'87 GT w/ '00 Bonneville n/a 3800. Got my 1st oil change today. The tech found the dipstick (not me) but couldn't pull it all the way to check the oil for fear he would either break something or not be able to get it back in the tube. Is it normal for it to be all but hidden on the front (passenger) side of the motor? Is there some sort of replacement dip stick and tube that would relocate it to a more accessible place? The tech said that he knows it takes 4.5 qts so he says the level is good but I don't feel good about driving it unless I can verify.
Right, guys. That's where it is on my car, too but it's nearly impossible to pull out without quite a bit of tension. I can't see the dipstick tube so I think I'd have trouble getting it back in the hole. What's the trick to this?
i just reach behind and touch the dipstick tube and guide the dipstick in. Just get it started then grab it higher and feed it in. I've never had any problem with it honestly.
I pointed out the dipstick on my SC to a mechanic buddy. He said well as long as it doesn't burn or leak oil, change the oil every 3,000 miles with 5 quarts and you'll never really need to pull the dipstick out. pretty good advice. I guide it back like Mike describes and it works ok.
I pointed out the dipstick on my SC to a mechanic buddy. He said well as long as it doesn't burn or leak oil, change the oil every 3,000 miles with 5 quarts and you'll never really need to pull the dipstick out. pretty good advice. I guide it back like Mike describes and it works ok.
Agreed, though with modern oils, it really is not necessary to change oil that often, especially if you use synthetic.
The oil pan gasket leaks a bit but that's another thread. I'll save that for later. I think people are getting tired of my "what's wrong with my car" threads. /shrug/
Yeah, I always did 4.5 qts in my GTP with a regular sized filter, same as I do/will do when my L67 swapped Fiero is finally on the road for more than just going around the block.
edit:
If the dipstick is newer there can be a little bit more resistance removing/re-installing it, but its the room to work with due to its location that can make it difficult.
[This message has been edited by Jfrost (edited 05-07-2015).]
Agreed, though with modern oils, it really is not necessary to change oil that often, especially if you use synthetic.
In my GTP, running fully synthetic, I often went 6-7k miles between oil changes and didn't sweat it (mainly highway miles). I followed the factory oil life gauge in the car and the oil never came out looking bad enough to have me concerned. When my L67 Fiero is on the road for a full season I'll changed it once it gets to 5k or if not just once a year.
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