Let's see if everyone is filling up their engine to the proper level not just going by the dipstick.

Lay it out guys and be honest, how much oil do you add?

3/4 quart for filter
4.75 quarts for crankcase

Good example,

You do know you are a 1/2 quart overfilled right? You engine calls for 5.0 quarts with the filter included.

This can lead to the crank slapping the oil causing air bubbles which will draw air up into the oil system causing lifter noise, and a fluctuating oil pressure gauge when the air passes the oil pressure sender.

Well see i dont mind because in 2 days time that 1/4 quart is on the pavement.It burns it on top of that/

It is a 1/2 of a quart overfilled.

It does not really matter i paint every parking spot and by the end of the week its back to normal then it won't take it for a couple of weeks.For instance on Friday it took a quart 2 weeks before that i drove 170 miles put a quart in drove 126 miles home different way put in 3 quarts.

It does not really matter i paint every parking spot and by the end of the week its back to normal then it won't take it for a couple of weeks.For instance on Friday it took a quart 2 weeks before that i drove 170 miles put a quart in drove 126 miles home different way put in 3 quarts.

I understand, but not everones engine is leaking like yours and has an owner that doesn't get the probems fixed.

Some people fill by the dipstick level which is actually wrong.

I understand, but not everones engine is leaking like yours and has an owner that doesn't get the probems fixed.

Some people fill by the dipstick level which is actually wrong.
I agree with that but i am at the point of no return on that oil leak with school and a 40 mile round trip each day.The v8 will be in the spring and i am looking at either a whiskey rocket and ur rice.Found a couple for nothing

Yep, got screwed the other day when i went to get my oil changed (living away from home right now, don't have a garge) and when I went to pay they charged me for 6 quarts. I was like excuse me my car is only supposed to have 5, and the manager brought the mechanic in and was like well you're dipstick said full at 6. Long story short, got them to knock of the price of the extra quart and drain it for free. Never going back to that place. Hopefully I'll have a garage soon. Peace-

from the Jimmy forum ...


where are you finding 5 qts ?

My Haynes say 4.5 for a '97. My owners manual does not give a specific capacity. Rather, it provides instructions for checking the dipstick as a means for assessing oil volume.

Noting a level on the dipstick as full depends solely on how long the engine has rested and how long the oil has had to trickle to the pan - yes?

anyhow, 5.0 may very well be the best for our trucks as the owners manual is very clear in saying that these capacities are approximate.





I understand, but not everones engine is leaking like yours and has an owner that doesn't get the probems fixed.

Some people fill by the dipstick level which is actually wrong.

Yep, got screwed the other day when i went to get my oil changed (living away from home right now, don't have a garge) and when I went to pay they charged me for 6 quarts. I was like excuse me my car is only supposed to have 5, and the manager brought the mechanic in and was like well you're dipstick said full at 6. Long story short, got them to knock of the price of the extra quart and drain it for free. Never going back to that place. Hopefully I'll have a garage soon. Peace-

Smart man.

I had the same thing happen to me.

Let me tell you the background to the story.

For one, when I have the proper 4.5quarts of oil in my crankcase, the oil level only comes up to the 3/4 mark on the hatched area. This is completely normal.

Before, I used to fill it right to the top of the hatched area. Then I noticed that sometime when I checked my oil, there was some small bubbles on it? This was usually coincided with a noisier than usual valvetrain and the oil pressure gauge flickering on me. I though my engine was about to be toast and my oil pressure sender needed replacing.

I then remembered that I put in over 5 quarts when this usually happened to bring the level up to the fill mark on the stick. I was overfilling my crankcase and this was leading to the crack slapping the oil making it bubbe and introducing air into the oil stream when it was sucked up by the oil pump. This air will compress in the oil system and will lead to lifter noise seeing the air will get trapped where oil should be. This was the cause of my valve train noise. Also, the air bubbles will also cause the oil pressure needle to jump all over the place and flick when the bubbles passed by the sender.

