Oil capacity

[OldFoggey]

I'm getting ready to do the first oil change since buying my Backdraft and wondering what the oil capacity is for the 351w stroked to 392. When I do a Google search it covers all makes and depends on if it's a front sump, rear sump, aftermarket oil pan and so forth. Usually the position of the sump, front or back, depends on the clearance between the engine and frame or other components. I would think that all Backdrafts would all be the same for this engine but I can't find anything in the manual that mentions the oil capacity. I know that I can just add 5 quarts which seems to be the minimum when Googled and then add oil until it's at the full mark after the engine has been started and the filter has filled but that seems to be a work around for what you would think is in the manual.

Have a great weekend....Don

[DAVID GAGNARD]

Originally Posted by OldFoggey

I'm getting ready to do the first oil change since buying my Backdraft and wondering what the oil capacity is for the 351w stroked to 392. When I do a Google search it covers all makes and depends on if it's a front sump, rear sump, aftermarket oil pan and so forth. Usually the position of the sump, front or back, depends on the clearance between the engine and frame or other components. I would think that all Backdrafts would all be the same for this engine but I can't find anything in the manual that mentions the oil capacity. I know that I can just add 5 quarts which seems to be the minimum when Googled and then add oil until it's at the full mark after the engine has been started and the filter has filled but that seems to be a work around for what you would think is in the manual.

Have a great weekend....Don

The oil pan size and shape as well as oil cooler determine the oil capacity,of any engine!!!!!!!!!

What type oil pan and oil cooler do you have???? Contact the pan manufacter for the capacity of the pan on your engine....

David

[OldFoggey]

It's a crate engine from Ford Racing so it's the stock pan that was on it from them. I checked on their web site and the only thing I found was that this engine part number has been discontinued as there's no specs at all listed any longer that I can find.

Don

[PLDRIVE]

HI Don
I do not have the exact answer, but since it is a ford crate engine the dipstick should be calibrated for the pan. Just buy extra oil and fill slowly. Start it it up, allow engine to warm up, shut it off (wait a few minutes) check oil level and add as needed. Just make sure u have oil pressure once engine is running!

MP

[DAVID GAGNARD]

Originally Posted by PLDRIVE

HI Don
I do not have the exact answer, but since it is a ford crate engine the dipstick should be calibrated for the pan. Just buy extra oil and fill slowly. Start it it up, allow engine to warm up, shut it off (wait a few minutes) check oil level and add as needed. Just make sure u have oil pressure once engine is running!

MP

Or when you change the oil see how much comes out and refill with that amount, then start up the engine,check the dipstick and add to the full line.....

David

[DonC]

With an unknown capacity for the pan try the following.
Once the oil is drained add 5 qts (starting point and not so much that would be too difficult to remove some of it if the pan capacity is small) and give it about 30 minutes to let everything drain down into the pan. Check the dipstick and see where the oil level sits. Add oil if needed until the level is at the full mark on the dipstick. Don't for get to give the oil time to drain down after adding. What you end up with is the capacity for the pan.
Start the engine, check for pressure and check for leaks.
Shut the engine off and give it another 30 min. to drain down. Add oil as needed until the oil level is at the full mark on the dipstick again.
Whatever you have put in at this point is pretty close to the capacity of the entire system.
Personal recommendation: If your filter is mounted vertically fill the new filter with oil before you spin it on.
DonC

[OldFoggey]

Thanks to all that answered. Just seems odd that there isn't a standard for a crate engine where no options such as high capacity oil pan was installed. DonC, you suggested what I mentioned in my original post about just adding 5 quarts, which has been a minimum standard for v8's since the 1950's, and then go from there. Rained all weekend so I'm hoping next weekend to get the oil changed.

Don

[DAVID GAGNARD]

it's hard to tell without seeing the pan, but over the years Ford has made no less than 7 different pans for the 302 and 351-W engines.....the one used on the early passenger cars,later passenger cars,regular trucks and 4x4 trucks and that's just 4 of them...some came with a single sump, some with a double sump......4x4 pans usually were deeper by a few inches and usually held at least one more quart,so without seeing the pan,it's hard to tell......

But draining and starting with 5 quarts would be a safe way to do it.......or once you drain the old oil,fill a gallon jug with the old oil and then pour the rest into another and see how many quarts came out..............chances are it is a "standard" passenger car pan that holds 5 quarts.......

David