Scotty Posted June 16, 2004 Report Share Posted June 16, 2004 First I want to say that this is not intended to be a discussion regarding oil consumption problems, although who knows maybe the discussion will go that way. I do need to keep an eye on how many miles I get to quart of oil, I think its about 2,000 miles per quart, which I am told is acceptible for a high performance engine. All I know is that the 65, 66 and 67 429s were pretty high performing and they did not use a drop, never checked it. Of course that engine never got up to 5500-5800 rpm, nor did it produce >1HP per cubic inch. BUT, as I said this was not intended to be an oil consumption discussion. My question is when you get down a quart, do you top it off? And why not? I think I have read here that you should not top off, maybe I am mistaken. I don't put oil in unless it hits one quart.. I understand that because it takes so much oil that being a quart down its not such a big problem unless you are doing hard g turns, is that true? What if it hits 2 quarts? Is is heat attack time if the ADD OIL light comes on? Yes I am confused about this what do you all think? Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted June 16, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2004 Is is heat attack time if the ADD OIL light comes on? Yes I am confused about this what do you all think? Mike Thats Heart Attack if the ADD OIL light comes on! Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted June 16, 2004 Report Share Posted June 16, 2004 Mike, Every cadillac I have owned ('71 '72 '73 '81 '83 '85 '92) burned 1qt per 1500-2000 miles. This Northstar burned 1qt per 800-1000. I had always kept it toped off to the full mark. After finding this site I only put 7 qts at oil change and never add a qt til it drops off the dip stick. Now I get 1500-2000 before I add a qt. I have come to believe that keeping it toped off to the "full" mark just gets oil misted by the crankshaft and sucked through the PCV. To answer your question I keep it between the "ADD" mark and the tip of the dip stick or when it tells me to "CHECK OIL". No, "heart attack time" is not when it gets 2 qts low (when the light comes on), you still have 5-5/12 qts in the sump. Now I would not run it WOT on an expressway on ramp like that but if you drive "normal" it should be no problem. The "hard G turns" is true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDK Posted June 16, 2004 Report Share Posted June 16, 2004 I agree with Larry G. But for my .03: I don't think Caddy would put in an low oil sensor that only alarmed when it was already too late. As much as for g-turns, the 7.5 qt capacity is probably also for mucho-grande reserve. Considering the run-without-coolant design mentality, I would be suprised if they skimped on a few ounces of sheetmetal for the oil pan. It might be interesting to know the "limbo-point" (how low can you go). However, only a Guru-type might know that "tested" number and scenario. Although I don't think he would advise Caddy owners on anything against their bible (owners-manual) - he might inform us on NorthStar validation. ps, where DO you check the oil ? Just kidding... Add power to leave problems behind. Most braking is just - poor planning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimD Posted June 16, 2004 Report Share Posted June 16, 2004 Mike: I rely on the CHECK OIL LEVEL message and I pay attention when the message displays at a hot restart on level surface. The oil level is off the dipstick when the message appears. I add a quart at my convenience (no reason for heart palpitations). Jim Drive your car. Use your cell phone. CHOOSE ONE ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted June 16, 2004 Report Share Posted June 16, 2004 It might be interesting to know the "limbo-point" (how low can you go). However, only a Guru-type might know that "tested" number and scenario. Although I don't think he would advise Caddy owners on anything against their bible (owners-manual) - he might inform us on NorthStar validation. I have asked Bill this question before and he said they run them on the dyno's with as little as 3 qts. I am sure he would not recommend that and neither would I but I am sure 5 qts is nothing to get upset over unless as I said you are taking on ramps WOT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry94 Posted June 16, 2004 Report Share Posted June 16, 2004 I agree with Larry G.. I add 7 L at change time and only add a L when the level is near the bottom of the stick. This brings the level up between add and full. I never bring it up to the full mark. Barry 2008 STS V82016 Colorado Z711970 Corvette LT-1 Coupe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted June 16, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2004 Thanks for clearing this issue up guys! Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonA Posted June 17, 2004 Report Share Posted June 17, 2004 Not something to obcess over....LOL. Oh, c'mon, you've been here long enough to know better than that!! Jason(2001 STS, White Diamond) "When you turn your car on...does it return the favor?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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