On a problem child what I do is fill the pan with the # of qts it holds, (4 for instance) on a level surface & remark the stick at that point OR if using a longer OE or aftermarket stick, shorten the dipstick tube till the oil level is right at the OE Full mark on the stick. So that with the filter filled and the oil passages primed, there is exactly 4 qts in the sump when you check it in the morning before starting the engine.