Community Forums

gregk · 02-04-2011, 02:19 PM

I was looking back through some old threads and came across an interesting exchange from 2 yrs ago regarding confusion about how much oil goes in a 400 ISL. All this time I have thought the correct amount was 24 qts according to all the manuals. Sounds like most are running 24 in the pan plus the 3 to 4 in the filter for a total of 27 to 28. (according to what some found out after talking to Cummins??) Do any of you recall this issue being solved as to how much?

Looks like I may have been running 3 to 4 qts low and I now have 19,000mi.

Twomed · 02-04-2011, 02:35 PM

Tw0 different pans on that engine. One holds 24 quarts with a change and one holds 26 qurats with a change. Fill per the stick and you should be ok. The ISL is very capable of getting rid of excess oil....your toad will become very slippery!

Dutch Star Don · 02-04-2011, 03:26 PM

I was using the wrong amount. I was running 24 quarts and then started checking other sources. Finally, I did an oil change and very carefully checked as I filled. Mine took 28 quarts with a new filter. Mine is an 05 ISL

Barlow46 · 02-05-2011, 07:21 AM

I called Cummins and gave them my engine serial number from the build sheet. They gave me the capacities, build date and inservice date on the engine.

walt2137 · 02-05-2011, 03:46 PM

Just remember that what's in the book is a dry fill and when you change the oil it will be a wet fill and that will be less, it is always oil left in the oil cooler.

Papa_Jim · 02-05-2011, 10:42 PM

Before you sweat it too much, remember that the engine is holding roughly 5 gallons of oil. If you're a couple of quarts low, it's not going to matter. If you're a couple of quarts high, it could cause a huge mess with oil blowing out the crankcase vent, spraying it all over your toad and messing up the radiator and the CAC.

My coach manual says 24 quarts for an oil change with new filter. I've never been able to get more than 21 quarts into it after draining the old oil and installing a new filter.

Go figure.

gregk · 02-06-2011, 06:28 AM

Although I have not always felt that the dip stick might not be 100% correct and calibrated I guess I will continue to use it as the measureing tool and fill based on what it shows which in my case is 24qts to register full.

palehorse89 · 02-06-2011, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimkate

Before you sweat it too much, remember that the engine is holding roughly 5 gallons of oil. If you're a couple of quarts low, it's not going to matter. If you're a couple of quarts high, it could cause a huge mess with oil blowing out the crankcase vent, spraying it all over your toad and messing up the radiator and the CAC.

My coach manual says 24 quarts for an oil change with new filter. I've never been able to get more than 21 quarts into it after draining the old oil and installing a new filter.

Go figure.

SUMED UP FROM EXPERANCE I WOULD GUESS. YOU ARE EXACTLY RIGHT. DIESEL ENGINES DON'T MINE A LITTLE BIT OF A LOW LEVEL BUT OVER FILL IT AND IT WILL LET YOU KNOW IT DOES NOT LIKE IT,YOU WILL HAVE A BLACK OIL MIST TO CLEAN UP........

walt2137 · 02-06-2011, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimkate

Before you sweat it too much, remember that the engine is holding roughly 5 gallons of oil. If you're a couple of quarts low, it's not going to matter. If you're a couple of quarts high, it could cause a huge mess with oil blowing out the crankcase vent, spraying it all over your toad and messing up the radiator and the CAC.

My coach manual says 24 quarts for an oil change with new filter. I've never been able to get more than 21 quarts into it after draining the old oil and installing a new filter.

Go figure.

I agree Jim my engine is also 21 qts and it is always better on a engine to be a little low than high.

JWT · 02-06-2011, 07:52 AM

Mine holds 27 Qts. with filter

Steve Ownby · 02-06-2011, 08:30 AM

The dipstick is installed by the chassis builder and they are not generally accurate. You can easily calibrate your dipstick so you can have an good idea of when or if you need to add.

Call Cummins with your engine # and tell the tech you want to calibrate your dipstick. He will give you the amount of oil to add to the oil pan to bring your level to the "add" mark at which point you should mark the dipstick. Then he will tell you how much oil to add to bring the level to full in the oil pan. Mark the dipstick again and you will have the full mark.

You should, of course, start with a well drained oil pan and you should pre fill the oil filter.

SpursMVP · 02-06-2011, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barlow46

I called Cummins and gave them my engine serial number from the build sheet. They gave me the capacities, build date and inservice date on the engine.

This is the way to do it. I had to 'calibrate our dipstick' after this because the old full level was below the 26 qts our ISC 330 HP holds and where the low point is. When you do the next oil change, fill it to the low point and mark your dipstick. Than add to the full point and mark that. This will give you your new range.

We also have not had an oil slick on the rear flap or on the front of the toad. I'm glad I called Cummins for this information.