just got my new owners manual for my 55 88, it says 6 qts. of oil. how much oil do yall run?

 

Do not have a 55. That said, I would have 6 qts. on hand at oil change time, put in 5 qts. Run the car a bit to fill the filter (if it has one) and then check the oil level. Take whatever action is necessary after checking the level to get a FULL reading on the dipstick.

 

I have changed my 54 and it has a filter but I don't remeber 6 quarts. I would do what D.Yaros suggested. I have added a bottle of ZDDP so that probably threw me off.

 

dip stick says full with 5. just wonder if I have the right dip stick?

 

Without reason to suspect otherwise, go with the dipstick reading is my counsel.

 

Should be 5 quarts.

 

Page 22 of the 1955 Olds owner manual says there's 5 quarts in the pan and 1 quart in the filter. Page 2-6 in the 1955 Olds shop manual says the same thing. In those days the full flow oil filter was optional equipment. My '55 has the filter and requires 6 quarts to bring the level to the "full" mark on the dipstick after doing a complete oil change (including the filter). Oldsmobile documents indicate that the 5+1 amount was used through the 1957 model year. Beginning in 1958 it was reduced to 4+1 quarts. Recheck your circumstances. If you haven't known the vehicle since new, someone may have changed the dipstick. I've known mine from the start; the quantities, manuals, and dipstick all agree.

 

You nailed it Ozzie. I forgot about the optional oil filter element which needs a quart when replaced.

 

Thanks fellers, I must have the wrong dipstick. since I have a noisy lifter, I think I will add a qt. of oil treatment.

 

Doubtful that the oil level being one qt low would have anything to do with the lifter noise but my stick measures 19 1/2 inches from tip to stop and the full line is 3 1/8 inches from the bottom to the full mark. you might check it out before you add to much oil. ....Tedd

 

Ted, if it aint too much trouble, the next time you get a chance, could you measure how far your dip stick housing sticks up above the block? thanks
fatback

 

Sorry fatback someone else will have to get you that measurement. I'm still recovering from my knee surgery and I can't kneel on ether knee or stand bent over for any length of time....Old age sucks but is remarkable better than the alternative... I think....Tedd