Since I have filled it with the appropriate amount of oil, everything has been fixed. The oil gauge no longer flicks, the valvetrain noise is gone and there is no longer any ubbles on the dipstick.

Bringing this story back to the quick lube story, I went in for the last oil change I would ever have a shop do for me. Not only were they overfilling the crankcase ABOVE the full mark on the dipstick, they were also never greasing all my grease points in my front end.

Then they say that it is ok for the oil level to be high. I looked at then calmly and told them to drop some of the oil. I am not stupid and you are not going to tell me this shit and expect me to believe it. They also tried to tell me that I should use synthetic and change it every 3000 miles. Friggin idiots, I told that guy off quick, he knew he was lying.

So the moral of the story is, do oil changes yourself and save some money and do the job right. AND DON'T RELY ON YOUR DIPSTICK FOR THE PROPER OIL LEVEL.

from the Jimmy forum ...


where are you finding 5 qts ?

My Haynes say 4.5 for a '97. My owners manual does not give a specific capacity. Rather, it provides instructions for checking the dipstick as a means for assessing oil volume.

Noting a level on the dipstick as full depends solely on how long the engine has rested and how long the oil has had to trickle to the pan - yes?

anyhow, 5.0 may very well be the best for our trucks as the owners manual is very clear in saying that these capacities are approximate.

I have that exact Haynes manual to and do you notice that it doesn't break down the difference for the years much?

Well, in 1996+ 4.3L , the capacity went from 4.5qts to 5.0qts. This is going by the Chilton's repair manual which breaks it down year to year. This was also verified by a fried who is a GM mechanic and looked it up for me.

So when I drain the oil, put on a new filter, then refill with synthetic Mobil 1 out of the 5 quart jug, am I doing something wrong? I am getting so confused! ;)

well I don't have a chilton's ... only a Haynes ... Haynes says 4.5 clearly for Blazer and Jimmy 1995 - 2001. Again, owners manual is vague. However, both clearly stated that capactities are approximate ...

Are you saying you have been overfilling and 4.5 is better?

thoughts? seems to me, an overfilled crank will begin to uneccessarily wear on the seals ... its the next thing vertically "up" after overflowing the pan ...

the owners manual (in so many words) DOES say that "a little bit" over the min mark on the dipstick is satisfactory ... no need to fill to the max ..,






I have that exact Haynes manual to and do you notice that it doesn't break down the difference for the years much?

Well, in 1996+ 4.3L , the capacity went from 4.5qts to 5.0qts. This is going by the Chilton's repair manual which breaks it down year to year. This was also verified by a fried who is a GM mechanic and looked it up for me.

oh yeah ... for what its worth ...


my owners manual say's 1997 GMC Jimmy on the front ... nothing else ... no 1995 - 2001 like my Haynes ...





well I don't have a chilton's ... only a Haynes ... Haynes says 4.5 clearly for Blazer and Jimmy 1995 - 2001. Again, owners manual is vague. However, both clearly stated that capactities are approximate ...

Are you saying you have been overfilling and 4.5 is better?

thoughts? seems to me, an overfilled crank will begin to uneccessarily wear on the seals ... its the next thing vertically "up" after overflowing the pan ...

the owners manual (in so many words) DOES say that "a little bit" over the min mark on the dipstick is satisfactory ... no need to fill to the max ..,

I always use the Mobil 1 five quart jug, and always put in the whole jug. Engine runs quiet and no lifter noise at all.

Even before I switched to moble 1 I used Castrol GTX and also used 5 quarts then.


Also I just checked my Haynes manuel and it does say 4.5 qts with filter change for 95-2001 models. But this will not be the first time I have seen info in this manual be wrong.

So when I drain the oil, put on a new filter, then refill with synthetic Mobil 1 out of the 5 quart jug, am I doing something wrong? I am getting so confused! ;)

Nope, you are doing it PERFECT. ;)

well I don't have a chilton's ... only a Haynes ... Haynes says 4.5 clearly for Blazer and Jimmy 1995 - 2001. Again, owners manual is vague. However, both clearly stated that capactities are approximate ...

