Just did my first oil change on my 04 XJ8 (US model) and it took 7.5 qts of oil. Most of what I read said this should only take 6.5 qts of oil. Trying to figure out at this point, what's going on. Do oversized oil pans exist for the 4.2L, could there be an aftermarket oil cooler, or do I just have the wrong dip stick?

Does anybody have any insight as to what this likely is? Can someone take a measurement of the length of dip stick to the full mark?

 

7.5 quarts too much.

6.9 quarts with the oil cooler. 6.5 quarts otherwise...

I think oil cooler is on the SC engines. I have a 04 XJR and 6.9 quarts to get the oil to the very top of the range on the dip stick.

 

7 quarts close the hood done

 

I'm doing some other work on this car, so the front end is up on ramps, maybe 8" high. I'm wondering if this is skewing the level on the dip stick?

 

Six quarts would be better for the engine than 7.5.

 

Yeah, put the car down before filling the oil. Capacity, and measuring with the dipstick, is for a level car!

 

People change grills, rear labels, dream of airline trays or big wheels, prefer a walnut gear knob, this or that colour...
but I have never heard of anyone wanting to change a dipstick!

Back in 1979, my series 2 did completely fill the sump, with petrol, due to some overnight temp/vacuum issue with blocked petrol cap(s). For some unknown reason I checked the dipstick before starting. Now THAT was dangerous.
I am not suggesting that applies to our cars. If the dipstick is not completely full, then there must still be air for oil to throw around, regurgitate, and do it's thing?

 

Yes,

 

Car must be level when checking any fluid level! You have probably over filled it.
John

 

So I've lowered (leveled) the car, and it didn't effect the level on the dip stick by more than an 1/8". I know you're all thinking I've miscounted, or don't know how to read a dip stick, but I'm telling you the oil is just under the full mark (no oil in the upper hole) after poring in 7.5 quarts. Sometimes dip sticks get lost, and someone grabs one from a junk yard of the wrong length. I'm just wondering if someone could throw a tape measure on their XJ8 dipstick so I can compare?

 

I have mine with me I will send picture in the next couple of hours with the cars door as reference

 

From above chrome trim passenger side with the red plastic holder (that touches the oil gage hose to lower door curve

 

My dipstick measure 21 7/16" from the red shroud to the Max level. Part number XR83-6752-AD. Can anyone verify the dipstick part number they have, it's near the read handle engraved on the stick.

 

Here are some photos of the dipstick from my 2006 NA 4.2.
Sorry, my tape measure in the car is not imperial.
I did note that the part number is almost exactly the same, just the last letter is different XR83-6752-AE
Hope this helps.




If your dipstick is the same length, I wonder if the dipstick guide itself is not properly located into the block.
I did note that the dipstick did seem to bottom out and rebound somewhat when fully inserted. The red shoulder of the dipstick is not resting on the top of the dipstick guide tube, rather resting above by about 1/8".

 

I would say you are worrying about nothing. If your car was elevated in the front with jack stands during the oil change, then you had a more complete draining of the upper engine. There is always some oil trapped in the engine when you do an oil change. You just got more of it out. Also, the capacity of some oil filters varies. No worries. What ever it takes to get to the full mark is correct.
John