MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Maintenance, Problems & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: Ferrousfe on May 24, 2021, 12:15

Title: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Ferrousfe on May 24, 2021, 12:15
Hi All,

This might be a silly question, but since the dip stick is so nuanced to read I thought I'd ask!

If I do an oil change and fill to the capacity specified in the handbook will it (or should it) be effectively at the "full" line?

Also, is the 3.7L/3.5L inclusive of oil in the actual filter? In the sense that if I fill up the filter before fitting, would I then presumably only need to put 3.5L in via the oil cap after?

I've changed oil before but normally I'm much more comfortable relying on the dip stick to tell me how close I am to fully filled.

Thanks all!
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Ardent on May 24, 2021, 12:24
3.7 includes the filter.
3.7 will land you nicely at the F on the stick.

I usually go a little under, to account for anything left in and check and top up a day after.

You could pre fill and 3.5 would then be about right.
Too much trouble for me.
But then I do actually measure out the oil and add 1 litre at a time from a measuring jug.

Edit.
There has been a recent post on here the toyota filters have changed in size.  Smaller. So maybe less than 3.7 now?
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Joesson on May 24, 2021, 13:06
I like to pre fill the filter, particularly having noticed how long it takes to soak up the oil. With the 2's dip stick being as it is I use a measuring jug and a modified funnel to re fill.

Edit.
Pre filling the filter makes even more sense if the filter capacity is in question. Fill the filter and then 3.5 L is what should go into the sump, but gradually.
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Beachbum957 on May 24, 2021, 14:31
It is not always possible to completely drain the oil, so fill to the full line.  Start the engine to make sure everything is full and then let the car sit for quite a while. Then recheck the oil level with the car sitting on a level surface and top off. I like to let it sit for at least 15 minutes before a recheck and then recheck again after an overnight.

Prefilling a filter is a controversial topic.

The first thing to consider is a filter will fill very quickly on start up, so not prefilling does not starve the engine of oil. Many engines will fill the filter even before the engine fires.  The second thing to consider is prefilling normally is done in the center section which is the output side of the filter, so that first amount of oil that will be pulled from the filter is unfiltered oil.  There are standards of cleanliness for new oils, but how clean is your method to fill the filter?

So the choice is adding unfiltered oil to the system on startup, or allowing a very short period for oil to fill a filter. Some companies even mount the filter upside down so they can't be prefilled so they obviously are more concerned about unfiltered oil being added than a very short period to fill the filter on startup.

Basically, a personal choice based on what worries you the most.  On our engines with a small filter, it probably doesn't matter much which method is used.
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Dev on May 24, 2021, 14:50
I wouldn't worry about it too much. There is a dry fill value and a wet fill value that varies greatly and it often confuses owners sometimes that their car has taken less or more oil than what the book says.
 The most important thing is what the dipstick says and it is far more harmful to over fill the oil than to slightly under fill it.
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Ardent on May 24, 2021, 16:19
Bearing in mind. The difference between the F and the L mark on the stick equates to 1.3 litres.
So you have a bit of wiggle room.

As above. Better to Underfill and top up. Than overfill.
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Ferrousfe on May 24, 2021, 21:33
Thank you for all your replies everyone, I hadn't even considered the prospect of unfiltered oil getting passed through the engine!

I think I'm overthinking it, I'll just underfill by a little and then work up from there, as 1.3L is a huge range and would probably struggle to underfill it unless being completely careless.

Appreciate the replies, something to do when(if) the weather picks up!
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Alex Knight on May 24, 2021, 21:48
Quote from: Ardent on May 24, 2021, 16:19Bearing in mind. The difference between the F and the L mark on the stick equates to 1.3 litres.
So you have a bit of wiggle room.

As above. Better to Underfill and top up. Than overfill.

I actually thought it was 1.0L?
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Ardent on May 24, 2021, 21:52
is it different on a 2zz?
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: JohnGee on May 24, 2021, 22:24
Quote from: Ardent on May 24, 2021, 16:19Bearing in mind. The difference between the F and the L mark on the stick equates to 1.3 litres.

@Ardent Sorry, got to ask, have you arrived at this figure through some sort of elaborate dimension measurement and calculation or through repeated top ups using your 1l jug?
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: 1979scotte on May 24, 2021, 22:29
Quote from: JohnGee on May 24, 2021, 22:24
Quote from: Ardent on May 24, 2021, 16:19Bearing in mind. The difference between the F and the L mark on the stick equates to 1.3 litres.

@Ardent Sorry, got to ask, have you arrived at this figure through some sort of elaborate dimension measurement and calculation or through repeated top ups using your 1l jug?

Is it in the owners manual?
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: JohnGee on May 24, 2021, 22:33
Quote from: 1979scotte on May 24, 2021, 22:29Is it in the owners manual?