Are you saying you have been overfilling and 4.5 is better?

thoughts? seems to me, an overfilled crank will begin to uneccessarily wear on the seals ... its the next thing vertically "up" after overflowing the pan ...

the owners manual (in so many words) DOES say that "a little bit" over the min mark on the dipstick is satisfactory ... no need to fill to the max ..,

It is vague.

When they went to the newer engines in 1996+, it went from 4.5 to 5.0.

ghg


I have that exact Haynes manual to and do you notice that it doesn't break down the difference for the years much?

Well, in 1996+ 4.3L , the capacity went from 4.5qts to 5.0qts. This is going by the Chilton's repair manual which breaks it down year to year. This was also verified by a fried who is a GM mechanic and looked it up for me.

so maybe there's the REAL question ...

do we trust Chilton's, Haynes, the Owner's Manual, or the dipstick ??

seems like Hayne's and the Owner's Manual have at least left themselves an "out" my making things vague ...





It is vague.

When they went to the newer engines in 1996+, it went from 4.5 to 5.0.

You trust the one that is more specific.

My owner's manual states the amount to use with a filter and yours should too.

You have to look more closely. They all have the recommended amount when changing the oil and filter.

so are you saying you've been overfilling and 4.5 is best?




You trust the one that is more specific.

My owner's manual states the amount to use with a filter and yours should too.

You have to look more closely. They all have the recommended amount when changing the oil and filter.

I was overfilling and putting over 5 qts in to bring it up to the full mark on the dipstick.

4.5qts is the required amount for anything 1995 and older if it is a VIN W.

If it is a VIN Z and older than 95, it requires 5 qts.

My owner's manual and haynes manual both say 4.5 quarts. For those that can't find it, it is page 6-65 in the owner's manual.

When I change my oil I use a NAPA gold filter and a 5 quart jug of Mobil1. After draining the old oil, I pour about 1/4 of a quart of the new oil through to flush it. I then put on the filter and refill with the remaining 4.75 quarts, this puts it right on the full mark.

2000 Blazer LT. Had oil changed by GM Chevy dealer. 4.5 qts dipstick does not read full.

The dip stick isn't suppose to read full with 4.5 quarts. The optimal oil level for an engine isn't an exact number, it is a range. That is why there is such a large cross hatch area. The optimal range is probably about 4.25 - 4.75, so GM recommends 4.5 quarts because this is in the middle. The dip stick has to leave room to gauge the high side of the range as well the low side of the range.

The dip stick isn't suppose to read full with 4.5 quarts. The optimal oil level for an engine isn't an exact number, it is a range. That is why there is such a large cross hatch area. The optimal range is probably about 4.25 - 4.75, so GM recommends 4.5 quarts because this is in the middle. The dip stick has to leave room to gauge the high side of the range as well the low side of the range.

Blazee, scan that page fro your manual and post it.

Doesn't the oil level change when the engine is hot, as it expands,not sure if this would make much of a difference though...

http://files.bighosting.net/ci70306.jpg

Ah, that is crankcase only which doesn't include the filter.

5.0 qts is right with filter.;)

Ah, that is crankcase only which doesn't include the filter.

5.0 qts is right with filter.;)It is for the whole system. This includes...the engine, oil lines, filter, and oil cooler.

Back to school for you! ;)

Oil Change 101:

Quote from http://www.partsamerica.com/MaintenanceChangeOilandFilter.aspx
"Find oil filler, add amount of oil given in owners manual, 1 quart less if filter is not changed. Start engine and check for leaks at drain plug. Lower car. Check oil level; adjust if necessary."



Quote from http://www.carcentral.net/content/guides/HowToPerformAnOilChange.php

"There are a few things to take into consideration in determining how much oil to add to the engine. Start by finding the oil capacity indicated in your car or truck's owners manual. Subtract the amount of oil you used if you filled the new oil filter before installing."

