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Deon
New User
Mar 3, 2007, 7:58 PM
Post #1 of 4
(1538 views)
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I don't know a whole heck of a lot about cars, but I do like to do my own oil changes and basic maintenance. I have a 1988 Toyota Camry 4 cyl. which recently had a blown head gasket. I decided to have it fixed, and today I changed the oil for the first time since the repairs were done. My Camry has the 3S-FE engine, which has always taken around 4 quarts exactly with an oil change and fresh filter. This is exactly what I gave it today. However, after letting the new oil cycle through the engine until reaching operating temperature, and then allowing several minutes (at least 15) for the oil to drain back into the pan so I could check the fluid level, I'm getting a reading of a quart low, and I know I put a full 4 quarts in it, and saw no evidence of leakage on the ground below the engine. I've never had this happen, and I'm thoroughly confused as to what could be the cause. As far as I can tell, the dip stick is still in the same position it has always been, and I don't see anything different about the oil pan. Could the engine be holding on to some of the oil somehow rather than allowing it to drain back in to the pan? I would sincerely appreciate hearing from anyone who may have some insight on this! Thanks.
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steve01832
Veteran
Mar 4, 2007, 7:57 AM
Post #2 of 4
(1533 views)
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Re: This is strange.
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If you didn't see a lot lf blue smoke at the tailpipe then I can tell you to make sure it is parked on level ground and let it sit overnight. Check the oil in the morning. The only thing that could change the amount of oil needed to fill the engine is if someone installed a bigger oil filter. Steve
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Deon
New User
Mar 4, 2007, 2:51 PM
Post #3 of 4
(1529 views)
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Re: This is strange.
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Steve, Thanks. Don't see blue smoke at the tailpipe. Same size oil filter I've always used. So - I'll go check the oil level since it has sat overnight. Deon
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Deon
New User
Mar 4, 2007, 6:23 PM
Post #4 of 4
(1521 views)
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Re: This is strange.
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Hmmm...checked the oil and while it's a little higher than it was last night, it's still showing about 3/4 quart low. Odd, because I know for sure that I gave it a full 4 quarts, and it's only supposed to need 4.1 with a filter change, and the filter size hasn't changed. I'll just keep a close eye on the level, maybe add a little more.
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