Oil Circulation Problems
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Excuse me!? An error or omission in the book? Sacrilege! What if ND sees that? 
Seriously though, I did fleetingly think about the oil pan but then forgot it. That could be a possibility if the pan has been changed.
As for the drainback issue, a less invasive test than pulling the side cover or valve cover would be to check the level in the pan 15 minutes after driving and then again the next morning. I can't imagine the oil doesn't eventually get back down to the pan, so that test would tell the tale. If the readings are the same there is no drainback problem.
Seriously though, I did fleetingly think about the oil pan but then forgot it. That could be a possibility if the pan has been changed.
As for the drainback issue, a less invasive test than pulling the side cover or valve cover would be to check the level in the pan 15 minutes after driving and then again the next morning. I can't imagine the oil doesn't eventually get back down to the pan, so that test would tell the tale. If the readings are the same there is no drainback problem.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 924
Likes: 4
From: Johns Creek GA
Another possibility (which I admit is stretching here) is that the dipstick tube is wrong...either cut down or incorrect altogether. This could allow the dipstick to be pushed in too far, resulting in an incorrect high reading.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
In any event, put 5 quarts in on an oil & filter change, start it, kill it, wait, and then mark the dip stick. Add a quart, wait until it runs down, and mark the stick again. Problem solved. Next!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 924
Likes: 4
From: Johns Creek GA
If this were *my* engine, I would want to fully understand *why* something as important as the oil level was not reading correctly. I would not be satisfied with making a couple of scratches on the dipstick and calling it a day.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Assuming that it isn't reading close already. I still don't think we've gotten a good explanation of what the readings are - both 15 minutes after running it and then the next morning. And, on a fresh fill with known quantities of oil. I'll check back in when we get a good understanding of that.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 69
From: New Zealand
This whole issue is very common (at least with V8's, so probably I6's too) when you go back through threads over the years.
When I did the first oil change on my F250 I had a half-quart discrepancy on the dipstick. I first assumed the dipstick must have been swapped; but the part # was correct; so maybe a higher volume pan? No, correct # again.....& a match to the dipstick #.
It seems there was just a poor fit/consistency standard in manufacture.
So now I fill by volume, & know where the oil should be on the dipstick, after the filter has filled.
You could chase this forever but if your pan & oil volume are correct, the same will work for you (or re-mark the dipstick).
I doubt the oil return is an issue....if it was, you would have noticed big inconsistencies between checking your oil level hot, vs cold.
When I did the first oil change on my F250 I had a half-quart discrepancy on the dipstick. I first assumed the dipstick must have been swapped; but the part # was correct; so maybe a higher volume pan? No, correct # again.....& a match to the dipstick #.
It seems there was just a poor fit/consistency standard in manufacture.
So now I fill by volume, & know where the oil should be on the dipstick, after the filter has filled.
You could chase this forever but if your pan & oil volume are correct, the same will work for you (or re-mark the dipstick).
I doubt the oil return is an issue....if it was, you would have noticed big inconsistencies between checking your oil level hot, vs cold.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 924
Likes: 4
From: Johns Creek GA
Absolutely...that could well be the problem. But in addition to making sure all my part numbers were correct and doing the things Gary suggested, I would also look inside the valve cover, put an oil pressure gauge on it for a bit, and replace that dented oil pan with a new one. If all of that is done and the reading is still high...then I would be satisfied with marking my dipstick and moving on.
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From: Marlborough, CT
Absolutely...that could well be the problem. But in addition to making sure all my part numbers were correct and doing the things Gary suggested, I would also look inside the valve cover, put an oil pressure gauge on it for a bit, and replace that dented oil pan with a new one. If all of that is done and the reading is still high...then I would be satisfied with marking my dipstick and moving on.
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