2005 Impala oil capacity/filter question

[otis24]

Just changed the oil on my 2005 Impala (3.4 V6) with 33k miles. It has approximately 700 miles on the OCI. Oil level is down about 1/4 qt. Capacity, according to the manual is 4 quarts with filter. Just wondering if I am safe to put in 5 quarts. Is there a longer filter that I can substitute on this vehicle?

 

[PhillyJoe]

If your manual calls for 4, I would not put 5 in. After you put in the 4 , check the level and add a little if neceessary. Losing a 1/4 qt in 700 miles seems a little high for that mileage. The 3.4 takes a PF47. The longer filter is the PF52 and there is plenty of room on that engine. The filter would hold an extra 1/4 qt, but check the level on the dipstick.

 

[The_Eric]

I always thought they took 4 1/4???

 

[dwendt44]

Some 3.4L GM's take 4.5 qts. So I use the oversize filter and dump in 5 qts.
A little over doesn't hurt a thing.

 

[jrenkas]

The average 3.4L takes 4.3 qts.

 

[MrCritical]

Don't go by the manual.

Go by the oil dipsick.

 

[pbm]

My GM 3.1 takes 4 1/2 quarts.
Your 3.4 is basically the same engine.

 

[Whizbanger]

Dipstick could be wrong. Ask GM. My truck takes 6 qts even but always shows over on the stick. Many folks w/ the 5.3 have the same issue. My 2000 Impala took 4.5 but it got 5 qts.

 

[ljbrandt]

One guy says don't trust the manual, and go by the dipstick. Another says the dipstick could be wrong and ask GM. I'm really confused!

 

[dwendt44]

OK, make it easy. Drain oil until you get drips not dribbles.
Change filter. Add 4.5 qts of your favorite oil. Run engine for a few minutes. Shut off and wait for 5 minutes.
Check oil on dip stick.
IF the dip stick shows anything other than at or real close to the
'FULL' line, then buy a new dip stick. IF it's close, you are good to go as it is.

 

[1 SX]

4.5 qts w/filter and call it a day. Don't even check the dip stick.

 

[Malo83]

Originally Posted By: SL2
4.5 qts w/filter and call it a day. Don't even check the dip stick.

Go with the full 5 qts and check the stick after letting it run

 

[NHHEMI]

My Sister has a 2005 Impala with the 3.4L. It calls for 4 qts of oil. 4qts and it is right on the full line. I would not add 4.5 or 5 qts to this application.

 

[whitgallman]

The oil pan gasket on my 2005 Impala 3.8L leaks and the new gasket has a windage shield to prevent the crankshaft from whipping up the oil, aerating it.
You might want to be very careful about adding too much oil if aerating the oil is a design problem.
Look at your oil pan gasket on rockauto.com to see if your car engine has a windage shield.

 

[Lubener]

Originally Posted by MrCritical
Don't go by the manual.

Go by the oil dipsick.

Bad advice. Go by the manual, check the level right after an oil change and scribe a mark on the dipstick, if needed. There have been so many TSB's regarding dipsticks.