crankcase capacity

[aboyandhisdog]

Two quick questions:

1)  For an oil change with filter, I've seen 5 qts, 4 qts, and 4.5 qts.  What say you?  For years I've been putting in 5 qts, but after the last oil change I looked closely at the dipstick and it read above the full mark.  Had never noticed this before.

2)  What do you find to be the best solvent for your parts washer?  I've been using "purple power" and it's okay but not great.  I remember using Safe-T-Clean solvent a long time ago and as I remember it, it worked quite a bit better. 

Thanks a lot!

[Gunslinger]

Tom,
I generally stick with the 4 quart oil change, but I changed mine over to a pressurized full flow oil filter at the last rebuild rather than the bypass system that is OE.

Cant say on the parts washer, really need to get one of those...
Gun

[mtnman37879]

When I change oil I fill the oil to the full line on the stick. Then run the engine for a couple of minutes. Check the stick and add oil acordingly.
 Mineral sprits is what I have in my parts washer. Works great and easy on the hands.

[Rus Curtis]

A Service Manual (SM) will help guide you on all fluid capacities as well as service intervals. I was surprised to read in my Cherokee's manual that engine oil capacity is 6 qts.  I prefer to see what's published when it's available. 

Having used a commercial cleaning bin bare-handed (at a younger age) and having problems with my fingers and fingernails, I think using milder solvents is a good idea.  Wearing gloves will add to your protection.

[aboyandhisdog]

Right, that's my point...all the service manuals don't agree.  Most are saying 5 qts., but the SM for Universal Jeeps for the 2A and 3A says 4 qts.  The 4 qt. level seems to put me at the full mark on the dipstick. 

As an aside...I have an old oil pan laying around and just for grins filled it with water to see how much it really holds.  I filled it to 8 qts and the level was still not quite to the top of the pan.  I suppose with 8 qts the pickup would be down in the oil and not floating on top, but I wonder what harm can be done by having the crankcase overfilled.

[Rus Curtis]

... the SM for Universal Jeeps for the 2A and 3A says 4 qts....�

That's the one I use.

...I wonder what harm can be done by having the crankcase overfilled.

If I were to wager a guess, since the crankcase would make contact with the oil and turning as fast as it does, it would be like a blender and froth the oil to the point it would have trouble circulating in the engine.  That's just a guess.