'72 Oil Capacity - Who's right?

[jcarpio]

Did the oil change today, when I went to fill up the tank I had three choices as to fill quantities:

The manual says, "Fill the tank with approx. 9.5 US quarts (9 liters)."
The engine bay sticker says 5 quarts/liters min., 7 quarts/liters max.
The 101 projects book says start with 8 quarts and fill to half way between the marks if needed.

I chose to trust the manual, and filled it up with 9 liters, in this case that was a bad idea! After I warmed up the car (180deg), on a level surface, waited a minute for the oil to settle and took several readings. All about a 1/4" above the MAX mark!

No smoke yet, but I'm sure it'll billow if I don't drain/siphon some oil out. I just can't believe the manual would be so far off, and what's up with engine bay sticker. It just can't be right unless it doesn't count the oil tank, but then how useful is that information?!

-Jorge

[real550A]

8-9 quarts will put you real close.

[gulf908]

Jorge,

The ONLY measure for oil level is the dipstick.
Put 6 quarts/litres in and progressively fill till you get the dipstick to read full - on level ground and when warm of course !
And watch out for those deaf dumb and blind gas jockeys (Tommy?) with their deadly fuel spouts !!

Cheers,
Dennis.

[schmidt]

Every car is a little different. Overfilling (or more than the car needs) will result in the excess oil getting pushed out of the crank case breather tube. I keep track of what my cars like for quanity by keeping an eye on the wetness of the breather tube. Some of my cars run high on the dip stick without wetness on the breather tube while others will drip out the oil return tube until lower on the stick while still above the minimum line.

[a911s]

For 'a 72 911 with a fender mounted oil cooler, put in 7.5 quarts of oil after you empty the engine and oil tank. After the engine is fully warmed up (180 degrees), you may need to add an additional 1/2 quart to 1 quart max.

[nick-moss]

waited a minute for the oil to settle

Was the motor running? The level can only be checked at tickover.

[jcarpio]

Yup, motor running, on level ground, at temp, is when I checked it 4 times. I guess the answer is to not add what the manual says to, and to ignore the oil capacity engine bay sticker. Next time, it'll be 6.5-7 quarts, then add as needed... Thanks everyone.