Well thanks to a suggestion on reddit I finally am able to use my dipstick. I have never had a problem on any other vehicle but on this car the dipstick flat out didnt give me usable measurements (not accurate or precise), my father also tried and had the same results. Now I leave the dipstick out for a few minutes then put it back in to get my reading. Using this technique I get repeatable results.

So now I used 5.21 quarts to reach the top of the dipstick. I do notice a very small decrease in performance, it is possible that it is in my head but I did notice it. I am sure a mechanic or someone who does not drive it everyday would never know, my father drove it the same morning and then after the oil change and said he did not notice a difference. Still I found this odd and thought I would ask you guys what you think?

Cold engine oil should be 1/2 to 3/4 on the stick. Hot engine expanse the oil and it can go past the top mark (full) - foaming not lubricating / mechanical issues

 

I did not know it should be checked with a warm engine. Manual confirms what you said. Thank you very much for the tip. Luckily I did not drive it much and will fix this ASAP.

 

Top of the dipstick? Which top? Full mark line/dot, or the very top of the tube?

 

Yes of course to the fill line and not all the way to the top of the dipstick tube.

 

Should only take just under 5l.

 

You said top of the stick. Just making sure. With filter change, it should take 4.8 qts I believe? Is your ground perfectly leveled? My driveway is barely tilted and it affects the level reading.

 

OP - Maybe you could tell us what grade/spec oil you put in?

 

Mobile 1 0w-20 with a Napa gold filter. From what I hear both the Napa filter (really a wix filter) and OEM filter are specifically made for our engine while other brands are made to work with many different engines

 

i'm sure everyone has check their motor oil

 

This is new to me. I've read plenty of times that ATF has to be measured hot and it definitely expands with temperature. I did not realize that motor oil expands when hot, at least not an appreciable amount.

I quickly checked the owners manuals for all four different vehicles we have in our stable. They all state the same thing: engine at operating temp, wait 15min, remove and wipe dipstick, check oil level and make sure it's between the upper and lower limits (either hashed area or indicator holes depending on model of car).

Seems like above the upper limit is bad.

 

OK, here is what you've all been breathlessly waiting for!! Or not.

I did an experiment this morning. Our car is always parked in the garage in the same spot. This morning, after it sat all night, I checked the oil level and it was about 1/3 way up the dipstick cross-hatch marks. Garage is kept at 55F.

Then we drove around quite a bit and ended up with about 20min of 60mph driving. Got home and parked in the exact same way in the garage. Waited 20min and checked the oil, and it was about 1/2 way up the dipstick cross-hatch marks. So, engine oil definitely does expand when hot, but not a huge amount.

1/2 - 1/3 = 1/6. I'm not sure how much total volume of oil 1/6 of the dipstick cross-hatch area translates to, but it can't be too much. 1/4 qt at most maybe?

This tells me that I can check my oil level in the morning if I choose, instead of having to do it after driving.

 

Another way. When I take out my oil I put it in an old jug when it's still warm (but not as hot as the operating temperature, since it cools down during draining and transferring). I leave the cap loose because I know it's going to contract the jug when cooling down. Next day, the oil is cold and I tighten the cap. I can tell you it is very clear the oil is expanded when hot and the level goes down after cooling. 1/4 gt sounds reasonable. Next time I change my oil, I'll pay attention to this.

 

Interestingly enough, I just finished my 1st oil change about 2 weeks ago. I ended up putting in an entire 5q bottle and the oil (when warm) is almost exactly between the notches in the dip stick. Given that the manual only calls for 4.8q for a full change, I found it odd. Checked it in a different location about a week later, and the oil level was the same.

Convenient as I can just empty a full jug for the fill up and use it to dispose of the used oil.

2017 3-GT 2.5L, 6MT

Mobil 1 Extended Performance 0w-20 (Full Synthetic)
Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filter (a touch smaller than OEM)

~Ex

 

I use 5 qts of Mobil 1 0W-20 with Mobil 1 M1-108A oil filter, too.

 

are we talking engine or AT???

 

I was speaking with regard to the Engine Oil. I haven't enough miles on the car to worry with the transmission fluid at this time.

~Ex

 

changed the oil yesterday, 4.5 liters with bosh long life 3300 filter.
its a 2.0 sky 2015

 

Just changed the oil in my 2.5. It took 5.2 quarts to get to just below the upper hole on the dipstick.

 

If you need to know the engine oil capacity, or any other fluid capacity, its all in your owners manual, section 9-5.

Engine oil

SKYACTIV-G 2.0
With oil filter replacement 4.2 L (4.4 US qt, 3.7 Imp qt)
Without oil filter replacement 4.0 L (4.2 US qt, 3.5 Imp qt)

SKYACTIV-G 2.5
With oil filter replacement 4.5 L (4.8 US qt, 4.0 Imp qt)
Without oil filter replacement 4.3 L (4.5 US qt, 3.8 Imp qt)

 

Yes, this thread is discussing the manual's indicated amount does not fill the crankcase.

 

Yep, I've put 5.2 in my engine as well which refilled the oil level in between the dipstick marks...and that included checking a couple of times after driving to make sure nothing changed. It's so important to make sure the oil is warm to hot when it's drained. That's a BFD. Also, I find lowering and lifting the car will get out that additional oil stream and drops...which won't happen if you rush or take your car to garage. However, I have since installed a fumoto valve and notice, I'm draining a bit less oil than when I had a drain plug...about an even 5 quarts puts me in the good range on refill.

 

Mazdas design requirements for oil capacities are stated clearly in the owners manual. The dipstick is hardly recognized as a precision instrument.:laughing001:
It constantly amazes me how many people think they know better than the engineers who designed and built the car.:dunno:

 

I know that dipstick guy.

 

As said before, the dip stick is not a precision instrument, nor is it a way to see how much oil you should put in the crankcase. The marks on the stick are not "full" and "empty". According to Mazda, anywhere between the upper and lower marks is considered "normal". The oil level does not have to be filled to the upper mark as indicated in above posts.
Too many 16 year old grease monkeys are too willing to pull the stick and pour in a quart because the oil is below the upper line. Best to keep the hood closed.
Full service? Whats that? Around here full service means there is a Dunkin Donuts and Taco Bell inside....

 

Full service? Whats that? Around here full service means there is a Dunkin Donuts and Taco Bell inside....

The true last bastion...Jersey

 

I've seen cars slightly overfilled over the years for various reasons and never seen any ill effects. I'm sure if you start getting into an extra quart bad things will happen, but a little extra i've seen mechanics do it for cars that burn oil.

My take is if you can make it though the oil change interval with a dip stick reading between L and F, you're doing OK.

 

It really does not matter a whole lot. How are you measuring to the hundreths place, are you using calibrated instruments?

I let the oil drain for 15 minutes while I drink a beer. Change the filter, pour in the 5 bottles, call it a day.

Please don't lose sleep over something like this.