2005 Taco - V6 Oil Level Observations

[SuperBusa]

Did my first oil change at about 1000 miles today. The Owner's Manual (OM) says it requires 5.5 qts for an oil and filter change. I used a Toyota tall oil filter 90915-YZZD3. After fully draining the engine and installing the new oil filter, I put in 5 qts of oil. I checked the dipstick before starting, and it was about 1/4 inch above the full mark. I started the engine and let it idle for about 5 min, then shutoff and checked the level again after about 5 min to let the oil drain down. The level showed about 3/4 above the low mark. The OM says it's approx 1.6 qts between the low and full mark, so this would mean it would take about .25 x 1.6 = 0.4 qt to hit the full mark. I installed 12 more ounces (0.38 qt) and checked the level ... it was just a hair above the full mark. The oil wasn't fully hot, but it was about 1/2 way hot due to earlier running.

So, I went out for a 8~10 mile drive and then came home and parked it. Checked the level hot after it sat 15~20 min and it was about 1/4 inch above the full mark, which I estimate is about 0.25~0.3 qt overfull. I checked it about 3 hrs later when the engine was a lot cooler (I thought it might have risen due to being fully hot), and it was still at that level. So the total quantity of oil used was 5 qt, 12 oz ... or 5.38 qt - close to 5.5 qts like the OM says.

I noticed that the oil level was about at this point (~1/4 above the full mark) from the factory too, so I'm wondering if the dipstick is accurate or not? In order to hit the full mark without going over, I estimate it would only take just a hair over 5 qts, and that's even using the tall 90915-YZZD3 oil filter which is the same size as the one that came on the engine from the factory. Humm ....

I don't think the little bit of extra oil level is going to hurt anything, so I think I'll just leave it there instead of making a mess by trying to drain out 0.3 qt by loosening the drain plug. Any inputs on this?

I'm going to check it in the morning when the engine is fully cold to see if it goes down some ... but I'm sure it will still be slightly over filled ... at least according to the dipstick.

[SuperBusa]

Originally Posted by SuperBusa

I checked the level hot after it sat 15~20 min and it was about 1/4 inch above the full mark, which I estimate is about 0.25~0.3 qt overfull.

Any comments on this? I don't think this small amount over full will hurt anything, but was wondering what others thought. I would think it would take a qt or two over full to cause any harm.

I noticed the oil level was about this same amount over full from the dealer also, and ran it that way for the first 1000 miles. I don't know if the dealer adds any oil or not, but would assume not which means it was slightly over full right from the factory too.

[EngineerBoo]

I had the same thing when the dealer did my first oil change....it looked like it was overfilled by a small amount.

I didn't worry about it but the next oil change I told the service manager about it and it was perfect that time.

Whenever doing your own oil change, always add the last 1/2 quart by hand, when checking it. It's impossible to completely drain all the oil so it rarely requires the entire amount in the specs.

You should be fine until your next oil change is due.

Good luck!

Boo