So over the weekend I decided to do an oil change on my 62 MK2 3.8 if I am not mistaken tje manual states there should be no more than 7 quarts of oil. When I check the dipstick it says the oil level is low...almost bone dry. So now I am a bit confused should I stick to what the manual or go by what the the dipstick says?

 

The oil capacities are 12 pints Imperial, 14-1/2 pints US, or 6.75 litres (looking at the 3.8S Handbook specs for an engine refill - presumably the Mk 2 is the same?). So your 7 US quarts should be close enough to a refill. If your dipstick is bone dry (that's worrisome), either your oil went where it should not, or (more likely) you have the wrong dipstick for your sump (too short). Perhaps someone out there with a 3.8 Mk 2 can confirm the length of their dipstick, from the top boss to the lower tip? On my 4.2 E-Type, that dimension is 9-11/16", but that is probably not relevant to your sump geometry. In any event, I would trust your integral count of oil containers emptied into the engine and question the dipstick length.

 

That makes perfect sense. The engine runs smooth with no smoke so Im good there. Just want to risk it. Seems a bit odd to me that it still didnt show. But thanks for the reasurance :-)

 

After searching around on the *other* website (Jag-lovers - here to provide everything for the Jaguar enthusiast!), I have another clue. Apparently there were at least two lengths of dipstick supplied - a longer one to pair up with an extension tube fitted to the dipstick insertion hole (apparently to make it easier to stick it in), a shorter one to fit the case where there was no extension tube. So it might be that you have the extension tube but with the incorrect shorter dipstick? The way to tell is if the insertion point is right on the deck of the lower block region (shorter dipstick), or if there is a short metal tube that extends upwards from the deck (longer dipstick).

 

Good info Mike, I'll be interested to see the outcome as a major over or under fill could be expensive in the long term.

 

Assuming that the dipstick is the correct one and I can't remember ever hearing of this not being the case then go by the dipstick you have on a flat surface and you are good to go IMO.

 

Actually if you go to the *other* website (JagFORUM - the world's No 1 online club for Jaguar enthusiasts) and search in the "Saloons" forum, you will find many head-scratchings about various dipstick lengths. There are multiple instances of cars being separated from their original dipsticks (sounds slightly obscene ). It's not just a question of gravity on an inclined plane - hopefully that can be eliminated with a moment's thought.

 

Watch your oil pressure gauge,as if you are real low it will drop when cornering,accelerating and breaking.

 

Unfortunately the oil pressure gauge is not working however, I ran the car and listened for any odd engine noises and then drove it around the block a couple of times. Seems like all is good. It could be that the dipstick is not the proper one. Thanks for the advise!