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351M/400 oil capacity

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nmchuck

351M/400 oil capacity

I just changed the oil on my 81 with a 351M. I put in six quarts and it shows almost 2 quarts low. Best I can tell the oil pan and dipstick are factory originals. Anyone else have this issue? The owners manual (which I still have!) states it is a six quart capacity which includes a filter change.

I hate to run it low, although I also may do damage overfilling it.

Chuck
1981 flareside 4x4, C6, 351M

ArdWrknTrk

Re: 351M/400 oil capacity

Administrator

Chuck, I don't think any of the gas pickups had greater that 6qt capacity, so best to just follow that when doing an oil change.

The dipstick is questionable though. (is there any engineering ID number you can find on it??)

Imagine if you were trying to run the truck two quarts over full all the time.
That's a lot if windage and pumping losses, not to mention potential for leaks.

Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.

nmchuck

Re: 351M/400 oil capacity

I was thinking along the same lines Jim.

Tried to take a picture of the dipstick, can't get the numbers readable though.

only numbers I could find on it are EOUE-6750-AA with a tiny ford logo then an E

Chuck
1981 flareside 4x4, C6, 351M

ArdWrknTrk

Re: 351M/400 oil capacity

Administrator

As you may know the number ON a part is not the part number.

But that number can be traced to an application, and then we could confirm if it is the correct one for your 351M
If it is, the only other thing I could think is that the dipstick tube is not original and too long.

I do wonder if there is a chart somewhere that lists the length from handle to fill and low marks?
Maybe another member that has a 351M/400 is willing to measure so you have a baseline?

I guess a workaround for you might be to get a dipstick we know is too long (like from a van) and you could stamp or file marks where they belong before cutting to length.

Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.

85lebaront2

Re: 351M/400 oil capacity

Administrator

Gary has that Tim Myer built 351/400 for Dad's Truck.

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413

Gary Lewis

Re: 351M/400 oil capacity

Administrator

Yes, but Gary’s not home.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

AmericanSavage

Re: 351M/400 oil capacity

In reply to this post by nmchuck

Just a thought if you need it, but I assume you have the “Cleveland” in which case, JBG has the exact dipstick and tube to go with it. Mine leaked, and so when I was going the oil pan gasket, I changed the entire thing out. It is accurate to the 351/400.

1980 Ford XLT F350
400 Engine (rebuilt to 406)
Holley 2300 500 CFM manual Choke Carb
Under Restore (1st time)

ArdWrknTrk

Re: 351M/400 oil capacity

Administrator

Are you offering your old dipstick?
If so, that's the whole spirit of our forum!

No Cleveland in pickups (except Australia)
The 351M/400 are very similar 335 series engines that Ford offered when they stopped producing the FE series in the '70's

Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.

nmchuck

Re: 351M/400 oil capacity

Thanks for all the responses gang. In the event someone can reference the actual length, mine measures 27" from the seat to the end of the dipstick.

Chuck
1981 flareside 4x4, C6, 351M