Slightly confused ..mine is a 97 Vin ends A012047 which is higher than A00367 so do I increase the oil level ?
No markings at the top of the stick.

 

The VIN format changed with the intro of the MY2000:- the 'short VIN' changed from 6 digits to 'A' + 5 digits - see attached.

The TSB doesn't refer to earlier cars, but the general consensus seems to be that an extra litre will do no harm. I fill to ~1cm above the upper hole.

My dipstick is unmarked.

 

Many thanks

 

This always causes a oil life battle, but since I've owned my '97 (2008) I have put about 13000 miles on "her". Most of that was in the first few years after doing major mechanical work to insure roadability throughout Nevada, Oregon, and California. Lots of long highways and unbelievable mountain "twisties". I have always used the best 100% synthetic oil possible. New formulations for higher mileage and then extended use have given the car and me more confidence in its performance and reliability (EXCEPT FOR ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS).

My journal shows 3 oil changes, the last being 4 years ago with only 1300 miles since. Because I use only 100% high quality synthetic oil I see no need to dump it out and put in new oil to sit between periodic "run and warmup" maintenance and limited driving. IMHO, good oil does not "go bad" or get old. I have never had any indications of oil-related problems, especially with this well-engineered engine. Dumping good oil is also a big polluter.

 

I think old jag lover is right . The only time I have had oil "reach end of life" was when an engine that normally used no oil over say 10,000m suddenly used oil... Changing the oil was the solution.

 

After some skepticism and trials at less than advertised mileage, some years back I changed all my vehicles (except my '66 Mustang GT vert) over to "extended life" oil. I usually trust Mobil1, and really get the best option by not having to change oil at every 3-5000 miles. I went to 10,000 miles with a filter change about halfway, then let it ride until 10-12,000 miles on the advertised "15,000" mile extended life....without changing the filter halfway. Absolutely no issues, but save a helluva lot of $$ by not doing 2 or 3 extra oil and filter changes. My only break in this plan is when 99C store had Kendal's best 5-30 full synthetic for about $3.50/qt. I bought enough to do 3-4 changes on my 2005 Suburban every 5000 miles or so. That takes about 3 or 4 years for me to reach that many miles driven....and that's my "most driven" of my cars. Good oil and good filters pay off in the long run.

 

Before adhering to any multi-year oil change interval it would be prudent to spring for a $30 oil analysis by Blackstone Labs.

The danger of leaving oil in place after a driving season has been documented to show that there is a substantial accumulation of blow by gases which have condensed and mixed with the oil. This acidic oil left to bathe the bearings for months at a time is a significant contributor to bearing wear and failure.


If an oil analysis shows no such danger, and a healthy percentage of additive package still in place, then leaving oil in the engine for extended periods of time is warranted. Barring such confirmation, any anecdotal tales of “it didn’t hurt anything” are at best a risky path to follow.


Z

 

I have seen that in several knowledgeable places. But I wonder if it refers more to "dino" oil. When I'm not driving my cars I try to start them up and let them run to full warm up and temperature before shutting them down. I have often read that the gasses....or at least any moisture...are eliminated when the engine is brought full heat. An analysis would be interesting.

 

yes ! If I had unlimited funding I’d be getting an oil Analysis done every oil change to satisfy my O / C
leanings when it comes to car maintenance.

But since the car gets driven 15,000 to 20,000 miles per year and my oil changes are every 5,000 miles, I’ve settled for having a Blackstone Lab report done every 3rd or 4th oil change

https://www.blackstone-labs.com/

Z

 

That's pretty cool. I really should do that because I keep my cars a loooong time because I spend a looong time searching for just the right vehicle (not withstanding the POS 2006 Dodge "whatever" that I bought thinking it was a solid car for my granddaughter ), They no longer get driven a lot, but the oil is in there for years sometimes. $30 is not too bad. Thanks.