Quarts of oil in 1997 sohc?

[deathbypontiac]

i changed the oil and filter for the first time last night and put the recomended 5QTs in went for a ride, let it cool down checked the oil and it was about .5 qt over full. it was like this when i first bought it. i thought the oil change place over filled it. i dont know if i have the wrong dipstick or what. any thoughts on this?
Thanks

 

[je5]

What number is on the dipstick? Did you change the oil this time or the shop?

 

[dpirog]

When you changed your oil did you have the front end up on ramps? If you did the old oil probably did not drain completely (some left in the head, various other places) than if you drained it "level". If you added back the factory recommended amount you would be over a slight bit. I have similar issues on my X, Xterra and Rodeo as I change the oil with the front end lifted. The old oil remaining is ususally close to a 1/2 qt.

 

[je5]

There are also two sizes of oil filters that have a half quart of oil difference in capacity. Which size did you use? I remember an TSB about the "incorrect" FL-1A being installed on vehicles from factory and I would say the dipsticks were calibrated for them. I use the FL-1A instead of the FL-801 because I want the extra 1/2 quart.