Mercruiser 4.3 2005 oil dipstick length S/N and service manual question

[Kubaat3lover]

Hello,
engine MCM 4.3l 2005 s/n 0w326935 .

im looking for proper service manual, which number I need and also I’m looking for proper dipstick length and serial number.
ive drained oil via drain plug , put 5qts and it’s still slightly below ADD mark, I think I’ve got wrong dipstick...

Thank you

Jakub

 

[alldodge]

You should use manual number 25, and your motor holds 4.5 quarts counting the filter, so your 1/2 quart over.

Your motor can have one of 2 tubes and dipsticks, and depends on if it has open or closed cooling
https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/31492/11812/140

 

[QBhoy]

Hi

ive had 3 4.3 gm engines personally and have many friends currently with the in various versions to include mercruiser carb and mpi. Volvo Penta carb and gxi. All have taken 5l of oil including filter after changing oil through the dip stick.

 

[Kubaat3lover]

Ive got standard cooling system, raw water.
right now I’ve got dipstick with ball handle like the right one but it’s shorter.
so According to this picture , which one is mine? Thanks

 

[Fun Times]

As you saw in the older topic (started by fontenot41) that is similar to yours right down to the somewhat close proximity of the engine serial numbers, It sort of seems there may had been an unnoticed run with adding incorrect dip sticks for the V6 engines.

https://forums.iboats.com/forum/eng...8-how-much-oil-in-4-3l-mercruiser-please-help

But then this past member noticed their tube was ran incorrectly and was able to get it within a more normal range, https://forums.iboats.com/forum/eng...s-outdrives/8358531-4-3-oil-capacity-question

Your Mercruiser service manual (#25) part number 90-861328-1, https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...cat=0&_odkw=90-8613281+service&LH_TitleDesc=0

Looking over the parts guide it seems there was a change between serial numbers 0M639999 and 0M640000 hovering the mouse cursors over the notes, https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/31490/9021/140

Oil pan part number/s 804912 & 804912T01, https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=804912+oil+pan&_sacat=0

There where changes along the years...Do you know if your tube is through the block or pan?

Below is just some general info that may help with some of the V6 history,
Oil Level Gauge Conversion from Oil pan to engine block located. Oil Level Gauge

4.3L Engines

https://www.perfprotech.com/longblo...-new-base-marine-engine-2537-s/product/243614

https://www.perfprotech.com/new-and...ser-volvo-penta-and-quicksilver/category/2573

 

[Kubaat3lover]

So it looks like total mess for me, im confused.... anyway, the tube going through to oil pan via oil drain plug.

Any help much appreciated

 

[alldodge]

Noticed the dip sticks in the post above dimensions are off. They both show the total length to be 27 sum inches. The one on the right also shows the length to the add mark is almost 35 inches.

Since yours is like the one on the right, my guess is its not 35 inches to the add. Could be someone either ordered the wrong stick, or the wrong one was installed. The good thing, is knowing that you need 35 inches to the add can be used to make your own, or get another

 

[Kubaat3lover]

I would like to buy the OEM one but... which part number I have to order? Is 86194216 will be ok?

Edit: Ive asked one shop about item no 86194216 and got answer its 20 3/8"... so its like mine,
Ive got also number "-16" on my dipstick.

And I do apologise but English is not my mother language thats why i dont get one thing,
at the pic above dipstick lenght from the botttom (level 0) to the rubber grip its 27,5" (699) but from OP. Range to rubber grip its 34-13/16" ?? How its possible?

Thank You

 

[alldodge]

The 2 numbers in pic above must have the 2 dimensions transposed.

There have been many that have had the issue, and those that have fixed it have not come back with the fix. Don't know if a dealer would be of more help because they probably don't hav one in stock to measure, but would try them first.

Another option might be to cut the tube down to fit.
The tube is not under pressure and could use plumbing compression fittings to connect back together. Fill motor with 4 quarts, (there will be 1/2 quart already in the filter (assuming not replacing). Find a place above the oil pan to cut the tube. This way no oil is lost.

Insert the dip stick in and find the place when removed it is at the full mark, and mark dip stick. Measure dip stick and cut the remaining tube (less space for compression fitting). Dry fit afterwards to check for level. If all good tighten up

 

[Kubaat3lover]

Ok, i was on a boat and did some measurements, the stick goes through the tube and looks like it sits there as marked at the corner.
I did measurements On dipstick, from top rubber edge to the place where ive got oil and its around 18.7" ,

 

[alldodge]

If that is level across the bottom of the pan then it should read correctly. Wonder if you have a larger oil pan then factory

 

[Levinz11]

My 2006 Mariah has a 2005 4.3 carb serial OW388601. Very close to yours.

Here are are a few pics of the dip stick.

full line is at 18”. Add line is 18 5/8”. When I put 5 quarts in the oil will be 3/8 to 1/2” over the Full line.

 

[Kubaat3lover]

So it Looks like it’s the same as mine.
How much oil you put to get OK mark?
and can I ask you for a picture of your
oil tube, oil pan?

 

[Levinz11]

4.5 quarts with a new filter. I'll get a few pics later tonight.

I've owned two trucks and two boats with this 4.3 motor. They all took 4.5 quarts.

 

[Kubaat3lover]

I’ve added more than 4 quarts and it’s still below Ok range , it’s near D letter on ADD mark...

 

[Levinz11]

Raining like crazy. Put in 5 quarts and check the level. Ain’t gonna hurt anything. You may be over thinking this.