I just checked my oil after letting it sit for a bit...it was quite a bit over the full mark? I remember reading that even though it specs for 5 qts of oil that you guys who change it yourselves were finding that 4.5 qts was more like it.


Does it come from the factory over what it should be?


Goose

 

Half a quart isn't going to cause any problems. If it was a half a quart low, then I'd be concerned. You just don't want to be like that lady who fill her engine "all the way up" with oil.

Besides, I'd go with factory spec any day of the week.

 

The spec for these motors is 5 qts/4.7 litres including the oil filter. Since the oil filter on these engines is on the top side of the motor, it more than likely drains back into the block when it's not running, which would account for what appears to be extra oil on the dipstick.

When I check the oil on mine, it is about 1/4" past the Max mark on the dipstick.

 

Good point BR...I may pose this question over on BITOG to see what kind of responses I get there...it is always interesting

The dipstick doesn't always tell the truth either...Crafty is right..if Chevy says 5 qts than by gum I imagine it is 5 qts (which comes in nice with the 5qt jugs from Wally World)



Goose

 

Since the oil level should be checked after the car has sat for awhile, the dip stick should`ve been scaled as full/cold when the oil has settled and drained from the oil filter, and it should have a hot scale for when you`re at a gas station and just making a quick check, just like a power steering pump.
(The HHR doesn`t have one) but you know how the old-er cars are.
Certainly it wouldn`t make sense to have to wait for the engine to cool when you`re on the road (waiting 30-40 minutes).