2 oil dipsticks (report differnt levels)

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Hi... I have an old motorhome (85 Citation) with 2 oil dipsticks. The one I have always checked is under the hood (outside). When I removed the cowl (inside the cab) (Class C style 1 ton GMC 3500 chassis) I saw another oil dipstick. It appears the dipstick I have been checking is not long enough to give a true reading. The specs show that the 85 350 should take 7 quarts of oil when adding new oil filter... I have been overfilling (by 2 quarts) since I bought the thing in 99. When I changed the oil, 9 quarts came flowing out.... what damage by overfilling have I caused?

Any help on this is appreciated. thanks
Tim

8/21/0410:04 AM

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tallpaulMember

This is very puzzling. Are you sure both dipsticks go to the oil sump? Are you sure the book says 7 quarts? If so, you could next time put the required 7 qts and remark the wrong dipstick. Two extra quarts normally would wreak havoc on an engine, but apparently has not for you. Maybe the motorhome has a huge sump. Some engines can take 1/4 to 1/2 qt overfill, so maybe yours has a lot more leeway. If it wasn't foaming wasnt't blowing out the seals at 9 qts, maybe 8 qts would be a good compromise in case both sticks are wrong. Do you have an oil pressure gauge? What kind of readings do you get? Any weird readings when it was overfilled?

8/21/049:56 PM

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cccousMember

THis sounds very strange indeed. As stated earlier most engines can take around 1/2 quart overfill but I have not heard of one being able to take on an extra 2 quarts of oil without any noticeable damage. This is something I would definately speak with the engine manufacturer about. It seems very strange that the two dipstick readings would give you different readings as well. I would touch base with the manufacturer on that as well.

8/24/047:05 AM

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