FYI - Fresh filter change and oil change - 4.5 quarts for me. Doesn't burn or loose a drop in that time. *crosses fingers* After starting the engine and letting it sit for an hour, the 4.5 quart fill up comes up to 3/4 of the hash mark. When hot, after driving down the freeway and letting it sit for an hour, it rises slightly. Never had any issues.

I must be putting way too much oil in mine , it seems to be leaking out the valve cover . What dip stick ? Don't you just add it til you see it in the hole . HAHA . I knew a woman who did this and said this right after saying her car sounded funny and then cut off .

It is for the whole system. This includes...the engine, oil lines, filter, and oil cooler.

Back to school for you! ;)

Oil Change 101:

Quote from http://www.partsamerica.com/MaintenanceChangeOilandFilter.aspx
"Find oil filler, add amount of oil given in owners manual, 1 quart less if filter is not changed. Start engine and check for leaks at drain plug. Lower car. Check oil level; adjust if necessary."



Quote from http://www.carcentral.net/content/guides/HowToPerformAnOilChange.php

"There are a few things to take into consideration in determining how much oil to add to the engine. Start by finding the oil capacity indicated in your car or truck's owners manual. Subtract the amount of oil you used if you filled the new oil filter before installing."

Blazee,

I specifically says "CRANKCASE" in the picture you gave us. That only means the amount you put in the crankcase without the oil filter volume included.

Honestly, why are you arguing with me, I am not trying to be mean to you or rude.

I don't need some links telling me how to change my oil, I know what is right and I know how to change my oil. You don't go by generic general guides on the internet on how you change your oil.

In my manual it says 4.5qts "with filter" change for my 1995. It specifically says with filter.

Give your local GM mechanic a call and ask him.

But realistically, better a 1/2 quart low than overfilled.

FYI - Fresh filter change and oil change - 4.5 quarts for me. Doesn't burn or loose a drop in that time. *crosses fingers* After starting the engine and letting it sit for an hour, the 4.5 quart fill up comes up to 3/4 of the hash mark. When hot, after driving down the freeway and letting it sit for an hour, it rises slightly. Never had any issues.

Exactly....

That is what my 1995 take and reads as well.

[QUOTE=BlazerLT
Well, in 1996+ 4.3L , the capacity went from 4.5qts to 5.0qts. This is going by the Chilton's repair manual which breaks it down year to year. This was also verified by a fried who is a GM mechanic and looked it up for me.[/QUOTE]



1995 and earlier have stamped steel oil pans.
1996 and newer have cast aluminum oil pans.
There is a slight difference in capacity, and that is why there is a difference in GM's recommendation starting with 1996.
4.5 qts is still correct for 1995 & older.

Blazee,

I specifically says "CRANKCASE" in the picture you gave us. That only means the amount you put in the crankcase without the oil filter volume included.

Honestly, why are you arguing with me, I am not trying to be mean to you or rude.

I don't need some links telling me how to change my oil, I know what is right and I know how to change my oil. You don't go by generic general guides on the internet on how you change your oil.

In my manual it says 4.5qts "with filter" change for my 1995. It specifically says with filter.

Give your local GM mechanic a call and ask him.

But realistically, better a 1/2 quart low than overfilled.
The information I posted is correct. Anytime that a manufacturor lists a spec, it is for the system, unless all the componets of the system are broken down and their capaicties listed. The manufacturor can't assume that customers will be able to judge and estimate certain parts of the system. Why would the manual tell you to change the oil and filter, then only give you the amount to refill part of the system? I only posted the links so you could see a few places backing up what I said, because you always want proof when someone disagrees with you.

My Haynes manual also says 4.5qts "with filter" and it is for 95-01.

The information I posted is correct. Anytime that a manufacturor lists a spec, it is for the system, unless all the componets of the system are broken down and their capaicties listed. The manufacturor can't assume that customers will be able to judge and estimate certain parts of the system. Why would the manual tell you to change the oil and filter, then only give you the amount to refill part of the system? I only posted the links so you could see a few places backing up what I said, because you always want proof when someone disagrees with you.

My Haynes manual also says 4.5qts "with filter" and it is for 95-01.

