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How much oil for 3.4L? Dipstick seems way off!

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13K views 6 replies 2 participants last post by  BamZipPow  
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#1 ·
I just changed my oil for the first time since buying the truck. It was early to do so, as the previous owner told me he had recently changed it. I went ahead though because I checked the dipstick a couple days ago and there was ZERO oil on it! Not knowing what weight I had on my hands, I just decided to play it safe and put in a fresh batch.

So I did, and I put in what I thought the owners manual recommended, 5.5 quarts. However, still not a drop on the dipstick! What I drained out came to about 4.5 qts. It was really thin and hardly discolored at all. After crawling underneath it looked like the rear main seal might be the culprit but I'm no expert. In fact, dripping oil is accumulating way back where the manual transmission meets the driveline- but I'm not getting a spot in the driveway!!?!

I don't really know what to make of it. How much should I add to this engine when changing, and if 5.5 qts is enough, what's up with my dipstick? Possibly the wrong one?

Thanks for the help everyone!
 
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#4 ·
Thanks Bam,

OK here's the scoop. The dipstick is 17.75" long from the bottom of the pull ring to the tip of the dip (the length that is inserted into the tube). There is no part number, just the words "engine oil" on the yellow handle.

I'm still bothered that I have just the tinniest tip of the dipstick reaching the oil after putting in 5.5 qt. and a new filter. :eek: (this is warmed up, of course)

Here's a picture of the stick... is this stock? Can someone measure the length of your dipstick?

Thanks again for the help Bam!

Image
 
#5 ·
Doing a quick measurement...my dipstick is 20 7/8" long. The dipstick yer showing doesn't even look close to the stock one. :(

Dipstick handle should be a D shape
Image


Image


The number on my dipstick is 62060.
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ToyoDIY confirms the number on the stick with the stock number. Part number 15301-62060

From ToyotaPartSales.com
Item Number MSRP Core Price Price
1530162060 $14.15 $0.00 $11.06
Engine - Engine parts - Dipstick
Dipstick - 3.4 liter 1995 - 1998
 
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#6 ·
WoW! This is what I suspected. When I bought the truck I checked the dipstick and the oil level appeared proper. I bet the fool was totally overfilling it all the time. :lol: Now I'm not surprised I have leaking gaskets! :thumbsdow

Thanks Bam
 
#7 ·
See why it's important to take piccies of things and post them? :D

Who knows what's screwed up in yer truck now...or even in yer engine bay. ;)

Glad I was able to assist yah... :D
 
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