The wife took the 4Runner (3.4) in today for an oil change. She said it took the guys longer than usual and heard the one complaining about the filter being so hot. She was just kinda leery about the whole process. So, I decided to check the oil and the dipstick had a tiny drop of oil on it. I wiped it off and stuck it back in, and it came back dry. I was kinda worried about putting more in and overflowing if for some reason the dipstick isn't reading right. So, I decided to drain to see how much they really put in. I went up to the store and picked up 5 quarts. I came home and drained it and got right around 5 quarts out of it. I put the new 5 in I bought, and just a tiny dot is showing on the dipstick if any. Granted, if I am short of half a quart as recommended, it's going to show much more oil on the dipstick than it is right now. Anyone know what could be causing practically no oil to show up on the dipstick??

 

It takes more than 5 quarts of oil to fill the 3.4L. It's closer to 6 quarts with a filter change. For reference, to increase the oil level from the "low" mark to the "full" mark takes approx 1 quart, IIRC.

 

It's not even close to the 'low' mark on the dipstick. Half the time I pull it out, it's dry. If there is any on it, it's about the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen.

 

Exactly the reason I do my own oil changes, I can take the time and get the right amount in there.

I would take it back, show them the receipt and the dipstick, and get them to put the rest of the oil in. Then next oil change go somewhere else.

 

I use 6 quarts to fill the 3.4 in my Tacoma.

 

Mine takes exactly 6 quarts. Throw another quart in there.

 

when i changed the oil on my 3.0 with filter change, it takes 7 quarts to fill back up to the full mark.

 

what the hell?

 

I put exactly 5 in my 3.0.... 7?????? And yes the 3.4 takes 6 quarts not 5. If all else fails pull out your manual and go to the specifications section in the very back. It'll tell you exactly how much it's supposed to take. I have to keep doing that on my new Taco because I've only changed the oil twice in it now and I can't ever remember with 3 other rigs in the driveway.

 

My 3.4 takes about 6.5

 

Well, the following day I bought another quart of oil. Prior to putting it in, I checked the dipstick again, and this time, the oil was reading just fine. It was just short of full. Now, I know I wasn't crazy that first night, because my neighbor came over and looked at it too. Since that night, I've been checking it daily, and I've been getting a reading every night. I did add a half a quart that next day to put it right at the full mark.

 

7 QT's, dude, I think you have the wrong DIP STICK in your rig. I also havw a 3.0, and it takes 5 qts with filter. Better check that dip stick.........

 

I think someone read the dipstick before they ran the motor to cycle the new oil through the system. Every vehicle ive done an oil change on wont read correct on the dipstick until you run it. You gotta fill the filter and you cant do that with just dumping in oil you need pressure. I always do 5 qts then start the motor let run for a min the check dipstick then add to full on my 3.0 buts thats just my 2 cents. by the way how is your cat did you clog it yet? any fires?

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by 91muddog
when i changed the oil on my 3.0 with filter change, it takes 7 quarts to fill back up to the full mark.

7 QT's, dude, I think you have the wrong DIP STICK

lol