I just did an oil change in my '88 GT, and I'm noticing a little bit of a "sloshing" sound from the bottom of the engine at idle. I got all the old oil out of the car, took out the old filter, put new filter on, and put the oil pan drain plug back on. Then filled with 4 qts of 10W-30 and 1 quart of Lucas oil stabilizer. The new filter was the larger style, ACDelco part PF52 I believe, so I thought I could run 1/2 quart over with no problems. Lucas stabilizer instructions said that to put in 20% of total oil volume, so I did. Any idea what the noise could be? I've heard that people have run 5 qts with no issues, could my crank be sloshing through the oil?

I run 5 quarts in my 3.4 with no issues. With a big filter, it actually brings it right to the "full" mark on the stick. Can't imagine that a 2.8 would be any different.

Regardless, I'm amazed that you're able to hear... sloshing?!
I would suspect air in the coolant before oil sloshing.
Maybe it's tranny fluid. It re-enters the pan under pressure after returning from the cooler.

If you have a big screwdriver, place the handle end against the inside of your ear and push the tip against the oil pan or tranny pan. If there's anything to be heard, you should be able to hear it that way. Works like a stethoscope.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 10-28-2006).]

Saw this on a post a while back before I was thinking about using Lucas products, interesting tests and reading. Thought it may help some...
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/images/lucas/lucas.htm

[This message has been edited by 3800superfast (edited 10-28-2006).]

No sloshing noises before the change, it was all pure motor oil except for the Lucas, which was oil stabilizer. I'll try the screwdriver stethoscope tomorrow.

I haven't heard anything about Lucas that would make me want to use it.
Certainly not in a low mileage engine.

Only thing I could think of is, ice in the coolant system (makeing intermitant sloshing noises).Whats the weather like out there?Add some new coolant if this is the problem.

The normal oil level for a 2.8 has the oil about the bottom of the bearing caps. Would of course go down some with the engine running. If you are over full you could be hearing the crank weights splashing in the oil.
Why don't you drain about a half qt. out and see what is sounds like.

Also, oil is pretty stable stuff already. It's already a few million years old. I wouldn't run any of the lucas products in my engines.

Hmmm... do you also hear that sound when you're not near the car, like sleeping? Just messing with ya. I have never heard of anyone able to hear oil in the pan before, and suspect your hearing something else as the others have suggested. But then, wIth my low restriction muffler, empty cat etc. I can't hardly hear much of anything, never mind oil in the pan.

I don't doubt that it's possible to hear. Back when my '84 was running, I could hear what I assume was my transmission fluid churning up if I let the clutch out in neutral. Fwoosh!