Hi guys! I was doing a water pump replacement on my 2001 TL and forgot to put back the oil dipstick tube before removing the water pump. (stupid mistake I know)

So i was thinking if I need to drain out the entire oil pan or just let it drain about a quart and then top it off? I'm thinking coolant is denser than oil so it should go to the bottom of the pan right?

Thanks a lot for your input

Newbie

 

For the relatively low cost of 5 quarts of oil versus the risk of pumping oil even partially contaminated with coolant through the engine, I would do a full oil change with filter and not take any chances.

 

You are right, now that i have thought about it, i'll just drain it

 

You dont have to drain anything to put back in the oil dipstick. TO make life easy, Remove the serp belt, remove the belt tensioner insert the oil dipstick and bolt into place.