Dipstick Help

[6dart9]

I have a 86' 318 in my dart. I assume the crankcase holds 5 qts (thats what everything i read says)

The dipstick is made in taiwan

when i fill the crankcase with oil it is a 1/4in over the full line.

I noticed this when i went to check my oil when it had sat for a week or so and thought maybe i had water in the oil. so i drained the oil .... no water.

When i filled it back up and let it sit for a bit it was back above the full line.

I am not 100% sure but i am pretty sure the dipstick may be the wrong length.
The dipstick does have a sight bend in it

The dipstick tube comes up to the top of the valve cover.

I am rebuilding a 340 and that dipstick is 5in shorter but the dipstick tube is shorter too

I want this to be right as it will be a while before the 340 is done.

Can anyone measure their dipstick on their 318 and make sure the tube ends just at the top of the valve cover?

Or if anyone has any insight on what the heck is going on that would be great too.

thanks everyone

justin

 

[Burntorange70]

I have a 340 it only takes about 4 1/2 qts. Not shure never gave it much thought. I just put the 4 1/2 qts in then leave the other half in the trunk for toping off.

 

[WildCat]

I have a 340 it only takes about 4 1/2 qts. Not shure never gave it much thought. I just put the 4 1/2 qts in then leave the other half in the trunk for toping off.

what oil filter are you using Fram numbers, PH8 long, PH43 short or PH 16 even shorter?

I have been using fram filters from over 30 years so I remember those numbers long Napa is 1515

My 340 with stock pan & long filter uses 5 quarts

The dipstick if aftermarket and made in china or other place might be the wrong lenght and need to be corrected for the proper amount

 

[roosduster]

I have a 86' 318 in my dart. I assume the crankcase holds 5 qts (thats what everything i read says)

The dipstick is made in taiwan

when i fill the crankcase with oil it is a 1/4in over the full line.

I noticed this when i went to check my oil when it had sat for a week or so and thought maybe i had water in the oil. so i drained the oil .... no water.

When i filled it back up and let it sit for a bit it was back above the full line.

I am not 100% sure but i am pretty sure the dipstick may be the wrong length.
The dipstick does have a sight bend in it

The dipstick tube comes up to the top of the valve cover.

I am rebuilding a 340 and that dipstick is 5in shorter but the dipstick tube is shorter too

I want this to be right as it will be a while before the 340 is done.

Can anyone measure their dipstick on their 318 and make sure the tube ends just at the top of the valve cover?

Or if anyone has any insight on what the heck is going on that would be great too.

thanks everyone

justin

My 73 318 took 5 quarts.

 

[6dart9]

It is the short filter the long one will not fit with the torsion bar and exhaust

I figure it is just the wrong length so if anyone has a 318 and can measure their dipstick i would really appreciate it

 

[6dart9]

I found this but i believe my 318 came from a van
http://www.dodgeforum.com/m_649437/mpage_1/key_/tm.htm

 

[66dartgt]

If you are using a PH 43 type filter and your dip stick tube is seated fully in the block, then just remark the dipstick to where it reads full, take a file and make a line at that point.

 

[6dart9]

Yea thats what I figured i would do i just want to make sure im not running too much oil.

 

[Burntorange70]

what oil filter are you using Fram numbers, PH8 long, PH43 short or PH 16 even shorter?

I have been using fram filters from over 30 years so I remember those numbers long Napa is 1515

My 340 with stock pan & long filter uses 5 quarts

The dipstick if aftermarket and made in china or other place might be the wrong lenght and need to be corrected for the proper amount

I am using the PH8.

 

[MVRCorp]

Can't imagine 1/4" would make that much difference.

 

[6dart9]

Yea i was figuring it wouldn't be much but i was concerned because it seems to change around. When i discovered the issue i thought maybe water was making it higher than the full line but then realized it may just be the dipstick. I am just going to mark it and go with it. The motor will be coming out eventually anyway for the 340.