Oil Levels

[grantii]

I know this might seem to be a stupid question....but i want to be cautious when dealing with my 98 catera (77K miles). Recently I had an oil change. About 2 weeks later, my low oil light came on. I took it to a jiffy (not actual place - but something like it) to have a look at it. They stated that the oil filter wasn't all the way tight on the car, so that's what was causing the leak. After that was corrected and oil replaced, no light back on. My question to you is I've noticed that even after they've put 6 quarts of oil in my car, the oil line does not read "max". the level will be right between min and max. How much oil should be placed in this car? Should it be filled to the max line? How much oil does it take to get to the max line. Will the car start if it's overfilled? Let me know before I jack my engine up. Thanx

[inconnu]

The line you are talking about i assume that you are talking about the oil pressure meter in the cluster,that is not for oil level it is for the oil pressure,i dont think thats ever gonna go to the full mark but if your needle is dropping right in the red zone and the red light is coming on as well then you might have a bigger headache if the gauge is working correctly.

[grantii]

i'm sorry, I was referring to the dipstick reading, not the pressure gauge in the car. I should have mentioned that. The pressure gauge is fine....at least for now it is.

What I'm asking on is the dipstick under the hood. that's always reading at the 1/2 mark between min and max. i'm trying to see should it be filled to the max line or is that inbetween region ok - being that at that mark i've already placed 6 quarts in the car.

[00Catera]

NEVER over fill with oil. Consult your owners manual near the back, I think the
car takes either 6 or 6.5 quarts. Also, becareful about who you let change your
oil. The canister filter confuses many people.