351M/400 oil capacity

[nmchuck]

I just changed the oil on my 81 with a 351M.  I put in six quarts and it shows almost 2 quarts low.  Best I can tell the oil pan and dipstick are factory originals.  Anyone else have this issue?  The owners manual (which I still have!) states it is a six quart capacity which includes a filter change.

I hate to run it low, although I also may do damage overfilling it.  

[ArdWrknTrk]

Chuck, I don't think any of the gas pickups had greater that 6qt capacity, so best to just follow that when doing an oil change.

The dipstick is questionable though. (is there any engineering ID number you can find on it??)

Imagine if you were trying to run the truck two quarts over full all the time.
That's a lot if windage and pumping losses, not to mention potential for leaks.

[nmchuck]

I was thinking along the same lines Jim.

Tried to take a picture of the dipstick, can't get the numbers readable though.

only numbers I could find on it are EOUE-6750-AA with a tiny ford logo then an E

[ArdWrknTrk]

As you may know the number ON a part is not the part number.  

But that number can be traced to an application, and then we could confirm if it is the correct one for your 351M
If it is, the only other thing I could think is that the dipstick tube is not original and too long.

I do wonder if there is a chart somewhere that lists the length from handle to fill and low marks?
Maybe another member that has a 351M/400 is willing to measure so you have a baseline?

I guess a workaround for you might be to get a dipstick we know is too long (like from a van) and you could stamp or file marks where they belong before cutting to length.

[85lebaront2]

Gary has that Tim Myer built 351/400 for Dad's Truck.

[Gary Lewis]

Yes, but Gary’s not home.

[AmericanSavage]

Just a thought if you need it, but I assume you have the “Cleveland” in which case, JBG has the exact dipstick and tube to go with it.  Mine leaked, and so when I was going the oil pan gasket, I changed the entire thing out.  It is accurate to the 351/400.  

[ArdWrknTrk]

Are you offering your old dipstick?
If so, that's the whole spirit of our forum!  


No Cleveland in pickups (except Australia)
The 351M/400 are very similar 335 series engines that Ford offered when they stopped producing the FE series in the '70's

[nmchuck]

Thanks for all the responses gang.  In the event someone can reference the actual length, mine measures 27" from the seat to the end of the dipstick.