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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 247 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 247 | I have a question about a 1951 GMC that I believe has a 228 in it. What is the number of quarts needed to refill the crankcase and the oil filter? Also what kind of oil do you all use?
Thanks for the information.
Jim | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | Displacement is the start of the SN stamped on machined surface by starter, 228xxx, for example.
Depending on temperature summer should be 10-40, winter could be 20-30 or 5-30 when it gets cold, depending on wear on the engine since last OH.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | Displacement is the start of the SN stamped on machined surface by starter, 228xxx, for example.
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Ed There is sometimes/often a preface code that indicate non-standard specs for a GMC engine (cylinder bore and/or crankshaft journal size/diameter). | | | | | Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 27 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 27 | I'm partial to Kendall / Conoco Phillips, but to each their own....
I would suggest 20w50 or a 15w40spec.
Some people swear by a straight wt. 30, 40, or 50.
Funny how these engines have their own personalities and preferences ....
Use what your engine reacts the best to, change it regularly, and enjoy...
(2) 1954 3100's / foster parent - SOLD
1955.1 3100 Resto in progress
1971 GMC 2500 Custom / foster parent
1951 M37 Lawn ornament
1949 3800 Panel Resto in progress
1959 GMC 100 LB Fleetside
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 247 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 247 | How much oil is needed to refill the crankcase and the filter?
Jim | | | | | Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 27 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 27 | I'm unsure of what would be the average quantity, Due to installed remote filters or oil coolers, But Our 53' takes just over 5qts.
Put in 4qts and check the stick. keep filling gradually and run the engine until your satisfied with the level.
Wouldn't hurt to record the oil quantity once you find what is acceptable with a paint marker on the firewall or keep a note in the glovebox
Hope this helps,
Last edited by Freddy518; 08/12/2017 12:46 AM.
(2) 1954 3100's / foster parent - SOLD
1955.1 3100 Resto in progress
1971 GMC 2500 Custom / foster parent
1951 M37 Lawn ornament
1949 3800 Panel Resto in progress
1959 GMC 100 LB Fleetside
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | What year/size GMC engine do you have?
The GMC 6 cylinder engines often held more oil than the Stovebolt Six engines held.
Do you have a GMC owners manual or a GMC Maintenance Manual? | | | | | Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 631 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 631 | My 1950 GMC 228 takes 8qts and that's what's the GMC owner manual says too. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | showkey,
My 54/55 GMC 270 engine also hold 8 quarts plus 1 quart for the oil filter.
Last edited by tclederman; 08/12/2017 10:23 AM. Reason: corrected. quarts, I think
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | All GMC oil pans I have seen appear to be the same shape, perhaps some oil dipsticks are different?
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 247 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 247 | Thanks for the information. I an just trying to find the information for a friend,. I know the truck is a 1951, and I think it is a pickup, but i have never seen it. I am sure your responses will help him a lot
again thanks
Jim | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | All GMC oil pans I have seen appear to be the same shape, perhaps some oil dipsticks are different?
Ed Most likely correct for 228, 248, and maybe 270. However, early 302s had "deep sump" oil pans. And, maybe 270/302 on COEs had different oil pans (they had different valve covers). Spanky and Crenwelge would know. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | Military 302's had two section, deep pans.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | I think my 54/55 350 COE's 270 has a similar pan. | | |
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