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OK, this is weird (I seem to start out like that often!) I checked the engine oil yesterday AM before heading out to my first public appearance with the M37 guntruck. Oil level was dead on the full mark. I checked the oil again this AM and it was down almost 3/4 qt, almost to the add mark. Now, I don't have any significant engine oil leaks, nor was I burning oil. I've been aware of some strange readings in the past where it was down, I added a 1/2 qt and a week or two later when I checked again, it was overfull according to the dipstick. I've been concerned about a possible leaking fuel pump as a result of that observation.
This morning I decided to recheck and when I did, it was down 3/4 qt. I checked again and it read full. Checked again and it's down 3/4 qt. What I found was that it depends on how I put the dipstick back in, so my question is, which is correct? I don't want to over fill, but I don't want to run 3/4 qt low either. Looking at the dipstick everything seems normal and it locks down tight in either orientation. I do notice that in one orientation the dipstick makes a clanking sound (sounds like the bottom of the dipstick hitting something) when I twist to remove it and the other orientation it seems quiet.
Is this normal and which reading is correct?
Thanks again, you all have been very helpful and I greatly appreciate it!

I think I have the work around, drain the oil , change the filter and put 6 qts of new oil in. As long as there isn't an accululation of sludge in the pan, that should give me the proper dipstick reading. Any flaws in this logic?

Warren:
You're on the right track. You've got to have a base line to start with.
Change the oil and filter; refill with six qts. then run the engine and let it cool off.
Try both dip stick orientations to see which one gives you a "full" reading.
Odd that rotating the dip stick now gives you such a big difference on the oil level.
No opinion on that.
JB