It's your truck, do what you want, I am just trying to help people out and inform them.

Call you local gm dealer and ask them or better yet, call your local Jiffy Lube, they will have the amount on file for your year.

i put 5 quarts in my 95 and it burned a little oil and the oil level was well above the full mark. drained out the extra and now no oil. it was too high. i only put in 4.5 quarts and puts me right at the full mark. unless your going off roading as long as your in the upper cross hatches i think it will be fine. i do get a little worried when it gets to the lower crosshatchs.

This 4.5 qts applys too for blazer 93 s10, 4.3

This 4.5 qts applys too for blazer 93 s10, 4.3

Only if it is a CPI 4.3L.

If it is a TBI 4.3, you will need 5.0 qts total.

The oil war isn't in Iraq it is right here in the AF! I buy the 5 quart jug of mobil 1 fpr my 98 and I put it all in, I read just about to the top of my cross hatches on the dipstick and I don't worry about it until it gets below the cross hatches which it has only done once. Other then that it is drain, swap filter, fill with mobil 1! Set it and forget it! Good luck everyone!

No war here.

Sure about that?It seems like it from what im reading LOL

No war here.
Once again I was just making a pun. I actually find it to be quite comical ;) The best thing about this website other then helping a friend in need is the different views and methods on how to do things. Opens up a lot of new possibilities.

I just like to see everyone get fired up.Like you said lots of different views helps people out

I just like to see everyone get fired up.Like you said lots of different views helps people out
You would! :) That is why you have Stewie for a pic! ;) Love that show!

I usually only get to see it on cartoon network but they have the new ones now which is frickin sweet.Always workin on Sundays.

Yea I rented the entire first season and whatever else off of netflix and somehow copies of them just appeared out of my dvd burner, was the weirdest thing! ;) Between working on my truck, cutting down trees and shrubs, fixing computers, there is always time for family guy.

Yea I rented the entire first season and whatever else off of netflix and somehow copies of them just appeared out of my dvd burner, was the weirdest thing! ;) Between working on my truck, cutting down trees and shrubs, fixing computers, there is always time for family guy.
I have a dvd burner ill have to get some to magically appear out of my dvd burner.LOL.Brilliant.I love how we took this 180degrees the other way from how much oil in the crankcase to family guy.Brilliant

Sorry for this question ., how can I see if my motor is a tbi or cbi I was checking on the s10 forum and I think is tbi (what we call here in venezuela semiinjection) cbi stands for carburetor ??

regards

Very soon I am going to take some pictures of my blazer and little changes i've done and i will post it. Hey!!!! I am going to take also some pictures of my chevi nova 76 you will love it.

I have a big toyota prado (not sold in US) but I love my blazer.

Is it W or Z in the vin?Do you have vortech under the hood does it say vortech everywhere?Do you really only pay 12cents a gallon down there for gas.

http://img311.imageshack.us/img311/799/1991s10blazer0338ly.th.jpg (http://img311.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1991s10blazer0338ly.jpg)


Thats a pic of my tbi.
Its CPI not cbi which is central port injection and tbi is throttle body injection here in the states.Look at the pic and if your motor bay looks somewhat like that then your tbi if not your cpi.

I have a dvd burner ill have to get some to magically appear out of my dvd burner.LOL.Brilliant.I love how we took this 180degrees the other way from how much oil in the crankcase to family guy.Brilliant
Yea that was good wasn't it! I feel shot bus special now, let me go get my helmet before I hurt myself! This work day sucks so I am loopy, could be the drugs too ;)

ok, guys, back on topic, this is not a chit chat thread.

Please take you conversation to PM.

