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Handful of Dumb Questions from a new owner

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by badllama, Jul 23, 2007.

  1. Jul 23, 2007
    badllama

    badllama New Member

    TN
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    Jul 23, 2007
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    17
    So I got my '78 CJ5 the other day, solid back (which made me happy) with the 258 I6 and a 3 speed. A few things that I've noticed over the first week that I wanted to ask. I was unable to find a dipstick to check oil level, is there one? Also, when i service it how much oil is the normal amount in these? Also, after 3 days of having it the left tail light and blinkers stopped working and when i break the front yellow lights light with the rear break lights (all 4 work). I know I've got a lot of electrical work to do on it and after I get my manuals I ordered so I'm just wondering if there are any ideas what would cause a sudden strange occurance.
    I am by no means a mechanic but I understand a lot of how an engine works. Also, I've never owned or used a car this old (I'm only 20) so I'm having to get used to how they run and the differences between modern cars and older ones (you can see the ground in the engine compartment?! hahaha!).
    Also, as a bit of background I own a Jeep just because I love Jeeps, this is my 3rd one, the previous 2 were 4wheeldrive ZJ.
     
  2. Jul 23, 2007
    green71jeep

    green71jeep work in progress

    Riegelsville Pa
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    Sep 6, 2005
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    144
    The dipstick will be on the passenger side next to the distributer or should be the 258 are commom for broken dipsticks. As for you relectrical problems sounds like you have bad grounds.
    As for the oil amount cant really help ya there I think it is five quarts but I would wait for your manual to be sure.
     
  3. Jul 23, 2007
    Lieutenant Mike

    Lieutenant Mike Firefighter Mike

    Boaz AL
    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2005
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    313
    I have never owned a 258. To try to answer your questions, I would think your engine should have a dip-stick. Look on the lower part of the block and see if you can find a tube sticking into the bottom end of the motor. I don't know if it is the right or left side.

    I don't know the exact amount of oil the motor needs. I might start with 3-4 quarts and check the dip stick, add more until it gets in normal range. I am sure if you buy a service manual it will tell you the correct amount.

    The wiring issue might be a loose connection or you may be blowing a fuse.

    I may not have been much help, but maybe someone will chime in and give you some better information. Good luck.
     
  4. Jul 23, 2007
    badllama

    badllama New Member

    TN
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    Jul 23, 2007
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    no, both were great suggestions! I was hoping someone might have the standard amount offhand in case I had problems finding the dipstick. Also, if the dipstick was broken any suggestions as to where to get a replacement with proper markings?
     
  5. Jul 23, 2007
    gasman

    gasman Member

    mariposa calif...
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    May 13, 2007
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    61
    IT holds 5 QUarts with filter change dipstick next to distributor.
     
  6. Jul 24, 2007
    Chuck

    Chuck Sponsor

    Southshore Ma
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    Sep 19, 2004
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    The 258 holds 6 quarts w/filter change
     
  7. Jul 24, 2007
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    :iagree:
     
  8. Jul 24, 2007
    pathkiller

    pathkiller Member

    Lorton, VA
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    Apr 17, 2005
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    Dipstick will be a short little thing at the back of the engine on the right side (passenger side). Early 258's had a short dipstick that was about the same height as the distributor cap. Later ones had a long extended dipstick that came up to the top of the valve cover. You should find it between the oil pressure sender and the distributor at the bottom side of the block. Unlike a modern engine it won't be yellow and it doesn't say "oil" on it. It's just a small metal loop.

    Agree again that the 258 holds 6qt with filter change.
     
  9. Jul 24, 2007
    farfle

    farfle old dog

    Mariposa, CA
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    May 14, 2007
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    430
    Strange, I've got a 75 258. Changed the oil and filter yesterday, I put in 5 quarts. Just checked my dipstick, reads full. Oil pressure is normal. The only manual I have so far (FSM on order) is a Chiltons. They list as oil and filter change = 5qts, apparently accurate in the real world for my engine. I'm aware of a "wrong dipstick issue", but I thought that was for the Fhead motors. Should I add another quart? I sure don't want to start blowing seals because of too much oil...
     
  10. Jul 24, 2007
    littledochawk

    littledochawk Member

    Yakima, WA
    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2007
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    I agree Farfle, I have a 79 258. I just changed my oil and filter as well, I have no manual yet but I put 4 quarts in checked it and it was a bit low. Put one more quart in and it read full. I have the short dipstick.
     
  11. Jul 24, 2007
    pathkiller

    pathkiller Member

    Lorton, VA
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    Apr 17, 2005
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    What size filter are you using? On my 4.0L with the small oil filter it takes roughly 5.5 qts but on the 258 I run a fullsize filter that holds just about a quart, making total capacity right at 6qts.
     
  12. Jul 24, 2007
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    I just changed the oil on my truck maybe 2 weeks ago, and it took 6 quarts. I used a WIX filter, quart-sized.

    There's "6 quarts" in big yellow letters on the underside of my hood, printed there by some previous owner.

    This has to mean something... I'll check my owner's manual later.
     
  13. Jul 24, 2007
    littledochawk

    littledochawk Member

    Yakima, WA
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    Jul 14, 2007
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    I think I am using the large filters. I am wondering now if my Jeep could hold another quart and still show full?

    I would like to hear what your manual says. I put 5 quarts in but maybe it could use another one?

    Darn, I wish my manual would come already. :(
     
  14. Jul 24, 2007
    J2H

    J2H Total Jeep Newbie

    Ladson, SC
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    Jul 12, 2007
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    or do what we do at work, fill up the oil until it overflows, lol
     
  15. Jul 24, 2007
    badllama

    badllama New Member

    TN
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    Thanks for the input, i found the dipstick but the top with the ring was broken off, so it's just a little nub closing off the opening and then the full lower half, I never would have found it like that!

    I'll put 5 in tomorrow when i service it and let it sit for a few minutes while I do other things, check it and if need be add some more to it. Thanks for the input guys!

    I'll be posting with more questions later, but until then I just keep loving my new (old) car!
     
  16. Jul 24, 2007
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    '77 Owners Manual page:

    [​IMG]

    6 quarts.
     
  17. Jul 24, 2007
    J2H

    J2H Total Jeep Newbie

    Ladson, SC
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    unless you are Imperial, than its 5, lol j/k

    I'll probably have a lot of dumb questions once I get my CJ
     
  18. Jul 24, 2007
    farfle

    farfle old dog

    Mariposa, CA
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    I'd sure like to know why my dipstick reads full w/5. I used a NAPA gold filter, what their book recommended. It doesen't appear that it would hold a full quart. As far as I know, the pan on the 258 doesen't change shape during it's whole run. I've seen the results on seals of overfill, and it's ugly, and a PITA to fix. Maybe I'll split the diff and add .5.
     
  19. Jul 24, 2007
    Don X

    Don X The Prodigal Moderator Staff Member 2023 Sponsor

    San Diego,...
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    Sure you have the correct dipstick?
     
  20. Jul 24, 2007
    Chuck

    Chuck Sponsor

    Southshore Ma
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    FSM, Haynes and Chilton all say 6 quarts that I’ve seen.
     
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