How do you get a reliable dip-stick reading ?
11 October 2014, 04:39 PM
#1
How do you get a reliable dip-stick reading ?
Recently changed to Fuchs Titan Pro fully synthetic at service a month ago.
I have no idea how much oil is in it any more!
The dipstick on my classic is either nothing or a streak all the way up to full depending how you try and read it / which way round you use it. Worried about over-filling and equally worried about running low if its burning oil.
Is there a reliable knack to it
I have no idea how much oil is in it any more!
The dipstick on my classic is either nothing or a streak all the way up to full depending how you try and read it / which way round you use it. Worried about over-filling and equally worried about running low if its burning oil.
Is there a reliable knack to it
11 October 2014, 08:24 PM
#6
Like this, but after cleaning the dipstick wait 2 mins before reinserting to alleviate the capillary effect (oil gets sucked up the tube and multiple tests will pul it up the tube). This I found used to be the most accurate method.
12 October 2014, 12:08 AM
#7
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Wales
Posts: 2,794
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Absolutely spot on.
Capillary action will 'up it'.
However, that's also why there's a Min & Max on the dipstick.
As long as readings are consistently between those margins don't worry.
Trending Topics
12 October 2014, 12:41 AM
#8
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: I'll check my gps
Posts: 2,626
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Never check JUST after you have turned the engine off, it takes at least a few mins for the oil to drain back but ultimately a hot engine will show a slightly higher reading than a cold one.
12 October 2014, 03:22 PM
#11
Scooby Regular
I had this issue recently - kind of panicked when I checked and it was showing around the 'L' mark, 5000 miles after a full oil change. Even multiple checks on a level surface with cold engine etc. Found out that after topping up about 300ml of oil it's now showing the 'F' level. I had been told the level between 'L' and 'F' is about a mug-full. Which is kind of pointless having this kind of scale when checking your oil level.. This was on a 2005 WRX.
12 October 2014, 04:18 PM
#12
I had this issue recently - kind of panicked when I checked and it was showing around the 'L' mark, 5000 miles after a full oil change. Even multiple checks on a level surface with cold engine etc. Found out that after topping up about 300ml of oil it's now showing the 'F' level. I had been told the level between 'L' and 'F' is about a mug-full. Which is kind of pointless having this kind of scale when checking your oil level.. This was on a 2005 WRX.
I put a 1/3rd of a litre top up in - in case it is empty - on the basis that if its nearly full already , it can't do much damage.
About to go and check now following all the advice above.
14 October 2014, 06:58 AM
#17
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
14 October 2014, 08:33 AM
#20
Make sure you have the correct dipstick for the engine and sump....
I rebuilt a 1.9 XUTD once and used an assortment of bits from both engines, turns out the combination of sump and dipstick I used had it overfilled by quite some amount! The engine threw up a load of oil into the breather when giving it some and ran away with itself, revving to high heaven and covering the road with smoke.
Couple of bent rods and off cylinders at idle resulted.
As for reading the oil level, just make sure your eyes are open, shouldnt be a problem.
I rebuilt a 1.9 XUTD once and used an assortment of bits from both engines, turns out the combination of sump and dipstick I used had it overfilled by quite some amount! The engine threw up a load of oil into the breather when giving it some and ran away with itself, revving to high heaven and covering the road with smoke.
Couple of bent rods and off cylinders at idle resulted.
As for reading the oil level, just make sure your eyes are open, shouldnt be a problem.
14 October 2014, 09:13 AM
#21
I undo the filler cap and pull the stick out, then wait a couple of mins, make sure you give the dip stick a good wipe and the picture of the oil can on top is the right way round.
There is at most a qtr of a litre between the two marks so as long as there is something on the stick then your going to have at least 4 litres in there, (the engine takes 4.5 litres) while this is not ideal there is no need to go into a mad panic, just take your time and you'll get a decent reading.
There is at most a qtr of a litre between the two marks so as long as there is something on the stick then your going to have at least 4 litres in there, (the engine takes 4.5 litres) while this is not ideal there is no need to go into a mad panic, just take your time and you'll get a decent reading.
14 October 2014, 11:24 AM
#22
I undo the filler cap and pull the stick out, then wait a couple of mins, make sure you give the dip stick a good wipe and the picture of the oil can on top is the right way round.
There is at most a qtr of a litre between the two marks so as long as there is something on the stick then your going to have at least 4 litres in there, (the engine takes 4.5 litres) while this is not ideal there is no need to go into a mad panic, just take your time and you'll get a decent reading.
There is at most a qtr of a litre between the two marks so as long as there is something on the stick then your going to have at least 4 litres in there, (the engine takes 4.5 litres) while this is not ideal there is no need to go into a mad panic, just take your time and you'll get a decent reading.
14 October 2014, 11:35 AM
#23
I have had Imprezas for over 10 years and not once have I been able to get more than 300mm in between those 2 marks, lost count a long time ago as to how many times I have checked and changed the oil over the 4 I have had in that time, so not too sure where your getting that info from.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Sam Witwicky
Engine Management and ECU Remapping
17
13 November 2015 10:49 AM