[Rich292]

I have a 2023 SS with about 3500 miles on the current oil. A few weeks ago I noticed that it was reading about 9.25 quarts (about 1/4 the way up the hatched area on the diptstick). For reference, no matter how long I let the 10 quart bottles drain, I never get more than about 9.5 on the dipstick reading when I check after an oil change.


I topped up the oil with 1/2 quart. Today when I was checking the level, it's showing way overfilled. Oil is way past the end bob and is about 4-5 inches up on the braided steel cord of the dipstick.


I can't tell if I'm going insane, blind, or what. There is no way it could be that high, even if I had misread the dipstick when I topped it up. The most it can have is 10.5 quarts in there, which shouldn't be that big a deal on a 10 quart sump. There are no signs of anything wrong (no foam on the dipstick or oil cap to indicate coolant in the oil, no bubbles like it's been aerated, car runs fine, oil pressure is not high or low, no smell of fuel like I have excessive dilution, etc.). The car is parked in a mostly level spot (it will roll back very slowly in neutral).


Has anyone had an issue like this? Does anyone know if the dipstick tube is mounted in a way that a tiny rearward slant would give this much of an error on the reading?


Any help or insight is appreciated.

[arpad_m]

This may sound like a dummy question, but are you absolutely sure you didn't check the level shortly after a drive before topping off the oil?

The dipstick path in our Camaros has a few too many curves for my taste either way, it's relatively easy to get oil smear up the side by accident and I guess there is no linearity past the marked range, as you suspect. I usually double-pull to make sure I'm getting the right reading, ie I clean it off first, push it in, read once, clean off again and re-read.

If you didn't accidentally pour in 11 quarts last time you changed the oil, I agree that 10.5 quarts is not a big deal.

That said, your observation is interesting. I always fill exactly 10 quarts no matter what after letting the oil drain and drip for about 10-15 minutes. Readings right after an oil change, before starting the engine, are always very near or at the top of the hash marks. I haven't heard of any oil pan or oiling circuit differences in post-refresh (2019+) Camaros vs my 2018.

[p47dman]

What he said. But also try rotating the dipstick, give handle half a twist and try reading again.

[Rich292]

Originally Posted by arpad_m

This may sound like a dummy question, but are you absolutely sure you didn't check the level shortly after a drive before topping off the oil?

I always do my oil checks before starting a ride, so the car has normally sat overnight, if not longer. When I do occasionally check during rides at gas stops I haven't noticed any appreciable difference in oil levels between the overnight checks and a 15 minute gas stop.


I let the car drain 30-40 minutes at oil changes, so there shouldn't have been any significant residual oil left in, and I definitely did not put in more than the required 10 quarts.


My method for checking the oil level is to take out the dipstick, wipe it clean, then re-insert it and spin the handle a few times so the bob at the end will read the same on both sides. I was getting consistent 9.25 quart readings for a few checks before I topped it up with the 1/2 quart.


What sort of oil filters do you use? I use Purolator Boss filters, so I wonder if that filter has a slightly higher capacity and that is why I don't get a full reading at oil changes. You would think the filter capacity can't be that much different, but it might account for something. Though that still wouldn't explain why 1/2 quart top up is making it read alarmingly high now.

[p47dman]

Your problem might be how you are rotating the handle several times while inserted. Try just pushing it in and pulling the handle back out with no rotating. My other post was meaning just stick it in, pull out, read level. Then stick it in again after rotating handle 180 and read level again. arpad_m, I know, I said it again

[bishopts]

My car is 11 quarts to be at the top of the crosshatch mark.

[m6-lt1]

I’d stick to PF64 oil filters since you’re still under warranty.

One time during a track day, if I parked my car facing one way it showed half a quart low. When I parked it facing the other way it showed all the way full at the top of the hash mark. I decided not to add any oil. When I got home I checked my oil the next day in my garage and it showed half a quart low so I must have burned some at the track (and dodged a bullet). When parking my car at the track I did not notice it being on an incline or decline so I learned the slightest grade will change what the dip stick shows.

[JT6Speed]

This car is notoriously hard to check the oil level on. The dipstick on my Honda is a piece of cake.

