is using the 5 quart jugs + a single 1 quart jug instead of 6, 1 quart jugs. However the possibility of the manufacturer overfilling the 5 quart jug (only thing I can think of) is remote since I usually use synthetic during the winter months and conventional during spring and summer. The synthetic and conventional oils are of two different manufactuers. I always change the oil when the engine is warm and give more than ample time for the oil to drain out completely. What say all of you? I could just ignore it I suppose, but I'm concerned something could be wrong but I just can't think of what it could be.

edit- I should add I check the oil AFTER starting the engine and letting run a minute or so and then letting it sit for a few minutes. This problem is a recent problem and has never existed before with any other oil change. And yes the vehicle is level when the oil is checked.

98 Z71 SLT · March 7, 2009

This truck specifies 6 quarts. You know that. How are you "significantly overfilling" the engine, when you add just 6 quarts after an oil change??

Go to your dealer...have them order you a new dipstick and dipstick tube under warranty.

Is this a common issue on NBS engines?? Nope. First time I've seen a concern.

txab · March 7, 2009

Here's another thread with an '08 overfill problem:

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?...amp;hl=overfill

Ron J Morgan · March 7, 2009

When I got my truck the first then I check was the oil, and it was about a half qt. to much. So I drain it out, then when I change the oil I only put in 5 & half qts and it was full.

saxdogg · March 8, 2009

Yep, 5.5 does it for me too. I would imagine that there's still a half quart still laying around all up in there once you've drained it.

Zembonez · March 8, 2009

6 quarts is the capacity dry. When drained, there is always a small amount of oil that remains in the engine... pooled in various places in the heads and block. When I replace 6 quarts and an OEM filter, the level reads about 1/8 inch above the full mark. It has never caused a problem and is no cause for alarm.

BaDave · March 8, 2009

Just put 5 qts in an then run the engine. Then ck to see how much more is needed to fill to the full mark.

pennzoil29 · March 8, 2009

Just put 5 qts in an then run the engine. Then ck to see how much more is needed to fill to the full mark.

Sounds like a logical explanation to me.

LAGA · March 8, 2009

Two things. First, a dipstick is an inaccurate way to measure oil level, to many variables on how the tube was installed in the factory, the angle of the surface the vehicle is sitting on, air pressure in tires, weight of any loads in the truck, can all show a slight difference in oil level. Second, in a V8 engine, I have always run a half quart over. I have done this in dozens of vehicles, for thousands and thousands of miles for over 30 years and never had a problem. So just put the six quarts in and be happy.

music · March 8, 2009

6 quarts is the capacity dry. When drained, there is always a small amount of oil that remains in the engine... pooled in various places in the heads and block. When I replace 6 quarts and an OEM filter, the level reads about 1/8 inch above the full mark. It has never caused a problem and is no cause for alarm.

+1

Ron J Morgan · March 8, 2009

Two things. First, a dipstick is an inaccurate way to measure oil level, to many variables on how the tube was installed in the factory, the angle of the surface the vehicle is sitting on, air pressure in tires, weight of any loads in the truck, can all show a slight difference in oil level. Second, in a V8 engine, I have always run a half quart over. I have done this in dozens of vehicles, for thousands and thousands of miles for over 30 years and never had a problem. So just put the six quarts in and be happy.

But have you ever kept a vehicle longer than 10 years and put more than150000 miles to test the over filling? Also we are not as dumb as people think,when you pay as munch for these trucks we want to be sure that ever thing is just right. All this talk but no one has said that the dealer said it was OK to over fill,because the first time you have a problem and they see that the oil is past the full mark GAME OVER...............

Zembonez · March 8, 2009

But have you ever kept a vehicle longer than 10 years and put more than150000 miles to test the over filling? Also we are not as dumb as people think,when you pay as munch for these trucks we want to be sure that ever thing is just right. All this talk but no one has said that the dealer said it was OK to over fill,because the first time you have a problem and they see that the oil is past the full mark GAME OVER...............

Your theory makes no more sense than anybody else's in here. If the manual say 6 quarts with a filter how is that overfilling? What the hell would 10 years and 150000 miles have to do with anything? 1/2 quart over the line on a dipstick is meaningless.

VMax2007 · March 8, 2009

But have you ever kept a vehicle longer than 10 years and put more than150000 miles to test the over filling? Also we are not as dumb as people think,when you pay as munch for these trucks we want to be sure that ever thing is just right. All this talk but no one has said that the dealer said it was OK to over fill,because the first time you have a problem and they see that the oil is past the full mark GAME OVER...............

Your theory makes no more sense than anybody else's in here. If the manual say 6 quarts with a filter how is that overfilling? What the hell would 10 years and 150000 miles have to do with anything? 1/2 quart over the line on a dipstick is meaningless.

+1

Drain, remove filter, replace plug, install new filter, pour in 6 qts. It doesn't get any easier than this. Stop overthinking petty little things and your life will be much more enjoyable.

txab · March 8, 2009

But have you ever kept a vehicle longer than 10 years and put more than150000 miles to test the over filling? Also we are not as dumb as people think,when you pay as munch for these trucks we want to be sure that ever thing is just right. All this talk but no one has said that the dealer said it was OK to over fill,because the first time you have a problem and they see that the oil is past the full mark GAME OVER...............

Your theory makes no more sense than anybody else's in here. If the manual say 6 quarts with a filter how is that overfilling? What the hell would 10 years and 150000 miles have to do with anything? 1/2 quart over the line on a dipstick is meaningless.

+1

Drain, remove filter, replace plug, install new filter, pour in 6 qts. It doesn't get any easier than this. Stop overthinking petty little things and your life will be much more enjoyable.

+2

Ron J Morgan · March 8, 2009

But have you ever kept a vehicle longer than 10 years and put more than150000 miles to test the over filling? Also we are not as dumb as people think,when you pay as munch for these trucks we want to be sure that ever thing is just right. All this talk but no one has said that the dealer said it was OK to over fill,because the first time you have a problem and they see that the oil is past the full mark GAME OVER...............

Your theory makes no more sense than anybody else's in here. If the manual say 6 quarts with a filter how is that overfilling? What the hell would 10 years and 150000 miles have to do with anything? 1/2 quart over the line on a dipstick is meaningless.

The book also states not to OVER FILL,I just wanted to know if an engine can hold up to over filling. Most people sell their trucks after 4 or 5 years so who knows if any damage has been done.Did not know I had to spell it out for you,sense you can speak for GM.So I think your theory is ass backward..........