Oil level not reading on Lokar dipstick???

[Tom5410]

Ok guys this one has me a little perplexed. Hopefully someone can give me a good answer.
Just got a 67 Camaro with a built (small block 350) 383 and small blower. It has a Hamburger 7 qt road race oil pan. I have spoke with the engine builder and he tells me that when changing the oil use 8 qts of oil, which I have. The issue is I can not get the oil level to register on the LoKar dipstick. I have confirmed with LoKar that it is the right one for a Small block 350. Lokar is advising me to keep adding oil until it registers? I am worried that I am going to put to much oil in and create more problems???? Seems like a stupid question but I am new to the hot rod seen and just looking for a little guidance. Thanks

[MrQuick]

need more info please..
is the dip stick going into a port on your pan or the hole in the side of your block?

did you start your can after putting in the 8 quarts?

are there any coolers or an oil filter bypass?

did you trim the dip stick or is it still out of the box?


Are you absolutly sure it is dry, sometimes its hard to see clean oil on a shiney dip stick.
I would not add oil till you figure this out.

[Tom5410]

Thanks for your reply! Let me answer your questions:

Dipstick goes into side of block

Have checked oil both after running and cold. After running oil is clearly on dipstick, but after cleaning and then rechecking just barely hits the tip of stick. When cold and check oil level just at tip.

No oil coolers or filter bypass

Dipstick has not been modified from Lokar.

I have checked and double checked, even had wife and buddy look at to make sure I am not going blind!!

Thanks again!!!!

[John Wright]

Do you have the old dipstick to check against? Maybe one is longer/shorter than the other? Is the Lokkar housing seated all the way into the block?

8 qts sounds reasonable...provided that you have 7 in the pan and 1 in the filter.

[MrQuick]

in a situation like this I put in the required amount without starting the car. If a pan has a capacity it is what is in the pan, how much it can hold. We all know that an oil filter will hold about 1 quart. Usually the pan manufacturer will recommend a dip stick to use.

I agree with John, if you have the old oil dip stick and tube, try a comparo to length.

Once you get the full register than start the car and adjust.

Vince