Hey all,

Just changed my oil today, at 3000 miles on a new '06 Mustang GT. I changed it at 2000 as well, and put in 6 quarts (as per manual). Today it only drained enough to fill the 5 quart jug. Is that typical/normal/acceptable? I'm sorta dreading the response, but I'd like to know. Is 1 quart in 1000 miles okay on a new engine at only 3000 miles? Thanks,

 

That jug holds more than just 5 quarts. Is it completly full?
It has that see-thru line on the side..I bet it closer to 6.
Besides...with the filter , it holds 6.5 quarts.

 

Did you drain the oil filter?

 

No it doesn't. Read the owner's manual. It says 6 quarts with filter change.

 

I think most new engines use a little oil for the first couple of oil changes. I'm thinking it's normal. If you don't see blue smoke billowing out or a puddle under the car you should be ok. Just keep an eye on it, if it continues or gets worse take it in.

 

My 2000 Vic was factory ordered and never used a drop of oil (I do 6000 mile changes); 5 qt in, ~5 qt out. Our 2003 E-250 (5.4 2V V8) was also factory ordered and it never used a drop of oil either (6000 mile changes); 6 qt in, ~6 qt out. Then again I always drain the old oil filter and reclaim as much oil as possible.

Even if you do not see a huge cloud of blue smoke, it does not mean the engine isn't burning oil. Ford's very early modular motors are notorious for burning oil during take-off or long idling and usually the smoke disappears by the time your car has moved to a position that could see the smoke. The cars behind it, OTOH, can see the smoke.

I've even seen a few 2003-up Ford Crown Vics that blow out blue smoke. 2003-2004 Marauders (4.6 4V V8) also have the problem.

 

Mine used about the same amount of oil for the first couple of oil changes but it's fine now at 38k miles. You've got plenty of time to let it settle in. If it's still using oil at the 10k oil change then I'd take it in for a checkup. YMMV.

 

To answer questions: Yes, I did drain the filter, but of course, it was quite a bit heavier than when I put it on, so I'm sure it's saturated and some of the "missing" oil is inside. Also, yes, the 5qt. jug was full completely to the cap.

All this sounds very reassuring, thanks guys.

 

Another possibility is that the factory only put in about 5 qt of oil for the initial fill. I am not sure why they would do it, but do you recall how the oil level on the dipstick looked then versus now (after you verified 6 qt went into the engine)?

 

Not a factor. I put in 6 qts. myself at 2000. At 3000 was when I did this oil change and thought it was low.

 

Completly drain the oil , Fill up the new oil filter , install , fill it up with the rest of the "6" quarts , run it and let it sit then check the dipstick , it`s half a quart low. Or my engine is unique.

 

IMO, if I know I've put in 6 quarts, I don't worry about the dipstick showing low. The engine is spec'd for 6 quarts and that's all I'll put in (my Escape takes 6 as well). It's your car so do whatever you feel is the right thing but I think you're wasting your money adding that extra 1/2 quart. That's just my $.02.