Mmmm, why didn't I think of that ......
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Ardent on May 24, 2021, 22:38
I have read it somewhere. Either the manual as @1979scotte suggests or the resources on here. But definitely a real figure, not something made up by me.

What I have calculated, each 1mm below the F mark = 50ml of oil required.
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Zxrob on May 24, 2021, 23:05
I fill mine to the F level, simples

Never have I managed to drain the spec capacity out of an engine with an oil and filter change, there will always be residue oil left in

Pre filling filters, new one on me, never read that in any owners or workshop manual

Rob
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Dev on May 25, 2021, 00:35
I cant confirm the accuracy of this sticker but it was made by an owner that worked it out and had them printed for the enthusiast community. He had me distribute them since I have a lot of traffic and in return I would make a $1 profit on each after shipping, taxes and stationary. I trust him because he is extremely meticulous but I never confirmed because I fill by feel. A few that use the sticker said it was on the money.
IMG_0103.jpeg

 Also just to add more controversy to the equation  some of the Toyota products that used the 1ZZ with the same oil pan revised the dipsticks to add more oil capacity. If it was a case of the wrong dipsticks that makes sense but if they revised the capacity its very odd that our car was not included.
 I do know that with the 1ZZ dipstick for the 2ZZ is slightly longer in relation to the oil pan from someone that measured. It could be possible that the 1ZZ is also too long but that is just speculation.   

https://testing-public.carmd.com/Tsb/Download/27986/T-SB-0134-08
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Call the midlife! on May 25, 2021, 07:03
Quote from: Alex Knight on May 24, 2021, 21:48
Quote from: Ardent on May 24, 2021, 16:19Bearing in mind. The difference between the F and the L mark on the stick equates to 1.3 litres.
So you have a bit of wiggle room.

As above. Better to Underfill and top up. Than overfill.

I actually thought it was 1.0L?
Same here, always had it as 1 litre but I generally just chuck in 500ml every 300 miles or so...
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Ardent on May 25, 2021, 07:57
My more basic oil chart.
https://1drv.ms/x/s!AjKQRUlKMbdSjEUJWqs9tuzICqWr
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Joesson on May 25, 2021, 09:47
Quote from: Ardent on May 25, 2021, 07:57My more basic oil chart.
https://1drv.ms/x/s!AjKQRUlKMbdSjEUJWqs9tuzICqWr

Please don't show us advanced, my brain might explode.
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Joesson on May 25, 2021, 09:49
@Dev
That sticker info agrees  with @Ardent 's 1.3 L on the stick.
As for difference between 1zz and 2zz dipstick/ oil capacity, at least one Member on here found out the difference the hard way.
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: tricky1138 on May 25, 2021, 11:29
Quote from: Alex Knight on May 24, 2021, 21:48
Quote from: Ardent on May 24, 2021, 16:19Bearing in mind. The difference between the F and the L mark on the stick equates to 1.3 litres.
So you have a bit of wiggle room.

As above. Better to Underfill and top up. Than overfill.

I actually thought it was 1.0L?

Must admit I thought it was 1.0l too. Every day is a school day.

Having just done mine, using the new smaller filter, I put about 3.3l in and thought I had overfilled it. But after starting it and running it for a while it was def just on the F line. Guess it may have come down a little after putting some in the filter.

Next time I'm in the garage I will confirm exactly how much is left in my 5l bottle.
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Alex Knight on May 25, 2021, 11:44
Quote from: Call the midlife! on May 25, 2021, 07:03
Quote from: Alex Knight on May 24, 2021, 21:48
Quote from: Ardent on May 24, 2021, 16:19Bearing in mind. The difference between the F and the L mark on the stick equates to 1.3 litres.
So you have a bit of wiggle room.

As above. Better to Underfill and top up. Than overfill.

I actually thought it was 1.0L?
Same here, always had it as 1 litre but I generally just chuck in 500ml every 300 miles or so...

Blimey. My 2ZZ never needs topping up, even after a trackday.
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Call the midlife! on May 25, 2021, 12:02
Quote from: Alex Knight on May 25, 2021, 11:44
Quote from: Call the midlife! on May 25, 2021, 07:03
Quote from: Alex Knight on May 24, 2021, 21:48
Quote from: Ardent on May 24, 2021, 16:19Bearing in mind. The difference between the F and the L mark on the stick equates to 1.3 litres.
So you have a bit of wiggle room.

As above. Better to Underfill and top up. Than overfill.

I actually thought it was 1.0L?
Same here, always had it as 1 litre but I generally just chuck in 500ml every 300 miles or so...

