Oil volume, dipstick or manual?

UP Oliver

Member
Hello.

I have a David Brown 990, and I just changed the engine oil and filter. Both the Shop Manual and the Operator's Manual say it takes 8 quarts, but if I want it to read in the "Safe" interval on the dipstick I probably should only put in 7 quarts. I just put 8 quarts in, ran the tractor for an hour and the oil level is well over the safe interval. So do I go by the manuals or the dipstick? Any input is appreciated.

Thanks.
 
Hello.

I have a David Brown 990, and I just changed the engine oil and filter. Both the Shop Manual and the Operator's Manual say it takes 8 quarts, but if I want it to read in the "Safe" interval on the dipstick I probably should only put in 7 quarts. I just put 8 quarts in, ran the tractor for an hour and the oil level is well over the safe interval. So do I go by the manuals or the dipstick? Any input is appreciated.

Thanks.
Put in enough to have it in the safe level where you want it. It might take 8 quarts if the entire system is bone dry, which is what the manufacturer puts in the books. Not every bit will drain out so it will likely take less than the 8 quarts in an engine that has been run. This is not uncommon with engines, transmissions, hydraulics and cooling systems of most machines.
 
A half quart, or so, over isn't generally a problem. When you get into problems is when the oil is so high in the sump that the crankshaft beats it into a foam. I don't believe you're anywhere near that level doing what you're doing.
 
My cx90 when new showed the engine oil level above the full mark by 1/4 inch or little more. Specs call for a little over 9 quarts. That is what I put in it and it goes to about 1/4 or so above full on stick. I would fill to manufactures specs.
 
My cx90 when new showed the engine oil level above the full mark by 1/4 inch or little more. Specs call for a little over 9 quarts. That is what I put in it and it goes to about 1/4 or so above full on stick. I would fill to manufactures specs.

Nine quarts really surprises me on a Mazda engine. What engine is that?
 
Hello.

I have a David Brown 990, and I just changed the engine oil and filter. Both the Shop Manual and the Operator's Manual say it takes 8 quarts, but if I want it to read in the "Safe" interval on the dipstick I probably should only put in 7 quarts. I just put 8 quarts in, ran the tractor for an hour and the oil level is well over the safe interval. So do I go by the manuals or the dipstick? Any input is appreciated.

Thanks.
Sludge buildup in the bottom of the oil pan?
 
Hello.

I have a David Brown 990, and I just changed the engine oil and filter. Both the Shop Manual and the Operator's Manual say it takes 8 quarts, but if I want it to read in the "Safe" interval on the dipstick I probably should only put in 7 quarts. I just put 8 quarts in, ran the tractor for an hour and the oil level is well over the safe interval. So do I go by the manuals or the dipstick? Any input is appreciated.

Thanks.
Could there be a difference in the size/capacity of the oil filter? OEM filter or will fit filter?
Just another possibility.
Keith
 
Hello.

I have a David Brown 990, and I just changed the engine oil and filter. Both the Shop Manual and the Operator's Manual say it takes 8 quarts, but if I want it to read in the "Safe" interval on the dipstick I probably should only put in 7 quarts. I just put 8 quarts in, ran the tractor for an hour and the oil level is well over the safe interval. So do I go by the manuals or the dipstick? Any input is appreciated.

Thanks.
This reminded me that Dad filed an extra line into the engine dipstick on his JD 2510 gas to match the recommended amount of oil. He had bought this tractor new. I didn't realize until many years later, working on switching engines in a 2520, that the dipstick holder is adjustable. There is a spec in the service manual. I found this one out of spec. Once adjusted oil amount and dipstick agreed.
 
I have noticed that showing a bit overfull on the dip stick after adding the recommended amount of oil is not uncommon. I would add the recommended volume and unless it off by more than a quart let it go.
 
Thank you for all the replies. I appreciate it. The tractor isn't used much, so it has been awhile since I changed the oil. I think I have always put in 2 gallons, but can't remember if I ever noticed the dipstick. I got the tractor used, so I am not sure if it is the right dipstick or not, and I have been using the recommended Wix oil filter. I drained the oil when the engine was hot.

When I shut it off yesterday, it was only a quarter inch over the safe level, this morning it is higher than that obviously. Anyway, thanks again.
 
when I worked at Case on The CE side all but a very select few of the B series cummins engines called for 11.5 with filter, every single one got 3 due to ease of the fill jugs from the bulk tank. we never had an issue with any and to this day I maintain 3 common rails in dodge trucks, my 97 12 valve, and an 1845c with the 4B, everyone gets 3 gallon and done. As was stated if you arent above the pan gasket where it leaks a ton or high enough the crank is whipping it into cream you are fine. My Dad had a 69 Fury with a 383 that held 8 quart after a fuel pump failure, kinda a long story but how the pan gasket held is beyond me!
 
I put a decent quantity of oil in all my crankcases and then start watching the dip stick as I continue adding. When it gets up to the "add" mark, I start the engine and run it for a minute or so. Shut it off and read the dipstick again. Add more oil till it hits the "full" mark. When the equipment has been sitting, if the oil filter doesn't have a leak back seal and is in the right position, it empties and upon checking the dipstick prior to using it will show "over" full. Expect it.
 
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