dt

I just changed the oil on my 2.8 this weekend...for the first time. It's a used 96 that I bought about 4000 miles ago. The oil pan was replaced at that time due to a leak. When I went to drain the pan, I only got 2.5-3 quarts out...including what was left in the filter! Since capacity is 5 quarts, I am a bit concerned. Didn't notice anything unusual about engine performance but what should I check out? No debris found in used oil.

dt
96 2.8 QM

Mike O'Hare

Look in your owner's manual about oil changes. When you check your dipstick, the oil level should be about half way between min and max ... therefore less than capacity.

Mike
1997 1.8tqm

alan t.

oil you removed from the car? Was it accurate? There must be some reason for this. You didn't mention how much oil you put in to bring it up to full. How many qts. did you use?

dt

I guesstimated the amount of oil since I emptied it into a gallon jug. Since this was an oil change, I waited until all the oil drained and then replaced with new filter. I just filled it back up to specs...5.3 qts according to my owners manual. The only conclusions I could come up with was that it was never refilled properly or it burned a lot of oil. I read on this forum that the A4s do burn a bit but I need to research to find out how much. I'm pretty sure something unusual happened in my case. I'll keep an eye on it. BTW, best to check oil level with warm engine on level ground.

dt
96 2.8 QM

Bob

to check your oil often. My 96 A4, after 50K miles, still burns oil, and I need check it every 3 weeks.

Also, check your valve cover gaskets. I've had mine changed 3 times so far. They have a tendency to leak. Check near the firewall and the spark plugs.

Good luck,
Bob
96 A4QM (hope to dump it soon)
86 4KCSQM

JSC

Re: answers: FYI: my '98 burns a quart every 3,500 miles or so: that's nothing.... [nt]