Blimey. My 2ZZ never needs topping up, even after a trackday.
You can't be trying hard enough 🤓

I might have a slight burning issue 😂
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: JohnGee on May 25, 2021, 12:49
Quote from: Ardent on May 25, 2021, 07:57My more basic oil chart.
https://1drv.ms/x/s!AjKQRUlKMbdSjEUJWqs9tuzICqWr

Wow, great graph, so are you saying that the "gap" from E to F is 27mm on the stick, that there's a linear relationship between these 2 points and that each mm represents 48ml? How did you figure that last part out?
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Joesson on May 25, 2021, 13:05
Quote from: JohnGee on May 25, 2021, 12:49
Quote from: Ardent on May 25, 2021, 07:57My more basic oil chart.
https://1drv.ms/x/s!AjKQRUlKMbdSjEUJWqs9tuzICqWr

Wow, great graph, so are you saying that the "gap" from E to F is 27mm on the stick, that there's a linear relationship between these 2 points and that each mm represents 48ml? How did you figure that last part out?


If 1296 ml is represented by 27mm then 1296/27 = 48ml
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: 1979scotte on May 25, 2021, 13:10
Quote from: Alex Knight on May 25, 2021, 11:44
Quote from: Call the midlife! on May 25, 2021, 07:03
Quote from: Alex Knight on May 24, 2021, 21:48
Quote from: Ardent on May 24, 2021, 16:19Bearing in mind. The difference between the F and the L mark on the stick equates to 1.3 litres.
So you have a bit of wiggle room.

As above. Better to Underfill and top up. Than overfill.

I actually thought it was 1.0L?
Same here, always had it as 1 litre but I generally just chuck in 500ml every 300 miles or so...

Blimey. My 2ZZ never needs topping up, even after a trackday.

Yours is very reliable.
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: JohnGee on May 25, 2021, 13:22
Quote from: Joesson on May 25, 2021, 13:05If 1296 ml is represented by 27mm then 1296/27 = 48ml

Yes, I understand that part, but how did 1296ml = 27mm / 48ml = 1 mm get established in the first place?

I'd also like to know more about the "linearity" of this relationship.
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Call the midlife! on May 25, 2021, 13:48
Quote from: 1979scotte on May 25, 2021, 13:10
Quote from: Alex Knight on May 25, 2021, 11:44
Quote from: Call the midlife! on May 25, 2021, 07:03
Quote from: Alex Knight on May 24, 2021, 21:48
Quote from: Ardent on May 24, 2021, 16:19Bearing in mind. The difference between the F and the L mark on the stick equates to 1.3 litres.
So you have a bit of wiggle room.

As above. Better to Underfill and top up. Than overfill.

I actually thought it was 1.0L?
Same here, always had it as 1 litre but I generally just chuck in 500ml every 300 miles or so...

Blimey. My 2ZZ never needs topping up, even after a trackday.

Yours is very reliable.

Mine isn't unreliable, just uses a bit of oil..
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Alex Knight on May 25, 2021, 13:56
Quote from: Call the midlife! on May 25, 2021, 12:02
Quote from: Alex Knight on May 25, 2021, 11:44
Quote from: Call the midlife! on May 25, 2021, 07:03
Quote from: Alex Knight on May 24, 2021, 21:48
Quote from: Ardent on May 24, 2021, 16:19Bearing in mind. The difference between the F and the L mark on the stick equates to 1.3 litres.
So you have a bit of wiggle room.

As above. Better to Underfill and top up. Than overfill.

I actually thought it was 1.0L?
Same here, always had it as 1 litre but I generally just chuck in 500ml every 300 miles or so...

Blimey. My 2ZZ never needs topping up, even after a trackday.
You can't be trying hard enough 🤓

I might have a slight burning issue 😂

Au contraire, mon amis.

Behold, my rear brake pads:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51202952759_26e152f0c4_h.jpg)
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Joesson on May 25, 2021, 14:02
Quote from: JohnGee on May 25, 2021, 13:22
Quote from: Joesson on May 25, 2021, 13:05If 1296 ml is represented by 27mm then 1296/27 = 48ml

Yes, I understand that part, but how did 1296ml = 27mm / 48ml = 1 mm get established in the first place?

I'd also like to know more about the "linearity" of this relationship.

