Two of us would like to know

[fourwheel]

I haven't put the full six quarts of oil in my 1996 351 since the first oil change. Had to drain over 1/2 a qt. to bring down to the full line. A friend with an F150 (same engine) was told he had to use the full 6 qts. or damage would occur (his is over the line also). He uses the same short filter I have to use. Since the first oil change, I fill the filter the amount that wont run out while turning it on usually about 12 oz. and save the rest of that bottle, then dump 5 qts in the crank case bringing it up almost perfect with the full mark after its been run a few minutes. The manual says six quarts and don't fill above the full line on the dip stick. I say its in the filter capacity and not what the owners manual says to dump in the crankcase. Any opinions if the dip stick got stamped wrong? Or won't 20 oz be overfill. Oil has been synthetic and changed around 3-4000 miles.
fourwheel thanks you.

 

[dustybumpers]

Use a motorcraft FL1A. When you put the 6 qts in, after draining and changing the oil, and filter, it will read high when you refill it. If the book calls for 6 qts, you should use 6 qts.

At some time in your truck's life, someone may have changed the dip stick, and the line may not be correct

 

[5.0Flareside]

the 94 and newer 351's is not a FL1A it's a Fl820s.. different fitting...

just put 6 qts in.. it aint gonna hurt it..

 

[m78]

I fill the filter the amount that wont run out .

Holy Moly , That's overkill.

I've kept different model Econoline's over the last 20 years and they seem to take 7 qts.
Running a half qt high or low never hurt them.

 

[O'Rattlecan]

I've run 5 quarts in my 351w as long as I've owned it and it was just fine. I pulled the motor and the wear patterns were extremely healthy for a motor with 236k miles on it. There was nothing wrong with the motor when it was disassembled either, it was for 'fun' purposes.

Ryan

 

[SuperCab]

Do whatever suits you. I always go with a little overfull ... half a quart overfull doesn't hurt a thing.