I don't understand why there is so much controversy about this. If you open up your factory issued owners manual(I realize not all may have one, but how hard is it to get ahold of one) like every car owner should do. Look under capacites, it will tell you how much oil your engine with or without the filter it will hold. Like for my 2002 it states clearly, 5.0quarts with the filter. So obviously it would be 4.5quarts without the filter. I just don't get how this can be disputed. Well you can continue arguing over .5 of a quart. Peace-

I don't understand why there is so much controversy about this. If you open up your factory issued owners manual(I realize not all may have one, but how hard is it to get ahold of one) like every car owner should do. Look under capacites, it will tell you how much oil your engine with or without the filter it will hold. Like for my 2002 it states clearly, 5.0quarts with the filter. So obviously it would be 4.5quarts without the filter. I just don't get how this can be disputed. Well you can continue arguing over .5 of a quart. Peace-

1/2 a quart can be the difference between air getting into your oil system and causing valvetrain tapping and noise and increased valvetrain wear.

If you have it too high and the crank slap the oil to much and intruces air into you system, you will be causing damage slowly.

1/2 a quart can be the difference between air getting into your oil system and causing valvetrain tapping and noise and increased valvetrain wear.

If you have it too high and the crank slap the oil to much and intruces air into you system, you will be causing damage slowly.

Oh, I totally get that. I'm not arguing that because it is a known fact. What I'm saying is that all you have to do is look in the owner's manual and it will tell you, or call the GM dealer, etc... in order to find out what is the correct volume for your crankcase w/wo the filter. To me it seems like it is rediculous, to have this much controversy over something that has had facts from the manufacturer published in every owner's manual. Mabye I'm simplifing it too much, but i don't think so. Peace-

Sorry about that BlazerLT.

so are you saying you've been overfilling and 4.5 is best?

I have a '95 "W" and just changed my oil yesterday. I have always put 4 quarts in. Have to check it to see if it needs a little more.

I put 4.4L in because that's what comes in the big jug. And then I fill as needed.

So I guess that's 3.9 quarts. This always shows 3/4 on the dipstick...

I have a '95 "W" and just changed my oil yesterday. I have always put 4 quarts in. Have to check it to see if it needs a little more.

I'll save you the time.

4.5 quarts.

Sorry about that BlazerLT.
Sorry about that BlazerLT,next time blazerboy and i will include you.

Does everybody else here fill the oil filter with oil before screwing it on like I do?

Just wondering.

Does everybody else here fill the oil filter with oil before screwing it on like I do?

Just wondering.
yes, and if anyone says no, start, you are suppose to prime them

With the remote oil filter it is kind of hard to do that because it screws on sideways, I always make sure the gaskets are lubed with oil but I have yet to pour oil into the filter on my 98 with the remote oil filter. Am I doing something wrong?

Does everybody else here fill the oil filter with oil before screwing it on like I do?

Just wondering.

Always!

The remote oil filter it is kind of hard to do that because it screws on sideways, I always make sure the gaskets are lubed with oil but I have yet to pour oil into the filter on my 98 with the remote oil filter. Am I doing something wrong?

It needn't full to the top - pour a bit in at a time and let it saturate the paper. I tend to get it to about half and then have no problem installing it.

I will now do that. Thanks

You really can't prime a side mounted oil filter.

All you will accomplish is making a mess.

I got a W vin number and put 5 qt in, the dip stick shows i put too much its above the line, but then again when i put 4.5 quart in it was below the line.

I got a W vin number and put 5 qt in, the dip stick shows i put too much its above the line, but then again when i put 4.5 quart in it was below the line.

Yes, 4.5qts will have the level ready a little below the full mark which is perfectly right.

5 quarts in my 2000 makes the diptick read overfull by a significant amount. I also notice valve train noise when dipstick reads overfull.


I now ask the shop to put in 4 of the quarts and leave the 5th in the vehicle for me.

5 quarts in my 2000 makes the diptick read overfull by a significant amount. I also notice valve train noise when dipstick reads overfull.


I now ask the shop to put in 4 of the quarts and leave the 5th in the vehicle for me.

I suggest you add 5 quarts yourself.

Something is wrong with the shops meter on their oil dispenser.

I put in 4.3L. Ha! j/k I put in 4.314159265358979323846264 Qts. sorry, j/k again. No, but really I put in 4.75 Qts. Crankcase and filter. I noticed that when I first got my Blazer, it had a longer AC Delco filter. Like a 4wd filter. I've always used the smaller 2wd ones, for my 2wd Blazer. Is there a snificant difference? (In filtration and in oil capacity?)
By-the-way: Is there usually that much 'empty-space' in your year'o'blazer's engine compartment S10Blazerman?

