I needed to top off the oil for the first time and was surprised at how hard it is to remove the filler cap. I had to force it through the opening to both remove it and get it back on. What is the square tab at the base of the oil filler cap for? This was the piece that made it most difficult to get through the round hole in the engine cover.
I can't believe this was designed to be this difficult. Was I suppose to remove the engine cover after the cap was loose?

 

Dennis, I believe that the fill cap is seized onto the 3"~4" extension tube. Try holding the extension tube and then with other hand try twisting oil cap off.

 

Rick, Thanks for the tip. When I checked the oil, the level was at the Min. mark on the dip stick at the bottom of the cross hatched section. I always thought this cross hatch section of the dip stick represented one quart of oil so I bought one quart believing it would last until the next oil change. Apparently the cross hatch section on this engine represents two quarts as the level came up to the middle of the cross hatch and not the full mark that I expected.
So, I get to do it again and I will take your tip and try to free up the cap from the extension tube. Thanks again.
Dennis

 

Actually I would watch out with holding that tube, loves to break... that little tab is part of the tube but the tube is not supposed to come out, only the top part (which gets pretty damn stuck I know!) A little bit of lithium grease on the cap seal (a little bit you don't want to fall on your engine) and you should be good to go!

 

Thanks, I will be careful not to break the tube, I hope.
I was concerned that the car consumed 2 qts. of oil in 5K miles but felt better when I realized that only 5 qts were put in at the oil change and the capacity is 6.5 qts. Consuming 1/2 qt. doesn't bother me at all. I am surprised my mechanic missed that but he won't miss it again.

 

I just ran out and checked Joyces oil cap and it was pretty tight to the extension tube and I just had it off not so long ago for an oil change.


Good advise Daxter.


Wouldn't want to be your mechanic, ha!

 

Rick, That mechanic comment sounded harsher than I intended. He is a great person and I trust him 100% and after a second look at the oil change receipt I see one qt. of oil listed at the bottom that is in addition to the 5 qts. included in the oil change price so he did not screw up after all.
Now I am concerned about the consumption again at 1.5 to 2 qts in 5K miles.

 

Does the engine have any oil leaks?

 

No oil leaks that I can tell. No spots on the garage floor.

 

My 2003 Driver's Handbook says oil capacity for the V8 engines is 6.9qt. It also says if the oil level is between the two dots (so within the hatched area) no further filling is necessary.

I change my own oil and always buy 7 quarts. Initially fill with 6qts then re-check and add as necessary.

Yes, you should always check for leaks and signs of seepage.

 

If there are no apparent leaks, it would be a good idea to begin recording the kilometres/miles when you add oil to determine how far you have gone before you need to top up the oil.

 

Ah, the good old days of changing oil and taking care of other needs under the car. Using jacks and jack stands and crawling around on the garage floor are totally behind me. I miss doing that work as well as seeing potential problems and taking care of them before they got worse. These days, checking fluids and keeping it clean and polished is pretty much the extent of my maintenance efforts although I am considering changing the plugs this spring. That could be fun.