Hi, Dave here. I believe I would pour in about 3 gallons (12 qts), and with the 2 or so in the filled filter, then start it up or bump the starter let it motor over, and turn the key right off....and maybe repeat it 2 or 3 times so it doesn't start dry....then start it and let it idle for a couple of minutes, and shut it down...give it about 3-5 minutes to stableize the oil level and top it off to the top of the cross hatched area...just my technique for filling it to the top and keeping it happy.