427/390 oil level

[Mike Begora]

Changed the oil and filter in my new 66 427/390 added 5 quarts it reads one quart over full. I have read that it should be 6 quarts other places I read 5 quarts I know it should be at least 5 so the dip stick is wrong. The car does have power steering which I do not believe it matters cast id 3869942.

Thanks for your input.

Mike

[Dan Pepper]

Re: 427/390 oil level

My L36 takes 5 qts. Does your dip stick have a salmon/pink colored plug on the end of the finger loop? It should to be the correct one...

Dan

[Dan Pepper]

Re: 427/390 oil level

My L36 takes 5 qts. Does your dip stick have a salmon/pink colored plug on the end of the finger loop? It should to be the correct one...

Dan

[Joe L.]

Re: 427/390 oil level

Mike-----

It should be 6 quarts with filter change. You have an incorrect dipstick and/or dipstick tube. The original parts, both dipstick and dipstick tube, for your application are GM-discontinued. You will need to obtain a reproduction dipstick and/or tube from a reproduction parts source like Dr. Rebuild or Paragon.

As an alternative, you can "re-calibrate" your current dipstick. Mark the point at which you have 5 quarts as the "add" mark. Add one more quart and mark that point as the "full" level.

You will need to run the engine at the 5 quart level and let the oil drain back into the pan for about an hour before you mark the "add" point. Then, you'll need to do the same after you add the 6th quart.

[Joe L.]

Re: 427/390 oil level

Mike-----

It should be 6 quarts with filter change. You have an incorrect dipstick and/or dipstick tube. The original parts, both dipstick and dipstick tube, for your application are GM-discontinued. You will need to obtain a reproduction dipstick and/or tube from a reproduction parts source like Dr. Rebuild or Paragon.

As an alternative, you can "re-calibrate" your current dipstick. Mark the point at which you have 5 quarts as the "add" mark. Add one more quart and mark that point as the "full" level.

You will need to run the engine at the 5 quart level and let the oil drain back into the pan for about an hour before you mark the "add" point. Then, you'll need to do the same after you add the 6th quart.

[Mike Begora]

Re: 427/390 oil level

5 with filter change? The 66 owners manual says 5 plus one for a filter change... OHHHH just hit me one more for the old type filter?? bet that is it

[Mike Begora]

Re: 427/390 oil level

5 with filter change? The 66 owners manual says 5 plus one for a filter change... OHHHH just hit me one more for the old type filter?? bet that is it

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: 427/390 oil level

Joe,

Good info as usual,but maybe the oil-pan is not correct?Could be passenger assembly pan?

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: 427/390 oil level

Joe,

Good info as usual,but maybe the oil-pan is not correct?Could be passenger assembly pan?

[mike begora]

Re: 427/390 oil level

Bill good point, still 5 quarts showed overfilled by 1 quart so the dip stick has to be wrong the pan is deep in the rear and mid way it comes up to allow the damper for the PS to clear. The drain plug is in the rear side just off the botton in the middle. I think I am going to go with 6 quarts....

thanks for the great info,
Mike

[mike begora]

Re: 427/390 oil level

Bill good point, still 5 quarts showed overfilled by 1 quart so the dip stick has to be wrong the pan is deep in the rear and mid way it comes up to allow the damper for the PS to clear. The drain plug is in the rear side just off the botton in the middle. I think I am going to go with 6 quarts....

thanks for the great info,
Mike

[Joe L.]

Re: 427/390 oil level

Mike and Bill-----

Yes, it could be an incorrect pan; the passenger car and Chevelle pans were 5 quart with filter. However, the pan described sounds like the Corvette pan. As I recall, the passenger car pans have the oil drain on the side of the sump, not on the rear as Corvette pans do. All 65-74 Corvette big block oil pans are the same configuration and oil capacity. The several part numbers used over the years for PRODUCTION and SERVICE differ only in relatively minor nuances, not in general configuration or capacity. Also, as far as I know, the Corvette oil pan was not used for any other chassis.

[Joe L.]

Re: 427/390 oil level

Mike and Bill-----

Yes, it could be an incorrect pan; the passenger car and Chevelle pans were 5 quart with filter. However, the pan described sounds like the Corvette pan. As I recall, the passenger car pans have the oil drain on the side of the sump, not on the rear as Corvette pans do. All 65-74 Corvette big block oil pans are the same configuration and oil capacity. The several part numbers used over the years for PRODUCTION and SERVICE differ only in relatively minor nuances, not in general configuration or capacity. Also, as far as I know, the Corvette oil pan was not used for any other chassis.