My only advice is make sure the car is as level as can be, it sits for awhile after running (i always check it the next day after a drive just to over compensate), and then after you pull the stick and wipe it off, don't put it back in for a couple of minutes to potentially allow any oil that got caught on the tube to drain back. That seems to help for me, although each side of the stick will sometimes still look a bit different.

[cgdelena]

Many dipsticks simply provide a rough estimate of oil fill and can easily show 5% too high or low. Since too much oil is a real negative for most driving I fill with 10 quarts and note the level on the stick as full after running and cool down.

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by Rich292

I always do my oil checks before starting a ride, so the car has normally sat overnight, if not longer. When I do occasionally check during rides at gas stops I haven't noticed any appreciable difference in oil levels between the overnight checks and a 15 minute gas stop.

I let the car drain 30-40 minutes at oil changes, so there shouldn't have been any significant residual oil left in, and I definitely did not put in more than the required 10 quarts.

My method for checking the oil level is to take out the dipstick, wipe it clean, then re-insert it and spin the handle a few times so the bob at the end will read the same on both sides. I was getting consistent 9.25 quart readings for a few checks before I topped it up with the 1/2 quart.

What sort of oil filters do you use? I use Purolator Boss filters, so I wonder if that filter has a slightly higher capacity and that is why I don't get a full reading at oil changes. You would think the filter capacity can't be that much different, but it might account for something. Though that still wouldn't explain why 1/2 quart top up is making it read alarmingly high now.

Aha, I see, you probably read the dipstick right. I never spin the handle and still get consistent readings on both sides.

I use the Amsoil EA15K50 filter with Amsoil's Signature 10W-30 oil, but I have a built engine and do not recommend non-stock oils or filters to owners still within their powertrain warranty period. Either way, I don't think the filter could've been the reason for your readings.

[cdb95z28]

No OE LT1 should be more than 10 quarts and not be in the hash marks. ANYWHERE in the hash marks is good.

Remember, oil expands with heat so always check cold. I fill to halfway on the hash marks. With high track day oil temps, the cold level expands to the top of the hash marks. Also, in my experience of my LT1, the bulbous tip will pull oil up into the dipstick tube as you remove the dipstick. Then when you reinstall that residual oil gives a false reading. Pull the dipstick, let the residual oil drain, and do not reinstall for a minimum half hour. Then check it.

[speedyink1]

This car is a total pain to check the oil in.
My super dumb procedure I got from someone on here, it's a pain but it seem to work.


1: Let car sit for at least half an hour after a drive (overnight is good)
2: Pull out dipstick, wipe off any oil, DO NOT REINSERT. Place it over the radiator or somewhere clean for storage, lower the hood without actually locking it, and walk away for 15 minutes. Yup.
3: Come back, insert your dipstick back into the hole SLOWLY
4: SLOWLY spin the dipstick around, only a couple revolutions will do
5: SLOWLY remove dipstick again to check level


This seems to be the most reliable way to check the oil.

[Dynamical]

I have experienced the exact same mysterious crap as you OP. I absolutely hate this dipstick and how it reads. I’ve had many cars to take care of but only one I’ve complained about a dipstick!

[ember1205]

Originally Posted by cdb95z28

No OE LT1 should be more than 10 quarts and not be in the hash marks. ANYWHERE in the hash marks is good.

Remember, oil expands with heat so always check cold. I fill to halfway on the hash marks. With high track day oil temps, the cold level expands to the top of the hash marks. Also, in my experience of my LT1, the bulbous tip will pull oil up into the dipstick tube as you remove the dipstick. Then when you reinstall that residual oil gives a false reading. Pull the dipstick, let the residual oil drain, and do not reinstall for a minimum half hour. Then check it.

This is really the key to it all. The predominant "issue" is that there are all kinds of paths and channels within the engine that oil is routed, and oil may pool up in a variety of different places depending on the exact moment the engine was turned off. Allowing the car to sit for a while on a level surface allows as much oil as possible to make its way back to the pan. As long as the reading is on the hash marks, all is good. Full stop.

The exact reading can and does change from one check to the next because where the oil pools up and how much stays out of the pan is variable, but within a specific limit (which is why the hash marks cover a wide range). The exact procedure to follow for checking the oil is well documented in the manual.

If my engine were over-filled, I would immediately drain the oil out and put in ten quarts fresh with a new filter. It isn't worth the risk of what too much oil in an engine can do to run it like that.