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Engine oil capacity/1404

D

DWester

New member
While changing the oil, I read that it holds 3 quarts. After adding the oil, I noticed that nothing was showing on the dip stick. While draining the oil, I noticed that there was what looked like a smaller pan attached to the bottom of the main one. Is this a modification that was performed at one time and now it takes more oil?:confused:
 
You're right. I forgot the oil filter. But, have you seen what I described on the bottom of your pan? I'm curious. If need be, I'll go out, remove the bottom and get a picture of it.
 
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Might have been modified to hold more oil which would allow the cat to run on steeper terrain. Post a pic.
 
The 1404 I used to own had that deep sump oil pan on it and I figured it's function had something to do with running at steep angles. I think I put about 5 or 6 quarts in ? I let the dip stick determine the amount of oil.
 
the manual posted in the brake thread just below states 4 quarts 5 with filter.

Just picked up an new to me imp, It has a pile of manuals I will dig into those to see if there is a mention of the deep sump.

My advice is look close for a filed notch in your dip stick to see if perhaps it has a different fill mark.?
Just guessing
 
I am encountering the same delima. My manual is from 1974. I have added five quarts and I am barely on the dip stick. Was it common for them to get upgraded oil pans? Mine originally did service at a ski resort in Western Washington.
 
Just what I was hoping to find on this forum.
I changed my oil for the first time (4 quarts drained out, was showing somewhat less than the half point on the dip stick), so I started with 3.5 quarts replacement since that's what's supposed to be in these engines. Plus put in a new big oil filter Napa 1068.
No oil on dipstick, added more oil to 4 quarts, just barely touching the tip of the stick.
Said to myself...wtf? Added a 5th quart and now just maybe 3/4 of the way up to the max fill line on the stick.
I must have the upgraded oil pan. Noticed the drain plug, where it screws in, had a really beefy welded on metal through which the the threads were tapped. Didn't look factory to me but I figured maybe it had been repaired at some point. Now I'm thinking differently.
 
Thanks guys, I too was puzzled since my 1970 Imp s/n: 551 also needs 5.5 qts..
I noticed on my original delivery sheet under options it says "oil pans gusseted".
 
I have a 1972 IMP when I fill the oil to the mid point on the dipstick it takes about 5.5 quarts but when I run the machine I have oil spitting out the dipstick if I run it at factory 3.5 no oil out of the dipstick but it just touches the tip of the stick in both cases the machine runs at +40 oil pressure my engine runs strong and I do not have signs of engine blow by I almost feel like I have the wrong dipstick. Any thoughts?
 
BoyToys said:
Just what I was hoping to find on this forum.
I changed my oil for the first time (4 quarts drained out, was showing somewhat less than the half point on the dip stick), so I started with 3.5 quarts replacement since that's what's supposed to be in these engines. Plus put in a new big oil filter Napa 1068.
No oil on dipstick, added more oil to 4 quarts, just barely touching the tip of the stick.
Said to myself...wtf? Added a 5th quart and now just maybe 3/4 of the way up to the max fill line on the stick.
I must have the upgraded oil pan. Noticed the drain plug, where it screws in, had a really beefy welded on metal through which the the threads were tapped. Didn't look factory to me but I figured maybe it had been repaired at some point. Now I'm thinking differently.
Click to expand...
Do you notice any oil spitting out of your dip stick? When I put that much oil in my machine it spits it out ant then the oil falls on the exhaust which stinks! I have paid more attention to oil pressure
 
Eric SW 48 said:
Do you notice any oil spitting out of your dip stick? When I put that much oil in my machine it spits it out ant then the oil falls on the exhaust which stinks! I have paid more attention to oil pressure
Click to expand...
Nope, nothing spitting out. As you've read here, you could have the deep sump oil pan but may want to crawl underneath (a chore in itself) to confirm. If so, then your dipstick is correct at 5.5 quarts but doesn't explain why you're puking oil out of it.
So yeah, perhaps you have the standard oil pan and a too short dipstick and are overfilling at 5.5 quarts. The only other thing I can think of is that your crankcase ventilation isn't working and you're pressurizing the oil pan. I don't recall (never looked) if these old V4's have a PCV valve or not. I just have a vent hose off the left valve cover going to the carb intake.
I think those deep sump pans were just to guard against oil starvation when on steep slopes and the oil would slosh away from the pump intake. Otherwise 3.5 quarts as spec would be fine and just put a longer stick in...cut to size...so you can read the oil level.
Just my 2 cents, I could be all wet. Let's see what others suggest.
 
BoyToys said:
Nope, nothing spitting out. As you've read here, you could have the deep sump oil pan but may want to crawl underneath (a chore in itself) to confirm. If so, then your dipstick is correct at 5.5 quarts but doesn't explain why you're puking oil out of it.
So yeah, perhaps you have the standard oil pan and a too short dipstick and are overfilling at 5.5 quarts. The only other thing I can think of is that your crankcase ventilation isn't working and you're pressurizing the oil pan. I don't recall (never looked) if these old V4's have a PCV valve or not. I just have a vent hose off the left valve cover going to the carb intake.
I think those deep sump pans were just to guard against oil starvation when on steep slopes and the oil would slosh away from the pump intake. Otherwise 3.5 quarts as spec would be fine and just put a longer stick in...cut to size...so you can read the oil level.
Just my 2 cents, I could be all wet. Let's see what others suggest.
Click to expand...
I'll be heading up to my cabin in the next day or so. I'll measure the length of my dipstick just for reference...if I don't forget! I think I put 5 quarts in a year ago to the 3/4 mark.
 
BoyToys said:
I'll be heading up to my cabin in the next day or so. I'll measure the length of my dipstick just for reference...if I don't forget! I think I put 5 quarts in a year ago to the 3/4 mark.
Click to expand...
that would be great my dipstick is about 15" long the bottom of my oil pan seams like it it is about 20" from the top of the dipstick tube possibly i have the dipstick tube is in upside down when i fill to 5 quarts it is almost like the conecting rods are splashing the oil out oil presure is around 40 psi at 2000 rpm
 
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