I am low about 1.5 quarts after about 500 miles after doing an oil change... What could be the problem? 2007 2500 5.7 HEMI. I don't see any leaks and the only smoke I see would probably be because it's been cold outside. Please help.

 

Could be the oil is getting into the coolant (not good). What color is the smoke? Gotta be burning or leaking (or wasn't filled correctly).

 

The smoke is white. How can I tell if oil is getting into the coolant? Just looking at the coolant it doesn't look like it's been diluted with oil.

 

Oil smoke is blue. My bet is it wasn't filled properly on the last change.

 

Did you put seven quarts back in when you changed it?

 

Yup, I got the one large carton and two of the smaller 1 qt cartons and used (the majority of) all of it. I am going to check it again tomorrow I think I checked it incorrectly in the driveway now that I think about it. If I left the truck to set how long should it take for it all to seep back into the oil pan? When I checked I pulled it out of the driveway, drove to the store, then checked when I got back.

 

Five minutes is sufficient. FWIW, it's more economical to buy three 5qt jugs, rather than one jug and two quarts. Then you have enough to do two changes.

 

Maybe I checked it incorrectly... I would think the oil light would come on if it were that low. Hard to see the level with new oil! At what point does the low oil light come on (if such a thing exists...)?

 

They're called "idiot lights" for a reason. They come on just as you hear "clunk, clunk, wheeze, clank". It is difficult to accurately judge the oil level with new oil.

 

If your on the slightest incline, it can make a difference. Flat level ground and wait a few minutes if you just ran your engine. I like to check after I come out of a store or before I leave my house after sitting all night. I dont think I've ever checked at a gas station...lol

Or buy 2 jugs and hold onto the remainder until next oil change before forking out another $25 for another 5qt jug helps spread the expense out a little.