JonW Posted October 18, 2023 Share Posted October 18, 2023 My '63 LeSabre has a 401 nailhead in it. It has always had a minor oil leak, even after being rebuilt. Part of being an old car. While we were on the road, I had the oil changed at a Buick dealership. When we got home, I noticed a massive oil leak. I checked the oil level and it was right at or just a hair above the full line. It has sat since, and when I pulled it out today, there was a lot of oil in the drip pan. I'm taking it to a trusted shop tomorrow. My first thought is to remove the oil filter, dump it out, and drain the oil. Then go back from scratch with the proper amount. Maybe we'll see what the oil leak is when it's on the rack. After dumping the filter and draining the oil, how much should be put in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted October 19, 2023 Share Posted October 19, 2023 (edited) I believe the correct fill is 5 quarts when the filter is changed. The pan volume should be 4 quarts. I suggest draining the oil and changing the filter, as you plan. Add 4 quarts of oil, let the car stand for 2 or 3 minutes and then check the oil level on the dipstick. It should show at the FULL mark. If that checks out, then start the engine, while idling check for leaks, shut it down and let it sit for 5 minutes. Check the level on the dipstick again. It should show somewhere between 1 pint to 1 quart low. Add the amount necessary to bring the level to FULL. Running a pint low doesn't hurt anything and helps to not overwhelm worn gaskets and seals with excessive crankcase windage. Edited October 19, 2023 by EmTee (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted October 19, 2023 Share Posted October 19, 2023 Are sure it's not the Dynaflow leaking? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodneybeauchamp Posted October 19, 2023 Share Posted October 19, 2023 I always filled the new filter with clean engine oil BEFORE installing it to get oil pressure quickly on initial start. Then as EmTee suggests check and top up as required. The longer you can leave it before checking, the more accurate the level will be. Just my two bobs worth Rodney 😀😀😀😀😀😀 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted sweet Posted October 19, 2023 Share Posted October 19, 2023 a quart overfilled didnt cause that big leak Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonW Posted October 21, 2023 Author Share Posted October 21, 2023 It turns out it was a bad washer on the drain plug. I had no idea it could cause that much of a leak. It was an easy fix, though. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketraider Posted October 21, 2023 Share Posted October 21, 2023 How was your experience getting a modern GM dealer to change oil in a 60 year old car? As in did they have a correct filter in stock, an appropriate weight oil for a Nailhead, things like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted October 22, 2023 Share Posted October 22, 2023 On 10/21/2023 at 11:36 AM, rocketraider said: How was your experience getting a modern GM dealer to change oil in a 60 year old car? As in did they have a correct filter in stock, an appropriate weight oil for a Nailhead, things like that. Did they know how to check the oil or where to put it?............Bob 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted sweet Posted October 22, 2023 Share Posted October 22, 2023 most dealers wont touch anything over 10 years old Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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