Checking the oil level

[Shinjuku]

Ashamed to say it but I want to canvass some advice on this most basic of topics.

 

Why do they make such an easy process more difficult than it needs to be!? The dip stick goes round bends and has notches in it (making it jerky to insert and remove), the stick only has hatching on one side (and the readings on the two sides differ considerably). The stick does not seem to give a clear reading - yes it has oil on it in the hatched area but then further up the stick there are randomly deposited blobs as well.

 

For the first time on any car I've had I'm not sure I am getting a clear reading.

 

Any advice to help me with this most basic of tasks! Should I ignore the unhatched side even if it gives a different reading to the other side of the stick? Is there a technique to get a cleaner more accurate reading?

 

Cheers

 

Shinjuku

 

05 Reg DE Engine

[ATTAK Z]

1) Get the engine warm then leave to settle for at least overnight on a level surface and then check ....

2) Bear in mind that between the top and bottom marks is about 1.5 litres and add oil accordingly....

3) Repeat from 1 until you're satisfied that you have the correct amount of oil in the sump

 

Note:

The dipstick was designed by a dipstick

Husky 2010

[jumping350]

i was in the garage with mine and they said the same thing and i also had some problem with reading stick..thankfully was doing oil change so didnt matter but one time was all over dip stick next time was spotted time after was bone dry, no oil on it???

[Shinjuku]

1) Get the engine warm then leave to settle for at least overnight on a level surface and then check ....

2) Bear in mind that between the top and bottom marks is about 1.5 litres and add oil accordingly....

3) Repeat from 1 until you're satisfied that you have the correct amount of oil in the sump

 

Note:

The dipstick was designed by a dipstick

Husky 2010

 

Thanks for that.

 

I thought from reading the manual that the oil was supposed to be checked warm (although I think I have a manual for a later engine model). Does it not affect the oil level in the sump if its left overnight and is cold. Can see the benefit of leaving it to stand overnight as that would allow the oil to drain into the sump properly. Just wondering if effectively checking cold is OK?

 

Shinjuku

[Neilp]

Always check when cold that way it will only read a little lower by a fraction. Much easier to read once the oil has settled and cooled.

[TheGrinch]

Ok guys thanks. I will adopt this approach.

[Shinjuku]

Great. If its OK to read it cold then I will do that.

 

Thanks for the advice.

 

Shinjuku