Reference to page 216 in my 2002 Owner's Manual advises that :
" The approximate quantity of oil needed to fill between the low level and the full level on the dipstick is indicated below for reference.
When the level reaches within the correct range, install the filler cap hand tight.
Oil quantity, L 1.3"

I suggest this was likely derived empirically. The corresponding linear dimension, on the dio stick, can be determined buy measurement.
If you would like to know about the linearity of the ratio between this volume and measurement I suggest that a simple mathematical ratio can be used as the oil is dispensed through a relatively wide orifice and drains down into a relatively large pan area. There is no long feeder tube, as in the case of the windscreen washer bottle that fills rapidly until nearing full when the fluid rises up the filler neck.
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: 1979scotte on May 25, 2021, 14:08
Quote from: Alex Knight on May 25, 2021, 13:56
Quote from: Call the midlife! on May 25, 2021, 12:02
Quote from: Alex Knight on May 25, 2021, 11:44
Quote from: Call the midlife! on May 25, 2021, 07:03
Quote from: Alex Knight on May 24, 2021, 21:48
Quote from: Ardent on May 24, 2021, 16:19Bearing in mind. The difference between the F and the L mark on the stick equates to 1.3 litres.
So you have a bit of wiggle room.

As above. Better to Underfill and top up. Than overfill.

I actually thought it was 1.0L?
Same here, always had it as 1 litre but I generally just chuck in 500ml every 300 miles or so...

Blimey. My 2ZZ never needs topping up, even after a trackday.
You can't be trying hard enough 🤓

I might have a slight burning issue 😂

Au contraire, mon amis.

Behold, my rear brake pads:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51202952759_26e152f0c4_h.jpg)

Oh
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Dev on May 25, 2021, 15:26
Quote from: Joesson on May 25, 2021, 09:49@Dev
That sticker info agrees  with @Ardent 's 1.3 L on the stick.
As for difference between 1zz and 2zz dipstick/ oil capacity, at least one Member on here found out the difference the hard way.

It is possible that the 1ZZ is also under filled the same way.

After further research I think the 3.7l fill should be updated to the new revised Toyota spec of 4.2l after it is determined that the pan appears to be under filled.  There is no good reason why our car is not listed with the new capacity increase in 2008 retrospectively when they use exactly the same 1ZZ engine.
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Call the midlife! on May 25, 2021, 15:52
Quote from: Alex Knight on May 25, 2021, 13:56
Quote from: Call the midlife! on May 25, 2021, 12:02
Quote from: Alex Knight on May 25, 2021, 11:44
Quote from: Call the midlife! on May 25, 2021, 07:03
Quote from: Alex Knight on May 24, 2021, 21:48
Quote from: Ardent on May 24, 2021, 16:19Bearing in mind. The difference between the F and the L mark on the stick equates to 1.3 litres.
So you have a bit of wiggle room.

As above. Better to Underfill and top up. Than overfill.

I actually thought it was 1.0L?
Same here, always had it as 1 litre but I generally just chuck in 500ml every 300 miles or so...

Blimey. My 2ZZ never needs topping up, even after a trackday.
You can't be trying hard enough 🤓

I might have a slight burning issue 😂

Au contraire, mon amis.

Behold, my rear brake pads:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51202952759_26e152f0c4_h.jpg)
Eeeew...
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Ardent on May 25, 2021, 21:52
Quote from: JohnGee on May 25, 2021, 13:22
Quote from: Joesson on May 25, 2021, 13:05If 1296 ml is represented by 27mm then 1296/27 = 48ml

Yes, I understand that part, but how did 1296ml = 27mm / 48ml = 1 mm get established in the first place?
I simply measured the hatched area of the stick with a rule. 27mm
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: JohnGee on May 25, 2021, 22:35
Quote from: Ardent on May 25, 2021, 21:52
Quote from: JohnGee on May 25, 2021, 13:22
Quote from: Joesson on May 25, 2021, 13:05If 1296 ml is represented by 27mm then 1296/27 = 48ml

Yes, I understand that part, but how did 1296ml = 27mm / 48ml = 1 mm get established in the first place?
I simply measured the hatched area of the stick with a rule. 27mm

All clear now, thanks. @Joesson explained that sump can generally be considered to have constant cross section as you move vertically up through the lower section of bowl, hence simple division of amount to take from E to F by 27mm yields the input per mm gain rate.
Title: Re: Oil capacity - is it to full line?
Post by: Joesson on May 26, 2021, 09:16
Quote from: JohnGee on May 25, 2021, 22:35
Quote from: Ardent on May 25, 2021, 21:52
Quote from: JohnGee on May 25, 2021, 13:22
Quote from: Joesson on May 25, 2021, 13:05If 1296 ml is represented by 27mm then 1296/27 = 48ml

Yes, I understand that part, but how did 1296ml = 27mm / 48ml = 1 mm get established in the first place?
I simply measured the hatched area of the stick with a rule. 27mm

All clear now, thanks. @Joesson explained that sump can generally be considered to have constant cross section as you move vertically up through the lower section of bowl, hence simple division of amount to take from E to F by 27mm yields the input per mm gain rate.

After careful cogitation and consideration I came to the conclusion that was close enough for an old codger and will do well enough for me and hopefully thee.