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Detroit 671 TIB Oil Levels

Discussion in 'Engines' started by Matt Clark, Aug 4, 2020.

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  1. Matt Clark, Aug 4, 2020
    #1
    Matt Clark

    Matt Clark Member

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    Since my Detroit's hold 28 quarts of oil, when the dipstick registers Low someone told me they are at about 22 quarts or so but when I added four quarts it barely registered on the dipstick? Since I don't want to overfill the engine and I assume it stakes a while for the oil to run down into the engine to get an accurate read I checked the oil level again the next day and same results. Also the dipstick reading is more of a 45 degree angle rather than a straight line across the dipstick that tells you exactly what the level is so that is a little confusing as well. Thoughts?
  2. NYCAP123, Aug 4, 2020
    #2
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Generally the dip stick is scored when the oil is changed the first time to account for the mounting angle, and that 45* angle sounds like that was done. I'd trust the stick for now. And yes put in some oil and let it settle. Next time you change the oil check that the stick was marked correctly. Also the stick could be bent, giving you incorrect levels if someone along the way forced it in rather than finessing it in. No way to tell for sure on any of it though until your next oil change. So I see no alternative but to trust the stick. On the up side Detroits always leak. So if you over fill a bit it'll level out.
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2020
  3. Capt Ralph, Aug 4, 2020
    #3
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    671s hold a tremendous amount of oil in the galleys for a long time. Including the turbo lines and blower.
    Are you checking the oil cold or some short time after the engine was running?

    I check my 12V71TIs oil cold in the morning before use. Ad to the full mark.
    If they were run, a hour later they will read low. Next morning read fine.

    Further 28 qts sounds high. Please offer your serial number to a real DDC shop for the factory sump cap spec.
  4. Oscarvan, Aug 4, 2020
    #4
    Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    So are you saying you can get ALL the oil out and put in a known quantity to verify the dipstick? My experience is that the amount of oil you are able to get out varies considerably.
  5. Capt Ralph, Aug 4, 2020
    #5
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Detroit sticks are factory stamped. The dip tube is at factory length.
    An over filled engine will whip the oil, inducing to much foam/air in the oil. Engines blow up from this.
  6. MBevins, Aug 4, 2020
    #6
    MBevins

    MBevins Senior Member

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    I have kept my 6-71 oil level half way between full and low for many years. When the yard fills to the line it just consumes it until it hits the half and stays there.
  7. RER, Aug 4, 2020
    #7
    RER

    RER Senior Member

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    Ran my 8V71TI's the same way for 30 years. When filled up to the full mark in the old days before airseps it would just puke out 2 quarts immediately into my blow-by collectors. Between L & F on the dipstick represented about 4 quarts. So I eliminated the waste and the mess and just kept them at the halfway mark to begin with.
  8. boatpoor, Aug 4, 2020
    #8
    boatpoor

    boatpoor Active Member

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    We run all our 671's 1/2 gallon low for the same reason. I run my 6v92's almost a gallon low and don't have to add oil between changes.
  9. chesapeake46, Aug 5, 2020
    #9
    chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

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    Mine too
  10. Capt Ralph, Aug 5, 2020
    #10
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Hello Matt Clark. I hope we did not chase you away.:oops::oops:
  11. Matt Clark, Aug 9, 2020
    #11
    Matt Clark

    Matt Clark Member

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    Not at all. Just got busy with work until I had some time to respond. So to clarify, the line on my dipstick is factory stamped correctly straight across but rather the oil on it when I check the dipstick is rarely straight across to compare to the line and instead it creeps up the stick a bit creating more of an angle so its hard to determine the real oil level. I agree that someone must have jammed it in and hence the way it reads so good deduction there. I have never personally taken out all the oil as I had that done by mechanic so I cant confirm the info below. I will check oil level both cold and warm going forward so good suggestions. Thanks everyone.

    Here is the info to confirm how much oil is in these beasts from a Detroit Diesel reference Site:

    Lubricating Oil Information

    Detroit Diesel 671 engines, like the others in the Detroit Diesel line, will probably spill some oil over the course of their use. This has earned the discharged oil the affectionate nickname of ‘slobber.’ With this in mind, replacing the oil is extremely important. However, only certain types of lubricating oil should be used. Listed here are some general guidelines about the lubricating system.

    Oil Capacity: This engine uses 7 gallons of oil, which is 28 quarts. The engine should not be operated if the oil levels fall below 22 quarts.
  12. NYCAP123, Aug 9, 2020
    #12
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Someone mentioned that the factory marks the dip stick. Almost every motor manufacturer does that, even my lawn mower. Then the mechanic on installation (or the owner) who wants to know his oil level marks his stick after putting in the factory spec amount of oil. When the motor is built it's sitting level as it will in most trucks and heavy equipment. Maybe not so in a marine application. When you change your oil next time run the motor for a few minutes to circulate the oil through the filter, wipe the stick, let it sit for a day, then take a file and mark the line where it'll work for you. If the dip stick has been pinched all the more reason to put your own mark on it. What good does a factory fill mark do if it doesn't mark the correct fill level for your motor in your application?
  13. cleanslate, Aug 9, 2020
    #13
    cleanslate

    cleanslate Senior Member

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    Matt, looks like you have an Ocean? J & T motors?
    I've got 471 TIs and to me it looks like J & T marked my sticks or they were replaced by previous owner?
    Anyway I always check mine next morning or 8 hours later for a proper reading like Capt Ralph said. It takes time for all the oil to drain back into the pan.
    I run my motors on full, with no leaks or great consumption . I hold just under 5 gallons. That being said I have heard about what the others have said, and those who run them on the half way mark.
  14. Capt J, Aug 9, 2020
    #14
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Not all motors are factory market. CAT's and Cummins are marked by the installer and replacement DD sticks come blank and have to be marked. A lot of motors will consume oil if they're at the Full mark, due to the boat's angle when running etc. etc. .....I've found many like to be at 2/3 above low......
  15. NYCAP123, Aug 10, 2020
    #15
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    The full mark should keep you from overfilling. The important mark is the one you put about 20% down the stick from there. Anywhere in between is fine, and yes some motors blow some of that out and prefer to be down a few quarts. Nothing wrong using that mark, but I'd put a mark at factory spec so I could better figure the low mark.