When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I believe my truck has the wrong dipstick in it. 1986 F-150, 302. When I put 6 quarts in the truck, it shows about 1/3 of the way up the hash marks. I always just assumed this to be full because I’ve never heard of a 302 taking any more than 6 quarts with a stock pan. Can anyone confirm that this is the wrong dipstick?
After doing some digging because I had the opposite problem with the 302 in my 85, it showed over full with just 5 quarts, I found out there are issues with the dipsticks. The rule of thumb is 6 quarts with a filter change, period. Where ever that lands on your dipstick is your personal full mark.
There is something funny with the first picture dip stick and the area between "add" and "max" looks to long like it is for ATF not motor oil.
Now maybe it did not get in the picture but like the other picture most have what oil should be used and I am not seeing that.
Dave ----
Thanks for the replies all. Guessing thats what mine should look like Digger, mine looks like the oil level would sit around the full mark on yours if it is the same length.
Was thinking the same thing Fuzz, the gap between the hashes seems too big. On my ‘85 that i had with a 351 the gap wasn’t even half the size.
If anything I’ll go out tomorrow and put a mark on the opposite side with a file or something at the oil level and use that as my full mark. Did the same thing last week on my fathers 1970 Bronco resto project, ended up rigging up a dipstick out of a piece of tube that goes behind a toilet and a random dipstick.
6 quarts in my 4.9 has always put the oil halfway between full and add. I put the extra 1/2 quart in it a few times to bring the oil to the full mark, not sure I had put the full 6 quarts.
I started watching really close that I put 6 quarts in, and the level is at halfway with the correct amount. I've been running it that way well over 20 years now.
I have zero experience with the 5.0L engine, but quite a bit of experience with Ford 300 and 4.9L truck engines. All have been original [one bought new] and all have not read correctly on the dipstick.
For the oil level issue, you can "custom calibrate" your dipstick. Remove the oil filter and drain the crankcase completely [take a break and get something to eat!]. After replacing the oil filter, add 1 quart less than what the manual calls for [i.e. 6-1=5] and start the engine. Check for leaks and then shut off and allow all the oil in the engine to drain back into the crankcase [take another long break!]. Remove the dipstick, wipe and reinsert. Carefully withdraw the dipstick and with a file, place a mark across the dipstick at the top of the oil level. This will represent a true "1 quart low" level for your engine and dipstick. [I make this mark across the backside of the dip stick]. Before reinserting, carefully clean the dipstick to prevent contamination with metal filings.
Next, add the final quart of oil and restart the engine. Again, shut off the engine and allow plenty of time for all oil to drain back into the crank case. Repeat the above process and make another line at the top of the oil level and this will represent the "full" level.
My 86 F250 with a 351W reads perfect on full with 7 quarts. I've been putting in 6.5 for a long time and it seems happy with it. 6.5 quarts for me is right in the middle of add and full. What is with all these crazy dipsticks?
My 86 F250 with a 351W reads perfect on full with 7 quarts. I've been putting in 6.5 for a long time and it seems happy with it. 6.5 quarts for me is right in the middle of add and full. What is with all these crazy dipsticks?
They are like the fuel gauges. Use them just as a reference, go by the manual on how much to put in the engine. The fuel gauge is different in each truck, just like the dipsticks. They throw these trucks together as quickly as possible on the assembly lines.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
