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Classic/Antique Car Repair/quantity of engine oil

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Expert: - 6/20/2009


Question
Hi Jack: I have the Les Andrews book. Specs. say 4-1/2qts.on oil change. Pg. 1-160 says "add oil up to the F on dipstick and do not over fill". I'm at the F with 3-1/2qts. It is a 31 with a 31 pan. Do I go with quantity or follow the dipstick? Thanks in advance. Doug.

Answer
I would try another A dip stick, one from a friend's car, and if it says the same as yours, then go with the dip stick.  The A engine really does not care if it has 4 or 3 1/2 qts.  After an oil change, if it is handier to just to put 4 qts in, that would be OK too.  
The main thing is to drive that A.  It will run so much better if you run it a lot.  It is a very tough little  car.
Have fun.
jack

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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jack bahm

Expertise

Only repair type questions on the 1928-1931 Ford Model A.

Experience

Owned one when I was 15 yrs old, and now have owned 5. Still own and play with 2 of them.

Organizations
Oakleaf region of MARC. Model A Restorers Club. I have put several Model A videos on the Oakleaf site that may be of help. Things like how to start the A, how to Time it, how to troubleshoot it.. Go to oakleafregion.org and you will find them. jack

Publications
"More than you need to know about cars." Just a small book for Car Nuts. Blurb.com "Model A Ford Tips and Hints" Blurb.com 2010 Many Model A movies that can be found on youtube.com/jackbahm

Education/Credentials
BSME LSU, 1958, Masters of automotive engineering from the Chrysler Institute of engineering, 1960, MBA Mich State, 1976. Worked as an engineer at Chrysler from 1958 to the end of 1991.

Awards and Honors
Two patents while working in auto industry.

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