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Where does the oil go?

CJD

Yoda
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OK...this is more of a vent than anything else...since I am sure this is just one of the great mysteries of life.

I change the TR oil and only 4 qts come out.

I change the Dodge...11qts in but only 9 came out.

The Jag, 10 in but only 8 out.

The RV, 17 in, but only 13 out.

I use the same containers to haul off the old oil, and it is always the same story...about 20% less coming out than went in. I work hard to keep the level up between changes.

SO...

Where's it all go?
 
For the Tr it is usually on the garage floor.... The other cars ?????
 
The oil filter holds a fair amount, did you count that? You can pour out some of it, but some stays in the filter element.

And there is always a certain amount that makes it past the rings and valve guides, to be burned and expelled as exhaust. How much depends on various things, but a little bit is needed for lubrication.
 
Get back to us when your getting more than you put in.
Now there's a mystery
 
If you ever have an occasion to let an engine sit w/o the oil pan on it for an extended period of time... I think these things can continue to drip oil for years.
 
Wonder if the dipstick is accurate.

Next TR oil change (4 cyl) try a test with the car on level ground. Leave the oil filter, which takes 1 pint.

Check if showing full on the dipstick. Drain and measure what comes out. Put exactly the same amount of new oil back in. Let it to run down to the sump and see where it falls on the dipstick.

10 pints back in should show as full.

Perhaps disregard the Jag. From the one's I've owned it's a miracle to get 8 qts out !!!.

Viv.
 
Mine is soaked up by the missing socks from my dryer....
 
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