Hey guys, this is my first post on the site and I'm hoping someone could answer a very simple question for me. I have a 93 Camaro I just recently bought and I did my first oil change to it about a week ago. The owners manual calls for 4.5 quarts, but I didn't notice it get full until I put about 5 quarts in it. After getting home yesterday I decided to check the oil to check out the color and just to keep an eye on it and what I noticed was that the oil was a good amount (not a full quart or even a half quart for that matter) above the "operating range" arrow on the dip stick, so I started the engine and took 3 tests again and all 3 of these suggested it was right at the level it needed to be at (right below the arrow). I'm wondering if this is normal and if you guys think I should drain some out or leave it? The reason I decided to check it was mainly because I saw a small amount of smoke come out the pipes in the back.

Keep in mind, the oil was hot at the time for both readings, I had just finished driving it. Oil pressure when hot runs about 20psi. Last oil change I put 4 quarts of Mobil 1 10w30 full synthetic with 1 quart of lucas full synthetic stabilizer in it.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

I always thought that you were suppose to check the oil when it is settled to the bottom of the motor, you check tranny fluid when it is running. And if you see smoke when you first start it, then its the valve guide seals. If im wrong somebody correct me.

 

That's pretty correct. Valve guide seals also indicate on closed throttle deceleration...

 

Alright, it's been sitting for about 12 hours now.. I'll check it in a few and get back to you guys. Thanks!

 

For some reason, the owner's manuals vary from 4.5-5.0 quarts with filter change. I don't know why, as they seem to all have the same oil pan. 5 quarts with filter is what I have always done and the level is perfect. If you have elected to use a longer that stock filter, you may need an additional 1/2 quart.

 

It's a FRAM toughguard PH30 I believe. Thats interesting though

 

When I was stock with the stock oil pan, I would fill the filter then dump exactly 5 quarts in, which resulted in the oil level ending up right at the top of the cross-hatch, every time.

 

Fram filters are consistently at the bottom of performance charts. Wix, AC-Delco and some others are a better choice.

 

@shoebox: yeah I read that, I was looking for an AC/Delco or K&N, but nowhere around here had them for my car. If it's that much of a difference I'll consider switching it now if thats what you recommend. I'll probably order it online.

 

I buy AC/Delco brand at advanced auto in Tn, but don't know if you have any in your location.

 

actually yes there is an Advanced Auto here. I checked everywhere but there. I thought retailers lean toward FRAM, but I will check for sure thanks.

Update for you guys: my oil when cold after letting the car sit was midway on the arrow line (above where it should be) I'm assuming I should drain some out? And I'm not sure if this is normal but I just changed the oil as stated but it already has some darkness to it... is that even possible for an engine to run oil that bad? lol

 

I have a 1993 and ran into the same issue years ago. It takes 6 qts of Mobil 1 with the M1-302 filter to put mine at the full line. I've run 6 for the last 10 years. I have always changed it, started and circulated it and then checked it. As far as I know all the lube joints use the same common procedure to this day. I have changed the oil in all of my vehicles for over 40 years.

 

5 quarts

 

I've heard even the AC Delco quality has gone down over the past few years. I've switched to NAPA gold.