I posted this question earlier in the oil forum, but after looking at that forum it looks like I should have asked it here.

I have a 2001 Supercrew with 33,800 miles on it. I bought it brand new, so I do know the oil has been changed faithfully every 3,000 miles.

Here’s my question ~ The last two times I had my truck serviced it was ½ quart low.
Since I took Home Ec instead of Auto Mechanics (the truth is ~ back when I was in school girls did not take Auto Mechanics and Heaven help any boy who would even think of taking Home Ec) I don’t know much about engines.

What could be the reason it would be ½ qt low two times? Is it anything to be concerned about.
My warranty will be over in another 2,200 miles and I don’t want to find a problem then.

I also wonder if this could have anything to do with the oil. About 9 months ago when Ford changed my oil they forgot to put the oil cap on. This wasn’t discovered until I went to have my oil changed again at another garage.
Since I live on a farm I drive on dusty, dirty gravel roads and I’m wondering if some dirt or something may have gotten into the oil.

Thanks for any advice or help you can give me

 

Let's clarify: are you saying that the oil was 1/2 quart low BEFORE the oil was changed, or was it low AFTER they changed it? Are you changing it at 3,000-mile intervals, and what kind of driving do you do? City? Highway? Expressway? What type (regular, synthetic blend or full synthetic) and what weight (5W20, 5W30, 10W30, etc...) are you using? These are all factors that could cause any engine to use 1/2 quart in 3,000 miles.

 

It's low before they do the oil change which would be 3,000 miles.
Most of my driving is done on the highway.
I think they put 5W30 in.
I never check my oil in between oil changes, but they always check it right before they change it and that is when it seems
to be 1/2 quart low.
Thanks

 

I have read several post from ole timers who are confused about this. These trucks require 6 quarts of oil with a filter change ( Im guessing yours is the same since you didnt state your engine size). This will bring the oil level to about the middle of the dip stick. Look on the stick, it says min----MAX. You want to be in the middle, not at the top like the old days. If your oil is in the middle you turck is perfectly filled. The manual reinforces this, but I have to admit it took several reads on my part to comprehend. Good luck and dont over fill your truck. Hope this helped.

Tim