Computers prefer 2WD. how do I know? because "2" is closer to "W" and "D" than "4"
Made you look, didn't I...

I just changed mine this weekend.
The monkey at the local Murrays said 5.5qts.
So I buy 6 and put in 4 to about 3/4 on the dipstick.
Thats with the engine at operating temps. Cause if I check it cold it will be lower.

And WTF is the dipstick for if it isnt to check the oil level???????????
I would like to know how you get every drop of oil out of the engine in order to put the exact amount of oil that the crankcase holds.

Just my 2 cents.

Post 800.
Just update
Oil drain plugs temp fix broke loose and i had 3 in on Tuesday 3 in Thursday
LOL When it leaks it pours oil.

OK, Here's my 2 cents. 4.5 quarts without the filter and 5 quarts with filter replacement.

After asking a few people i was told (basically garunteed, depending on what the final guy tells me ) that 5 quarts IS the correct oil fill capacity for the 97 and later models due to a slight drivetrain variation that was partially corrected with adding more oil.

Carguy, there is no mysterious "slight drivetrain variation that was partially corrected with adding more oil." Its amazing this thread is soo long when the answer was posted on page 2.

[QUOTE=BlazerLT
Well, in 1996+ 4.3L , the capacity went from 4.5qts to 5.0qts. This is going by the Chilton's repair manual which breaks it down year to year.[/QUOTE]


1995 and earlier have stamped steel oil pans.
1996 and newer have cast aluminum oil pans.
There is a slight difference in capacity, and that is why there is a difference in GM's recommendation starting with 1996.
4.5 qts is still correct for 1995 & older. 5 qts 96+

Well, I'm still going to put in the same amount as I always have, because from personal experience and what other 96+ owners have posted here..... 5qts puts it over the full mark and causes valvetrain noise.

With my 98 I have always used Mobil1 in the 5 quart jug that I pick up from Wal-Mart (S-Mart's big brother hehehe) for $18.** and pour the whole thing in. I have never once been over the fill mark dipstick. Am I missing something here?

After asking a few people i was told (basically garunteed, depending on what the final guy tells me ) that 5 quarts IS the correct oil fill capacity for the 97 and later models due to a slight drivetrain variation that was partially corrected with adding more oil.


Hey just to let you know, my Uncle was the line foreman for the vortec 4.3 untill it came off line at the Tonawanda engine plant9buffalo new york), not only does he know every single vaiation and specification for the motor but he also built it, but i guess that doesnt qualify him for knowing anythign about it, instead everyone just follows the book hmm. And aside from that pretty much most of my family has engineerd, built or somehow been involved in production of GM parts. Sorry for wasting your time.

Hey just to let you know, my Uncle was the line foreman for the vortec 4.3 untill it came off line at the Tonawanda engine plant9buffalo new york.

Hey, Ive got a new filter going into that plant. Filtra Systems (www.filtrasystems.com)

I would just like to add that my GM service manual for a 1996 says the oil capacity without a filter change is 4 quarts and with a filter change add .42 quarts. My chilton book says 5 quarts for a 96.

I have a 98 Blazer, and I am about to change the oil. After I drain the oil and remove the filter, I should empty 5 full quarts of oil into the crank case, right?

I have a 98 Blazer, and I am about to change the oil. After I drain the oil and remove the filter, I should empty 5 full quarts of oil into the crank case, right?

Correct

Ah, that is crankcase only which doesn't include the filter.

5.0 qts is right with filter.;)
so i have a 1996 LT Blazer (s-10)...so im supposed to use 5 quarts? for sure?

Old thread man. From what there saying yes. I have a bad lifter and my gauge goes berserk when im driving, but i always used 4.5 for a 89 4x4 tbi. Never had a problem so im going to flush the sytem out and redo my rear in about a week.

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