>The last time I changed oil, I carefully checked the dipstick after I added the new oil and filter, and ran the engine to get the lines and filter filled with oil. To my amazement, the dipstick indicated I was low 2 quarts. The factory marks on the dipstick of a Ford Lehman 120 were put there by Ford of England and are meant to show the correct levels when the engine is installed in a vehicle or stationary mount, like a generator. The engine was not designed with marine installations in mind. When the engine is installed in a boat, it has a significant rearward slant, so the oil is not sitting level in the sump. This is why the correct amount of oil appears too low on the factory-marked dipstick. It is VERY important NOT to put too much oil in the engine. Adding more oil than the specified amount to bring the level up to the factory full mark on the dipstick will result (in most marine applications) in the rear oil seal being immersed in oil. This seal is not designed to be immersed in oil. If it is, it will start to leak sooner rather than later. That is why it's very important to put the correct amount of oil--- 12 quarts--- in the engine regardless of where the oil level is on the dipstick. ______________________________ C. Marin Faure GB36-403 "La Perouse" Bellingham, Washington