Oil check: how to Chevy 366/6.0L

[Kwest364]

Bus: 1986 Chevy B6000/B60? Bluebird body.
Engine: 366cu in/6.0L GAS v8 manual 5 speed

What's the procedure for properly checking oil level in this engine? Check it cold? Run for 5 min, let sit for 5 min, then check hot? Curious of what's "proper". Oil sits at low line when engine is cold.

[Ronnie]

While I can not say for sure, I can say every gas engine I have worked on is checked cold and after sitting for a bit.



I do know a number of large diesels need the oil checked while running. But these are not the little engines in buses.

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

ok whether hot or cold the vehicle should be parked level.
when level. and i aint saying with a level level? visually level.
the dip stick should always read closer to the top line full than the bottom when cold.
when hot after 5-min. of shutdown i would say halfway between the two marks is fine after 15-20-min. i would say that it should be closer to the full mark.
the oil in the engine is still draining back to the oil pan when its hot and it isnt quick about it.
checking when level and cold is better. and the bottom of the hash mark or below that needs oil and watch it and try to look for the leak.
maybe something simple like valve cover or something more complicated like rear main seal or oil pan gasket or simple like oil pan drain plug seal?
and if your asking this question then (not to be rude) dont know your engine and the age of it i will say it can be all at the same time and a few other places.
sounds like if you can not identify your exact spot then some degreaser and a good bath and then run it after it drys to see where the oil is going.
one question?
what color is your oil on the dip stick?
black?
kinda clear brown?
more kind of brown with milky creme in it?

[craigify]

Hello, like others have said, checking it when cold is the best. It ensures all oil has drained back down into the oil pan.

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

bus and engine setting level by eyeball. no hill or anything like that.
but just saw you are in cali so you might not have that problem unless you stuck it up a dune or your driveway is on one