Oil refills

Sat., Jan. 28, 2006

Greg Zyla King Features Syndicate

Q: Greg, I have a 1996 Olds Ciera LS with a 3.1-liter V-6. The engine takes 3.5 quarts of oil each oil change, and since you can’t buy a half-quart anywhere, I thought maybe I could use a bigger oil filter that would hold the extra oil. So, I switched to a NAPA Gold 1040 because the NAPA filter has an anti-drain-back-check valve, which keeps the oil in the filter when you shut off the car.

There is room under the hood for the longer filter, thus it takes that extra half-quart of oil. Could you give me some advice? — Kenneth H., Spokane, Wash.

A: I checked with my professional mechanic source who tells me that regardless of filter, the 3.1 GM V-6 takes 4.5 quarts of oil with filter, so I’m going to take it that your 3.5-quart statement is meant to be 4.5.

That still leaves you with a half-quart to deal with. Adding an extra half-quart is not in the best interests of your engine, as too much oil can decrease an engine’s efficiency by causing things like oil slapping against the crankshaft.

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