[HWYSTR455]

Was trying to avoid a discussion over oil heating with filled blocks, but, since we're here now...

Mine too, was filled to the bottom of the pump hole/freeze plug(s). After everyone telling me that the oil would run hotter, I installed a gauge temporarily. (Had only one fitting in the pan, drain plug). I don't recall the actual temps, but it was clear it wasn't in any danger zone, and like I said, I beat on that car.

I asked several folks personally, that had gauges installed, what their' temps were, and mine were lower. And two of who I asked didn't have their' blocks filled.

Making my oil changes go from 7 quarts to 10 or so quarts, considering my personal preference in intervals, was not something I was too anxious to move to. Not to mention the additional risks/monitoring/maintenance of the added system.

I still stand by the advice of first installing a gauge, and make the decision with specific application data. It just makes sense. In my case, I found it wasn't needed.

If you look at the data of to fill or not to fill, and the fact that filled run cooler water temps, it makes you wonder. Filled blocks have more cyl wall stability, so there's less friction, hence cooler water temps. One can argue that if the oil heats (higher than usual), and it splashes on the areas of the block that don't have water running thru it, why would the oil temp be so much higher? It still splashes on the areas of the block that does have coolant running thru it, right? Sure, there may be a few degrees difference in block temps compared to ones with coolant running thru them, but there's still radiant heat, so it's kind of a wash.

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