Go by dipstick or manual?

[slim_pickens]

Simple question here but just want to be safe.

Last year when I changed my engine oil for the first time in my 3.6L eTorque JL, I added 5 quarts just like the manual says. However, in the days afterward I noticed that when I checked the dipstick, the oil level was probably 1/8" or more above the max of the crosshatches. So I drained a little.

Today, I changed my oil again and I intentionally left about one quarter of a quart in the jug. I went for about a 15 mile drive (since I also rotated my tires), came back, let the engine cool for about five minutes (per the manual), and then measured my oil level with the dipstick. Now my oil level is bang in the middle of the crosshatches.

Am I right that I should be going by my dipstick to judge the right amount of oil and not just blindly dumping in 5 quarts every time I do my oil change? My assumption is that I just have a bit of old residual oil that isn't fully draining out each time.

Thanks!

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[AlgUSF]

I know I'll get dissenters here, but I put the capacity stated in the manual in all of my vehicles. I wouldn't lose any sleep over 1/8" on the dipstick. It isn't like you're a quart heavy.

 

[Old Dogger]

If you drain it properly, engine at normal operating temps, on level ground, oil filer cap and oil filter removed, and then let it drain until it quits dripping. Just add 5 quarts and forget about it. 1/8" over the hashmarks is a non-issue.

 

[slim_pickens]

Sounds good. Thanks guys.

 

[Kracka]

Dipstick is what takes precedence.

 

[gsbrockman]

It isn't like you're a quart heavy.

That’s exactly what Willys had in it when I bought it used from a FoMoCo dealership in Circleville, OH.....

Oil changes on a 3.6L Wrangler are so easy that even a FoMoCo dealership can screw the pooch on’em........

 

[MichaelT333]

Simple question here but just want to be safe.

Last year when I changed my engine oil for the first time in my 3.6L eTorque JL, I added 5 quarts just like the manual says. However, in the days afterward I noticed that when I checked the dipstick, the oil level was probably 1/8" or more above the max of the crosshatches. So I drained a little.

Today, I changed my oil again and I intentionally left about one quarter of a quart in the jug. I went for about a 15 mile drive (since I also rotated my tires), came back, let the engine cool for about five minutes (per the manual), and then measured my oil level with the dipstick. Now my oil level is bang in the middle of the crosshatches.

Am I right that I should be going by my dipstick to judge the right amount of oil and not just blindly dumping in 5 quarts every time I do my oil change? My assumption is that I just have a bit of old residual oil that isn't fully draining out each time.

Thanks!

Absolutely without question go by the dip stick not the manual. There could oil left in the pan or you didn’t change the filter as well (I hope you did) but there could be a number of things. Always go back what the dip stick says is in there.

 

[ALRUI]

That’s exactly what Willys had in it when I bought it used from a FoMoCo dealership in Circleville, OH.....

Oil changes on a 3.6L Wrangler are so easy that even a FoMoCo dealership can screw the pooch on’em........

Thats the tech not the dealership per sea....

 

[jav_eee]

That’s exactly what Willys had in it when I bought it used from a FoMoCo dealership in Circleville, OH.....

Oil changes on a 3.6L Wrangler are so easy that even a FoMoCo dealership can screw the pooch on’em........

Didnt the 2018 and older models take 6 quarts? They’re just going off of old info. Even jeep dealers screw it up.

 

[VKSheridan]

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, including “trained” dealer mechanics:

The OMM tells you what to put in, the dipstick tells you how much is in it.

The minute you conclude a dipstick unreliable or miscalibrated, get it replaced or cap it off.

Seriously, either fix it or cap it off because any reading you take will be a guess if it’s right. And hell, if you’re going to guess the oil level, guess without raising the hood while you’re sitting in your recliner eating Cheetos while watching YouTube videos of Jeep fails as you’ll be just as accurate.

FCA has been known to misinstall the dipstick tube causing the stick to indicate the oil a touch low but I haven’t heard of them punching it too deep to where it would indicate the pan prematurely full.

If you are an attention to detail guy, take your Jeep to the dealer and advise you have either a defective book or a defective dipstick. Don’t let them bullshit you into thinking it’s supposed to be a choice as to which you should trust. It isn’t.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

To me the dipstick read on any JL/JT is a crap shoot of sorts regardless of the engine.

I right at 1st oil change day, drained the oil (gave it plenty of time to drain) and then added exactly 5 qts. of oil.... then started the JL for a few minutes and turned it off. Let it sit overnight and then pulled the dipstick and I etched a mark on the metal dipstick exactly at the visible oil line on the dipstick

Now, when I do my oil level checks with the dipstick, I do it first thing in the morning before use / before starting the vehicle. I use my etched line on the dipstick to determine current oil level.

As far as oil change day... to me five quarts is frigging 5 qts.. I drain the oil, and then pour in exactly 5 qts.. I do not check the dipstick. Why would I do that.... 5 qts is 5 qts.

Oh my.... watch somebody post they add or subtract oil on oil change day, based on a dipstick reading.. 8-)

 

[blnewt]

Guess I got a good stick, mine was right to the top of the crosshatch from day 1. And yeah, that's one thing FCA got right, make the oil capacity exactly 5 qts to coincide w/ the exact amount available in over the counter oil jugs. If you F it up after that it's on YOU!!!

 

[Pig-Pen]

Dipstick is what takes precedence.

Imo the precedence is a dipstick

 

[Old Dogger]

Didnt the 2018 and older models take 6 quarts? They’re just going off of old info. Even jeep dealers screw it up.

The original 3.6 engine in the JK's, including 2018 takes 6 quarts. The 3.6 PUG in the wrangler JL's including the 2018 takes 5 quarts. Remember, in 2018 both the JK, and the JL were manufactured.

 

[jav_eee]

The original 3.6 engine in the JK's, including 2018 takes 6 quarts. The 3.6 PUG in the wrangler JL's including the 2018 takes 5 quarts. Remember, in 2018 both the JK, and the JL were manufactured.

Causing even more confusion to oil change “techs” world wide

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