Dipstick shows low oil, after oil and filter change, with 4.4 qts added

Tiny
REDWELD
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  • 2009 SUBARU FORESTER
  • 60,756 MILES
Just did oil and filter change, added 4.4 qts of 5w30, and ran car. Shut off, waited 3 minutes, checked dipstick, reads low. Tried again 20 min later, same thing
Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 AT 10:16 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
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It might take 5 quarts of oil with a filter. And make sure it is on level ground.
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 AT 10:32 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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4.4 is the correct capacity for a drain and fill with filter. Make sure you are using the correct dipstick and it's not damaged. You can always add a little more to bring it to the full mark but you shouldn't have to. Check it after sitting over night to be sure.
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 AT 10:32 PM
Tiny
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WHEN WE HAD CAR TO DEALER PREVIOUS TIMES FOR OIL CHANGE, THE TECH WROTE"4.4 QUARTS" ON THE INTAKE COVER, SO I WAS GOING BY THAT. WILL KEEP ADDING TILL I HIT THE HIGH MARK. SHOULD THAT BE GOOD IF THE CARS COLD? WHAT ABOUT THERMAL EXPANSION?
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 AT 10:40 PM
Tiny
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CORRECT, ORIGINAL DIPSTICK, NO DAMAGE. WHY WOULD LETTING IT SIT OVERNITE HELP WHEN ITS BEEN6 HRS ALREADY?
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 AT 10:43 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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This is from Alldata which publishes info from factory service manuals.

Engine Oil Capacity

Dry fill 5.0L (5.3 qt)
Drain and Fill with Filter 4.2L (4.4 qt)
Drain and Fill without Filter 4.0L (4.2 qt)
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 AT 10:43 PM
Tiny
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OK THEN WHY DOES STICK READ LOW?
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 AT 10:48 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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All I can tell are the specs that they publish. Some residual oil can take a long time to drain, the ground may not be level or it may just be an engineering error on their part.
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 AT 11:00 PM
Tiny
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Ok makes sense now what?Add oil, orleave alone?I know toomuch is not good, and too little just as bad.
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 AT 11:14 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
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Check it in the morning, if you need it add it if not leave it alone
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 AT 11:15 PM
Tiny
REDWELD
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Great. Thanx for info. This is a nice way to get info from someone who is qualified. Enjoy
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 AT 11:18 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
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Hi guys. Unless I overlooked it, you're missing one important detail. To address the complaints all manufacturers had years ago about normal, minor oil consumption between changes, no manufacturer uses "add" and "full" on their dipsticks any longer. They use "min" and "max". All that's required is the level be anywhere between the two marks. If it's above the lower mark, there's no need to add any.
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Thursday, September 22nd, 2011 AT 5:03 AM

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