blackpoolrock

What do you all do the check the oil ?

I NEVER EVER get the same reading twice when dipping, just done it now and got a different reading every dip, it also reads different on each side of the dip stick !

Gambit

iTrader: (6)

Pull dipstick out an inch, leave it for 20mins or so. Pull dipstick out, wipe, stick back in full and then take out. Take reading on side with markings and from lowest point on the V created on dip stick by oil level.

albob

As Gambit says -- except i take mine out completely and leave over-night !!

The thought is, oil is in the access pipe and distorts the readings...

blackpoolrock

So both at cold ?

Gambit

iTrader: (6)

Hot or cold. If cold then you go by the F marking, if warm then the notch above the F

blackpoolrock

Why does it give me a different reading on each side of huge stick ? My old blob was the same

Gambit

iTrader: (6)

Because of the way it enters the sump, it angled in, rather straight in

Shaunby 300

I take dipsitick out and blow down tube ( using a bit of pipe, dont just put mouth over tube! ha )
Gets rid of the oil in tube and gives an accurate reading.

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Funny as it doesn't say 'blow down the pipe' in my Subaru hand book. I have never had issues reading the level on all 4 of my imprezas.

forgedmarco

iTrader: (10)

Yeah as gambit says you have to leave the oil in the tube to drop back down as it'll mess up the readings especially if you put it in and out a couple of times.

Shaunby 300

It doesnt say pull dip stick out and leave over night in mine ,ha, blowing down it is a quicker method .

forgedmarco

iTrader: (10)

I don't leave it over night about 30 seconds or so then as above the lower part of the v in the oil.

blackpoolrock

Here you go - left over night with dip stick out this is after one dip

See how it reads different on each side

blackpoolrock

Anyone

blackpoolrock

Night time bump ! Oooo errr misses

blackpoolrock

For the record one side reads full the other is up to the hot mark eve though it was stone cold

forgedmarco

iTrader: (10)

You only take the reading from the side with the markings not the back

blackpoolrock

Don't the both have markings ? And forgive me for the most basic of question, how do you know what way round !

forgedmarco

iTrader: (10)

You put the stick in with the picture of the oil container the right way up as the look at it pull it out twist it to the right I think. Iirc only one side has f and l printed?

blackpoolrock

This could be the info I'm after !

urban

iTrader: (1)

Blowing down tubes, and leaving dipstick out overnight - my god, what is the world coming too

Reminds me of the legendary oil change procedure that did the rounds on here many years ago

Shaunby 300

You don't have to do
You don't have to do both just one or the other :-)

LuckyWelshchap

If you leave it out overnight there's the risk of contaminants entering the sump, either directly or via the exposed dipstick.

I use a specially tailored bung to cover the access pipe and place the dipstick in the microwave (after wiping it clean of course) for about 2 minutes to completely decontaminate it.

One word of caution - ensure that it's cooled down (usually by it returning to its original dark colour) before taking the reading.

Shaunby 300

Really the dipstick is unreliable, the only safe way is to remove the sump once a week to check the level.
Alternatively fill the engine to the top of the filler neck, easy to see when its gone down.

LuckyWelshchap

Is there some sort of 'Plimsoll Mark' on the sump then?

urban

iTrader: (1)

You've got to be having a laugh.

It a Subaru at the end of the day, not a fecking F1 car

chopperman

I drive to somewhere flat. open the bonnet. By the time i have gone to the boot to get my oil bottle and rag the oil will have drained back down. Pull out dip stick and wipe clean. Push dip stick back all the way in and pull out. Check the front of the dip stick and check level is upto the F line. I normally give it 2 or 3 dips to make sure.
It's not rocket science !

LuckyWelshchap

[quote=chopperman;11215678]I drive to somewhere flat. open the bonnet. By the time i have gone to the boot to get my oil bottle and rag the oil will have drained back down. Pull out dip stick and wipe clean. Push dip stick back all the way in and pull out. Check the front of the dip stick and check level is upto the F line. I normally give it 2 or 3 dips to make sure.
It's not rocket science !/quote]

Granted.
But I have to admit it's sensible.

ScottyPPP

I have noticed the level varies massively depending on the ground level, even the slightest slope has a huge effect.

chopperman

One thing you can do if its a pain finding somewhere that's flat or the place you go is a bit of a drive. Go to the flat place and top up to the F level. When you get home to your normal parking spot dip and see where the level is. Remember this level or put a mark on your dip stick for next time.