1997 850 GLT B5254t Oil out/ Oil in ?

wjhandy850 · Post by **wjhandy850** » 30 Jul 2015, 20:34

I can get the dipstick to read halfway between min/max with 5 qts, and get less than 5 quarts out at oil changes. I always allow for 6 quarts but never use the last quart. I have read that oil at max is not optimal. My main concern is how much oil should be able to get in the motor? B5254T

Post by **jreed** » 31 Jul 2015, 04:58

Interesting result! I've got a '97 855 GLT that generally takes 6.5 quarts during refill, including the amount added to the oil filter before I install it. I haven't measured how much comes out -- I just drain it into my catch pan and take it for recycling.
Out of curiosity, are you measuring the oil level in the engine while on level ground and have you by any chance changed the dipstick or dipstick tube?

Post by **abscate** » 31 Jul 2015, 05:30

You don't need to fill the oil filter before starting...urban myth.

Also, oil too high is another urban myth. If you overfill, your connecting rods can start frothing oil in the sump which robs power and can cause some problems, but Volvo put the high mark on the dipstick at a place where this doesn't happen.

Post by **FLXC90** » 31 Jul 2015, 07:44

So, after subtracting the 1/2 quart in the filter, how more less than 5 quarts are you draining? And what is your oil change interval? Do this math, and you will have an oil consumption figure.

Now all the related questions:
How many miles on motor, any sludge visible in the oil filler, glove test OK, How long since PCV cleaning, cam seals, any CEL for O2 sensors, is your coolant clean/drips/stains on floor, sooty tailpipe, cloud on start/deceleration, endplay on shaft of turbo?

some use of oil in these cars is to be expected. A small amount is nothing to worry about. watch for changes. Also, what oil are you using? That can add to , or reduce consumption as well.

wjhandy850 · Post by **wjhandy850** » 03 Aug 2015, 06:42

I am getting 4.5 qts out. The car has well over 250k, PCV redone about a year ago, with cam rear seals. I change the oil every change of season. I have been using synthetic since head was redone about 3-4 years ago. Lately that has been Pennzoil Platinum. No sludge visible, and I used BG109 prior to last OC.

Post by **misha** » 03 Aug 2015, 09:59

RED dipstick handle=1l from min to max.
FLUORESCENT dipstick handle=1.5l from min to max.

Post by **rspi** » 03 Aug 2015, 10:40

I see the same thing sometimes. Dump the old oil in the 5 qt jug and it doesn't fill it. Then, fill it with about 5.5 quarts. Try to check it on a level ground before you drain it.

I do fill the oil filter so the oil pump doesn't have to, likely a second or two. Probably doesn't matter but it doesn't hurt.

The main thing is, the oil is changed and the level is right when you get done.

wjhandy850 · Post by **wjhandy850** » 03 Aug 2015, 15:06

Thanks for the info. So the consensus is that it is optimal to fill the oil to the max mark? I do have some vertical play in my dipstick @ 1 mm-2. I will get a new one soon.

Post by **JimBee** » 04 Aug 2015, 05:30

Before starting the engine after changing the oil, I unplug the spark coil (not the high tension wire) and crank the engine for about 20 seconds to fill the filter.