timb2010 Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 I know dipsticks have been discussed loads, but every search I've found seems to be trouble getting the dipstick back in or seated properly. I just can't get a reading from it! I wipe it clean with a cloth and when I take it out I have oil all the way up from tip to the middle. I've tried pulling it out at different angles and rotations, even tried to pull it out like that game without it touching the sides!!! But it's still all the way up the stick. I know it's not overfilled. Is there a secret to getting a good ready please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hooch Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 Leave it overnight and get the reading before using it. That's the only way I can get an accurate reading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMballistic Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 No secret as far as I'm aware. Done on a cold engine whilst the car has been parked on level ground overnight ~ I just pull out the dip stick, wipe the stick clean, replace and then 5 or so seconds later pull it out again to get my reading. I use a torch when replacing it in the hole to help make sure it goes in the right place easy enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
350zedd Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 You should have bought an HR.......you know it makes sense! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilogikal1 Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 As Granville said really. If you're still having trouble getting a reading, remove the filler cap and the dipstick, leave the oil to settle for a few minutes and try again. You might only get a 3 or 4 attempts before you need to give it a minute or so resettle again, but that should be plenty to get a couple of good readings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brillomaster Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 definitely works best when stone dead cold - and remember, the only bit you're actually interested in is the bit between the min and max mark - anything thats smeared up the dipstick when you've taken it out can be ignored. its relatively easy to get a decent reading, its getting it back in the hole that i find difficult - who designs a dipstick with so many notches along its length? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paddy78 Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 definitely works best when stone dead cold - and remember, the only bit you're actually interested in is the bit between the min and max mark - anything thats smeared up the dipstick when you've taken it out can be ignored. its relatively easy to get a decent reading, its getting it back in the hole that i find difficult - who designs a dipstick with so many notches along its length? Ribbed for your dis-pleasure! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timb2010 Posted March 7, 2015 Author Share Posted March 7, 2015 Thank you all, I've been out in the dark with a torch as the car is cold......I was told by the guy that did my old cars MOT always check after a run as the oil will be warm and I get an accurate reading!!!!!! He was the dipstick!!! I've got a reading and It was near low so I've topped up to the top of the grooved area with cheap 10w40 SS. I've got a full service coming up soon I hope it will be ok. Is up to the F ok? I wasn't supposed to fill to the middle or anything was I? As it was near the "L", if it was dangerously low would I have had a light on the dash? Or a low reading of the oil pressure gauge? worried now.... Thanks again all!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brillomaster Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 how much did you need to put in to fill it up to the full mark? full amount in the sump is around 5 litres. And yes, up to full is correct. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 definitely works best when stone dead cold - and remember, the only bit you're actually interested in is the bit between the min and max mark - anything thats smeared up the dipstick when you've taken it out can be ignored. its relatively easy to get a decent reading, its getting it back in the hole that i find difficult - who designs a dipstick with so many notches along its length? Is this you giving someone tips on how to check the oil level :lol: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timb2010 Posted March 7, 2015 Author Share Posted March 7, 2015 It was 2lt-3lt I think Brillo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brillomaster Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 hey, do as i say, not as i do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brillomaster Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 It was 2lt-3lt I think Brillo. hmm that is quite a lot of oil to top it up! ah well, not a lot you can do about it now! just keep checking it and topping it up in the future! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piranha Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 Checked mine today, the torch trick is best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyboy Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 2 or 3? Big difference when it only has 5 in the sump. Either is a lot to add on a level check IMO You best check it more often as when the light comes on its usually a bad sign for our engines, and normally means damage has been done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMballistic Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 2 or 3? Big difference when it only has 5 in the sump. Either is a lot to add on a level check IMO You best check it more often as when the light comes on its usually a bad sign for our engines, and normally means damage has been done. +1. By the time the "oil warning" light comes on it's usually far too late. Best to check the oil at least every two weeks imo or more often if you're doing more miles (I only do around 50-90 miles per week). Weekly is a good habit to follow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timb2010 Posted March 7, 2015 Author Share Posted March 7, 2015 (edited) Thanks flyboy, It was the end amount of one 5litre bottle and just under half of a new one. So around there. Will be checking weekly now. .. bit embarrassed....... The oil light didn't ever come on and I think I had about 2litres in there. Hope I'm ok ! I'm going to be paranoid now... Would tell tail signs be oil burnt in exhaust smoke? Edited March 7, 2015 by timb2010 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATTAK Z Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 You've overfilled it ... low to full is 1.5 litres on the DE engine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timb2010 Posted March 7, 2015 Author Share Posted March 7, 2015 (edited) Thanks, will go out for another round of dipping in the morning, turning out to be a nightmare.... can't read it, too low, too high!!! What's next wrong oil! Edited March 7, 2015 by timb2010 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timb2010 Posted March 8, 2015 Author Share Posted March 8, 2015 Woohoo, perfect. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATTAK Z Posted March 8, 2015 Share Posted March 8, 2015 'cellent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMballistic Posted March 8, 2015 Share Posted March 8, 2015 Glad it's ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piranha Posted March 8, 2015 Share Posted March 8, 2015 Woohoo, perfect. Have you photoshopped that 😜 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattle40 Posted March 8, 2015 Share Posted March 8, 2015 I had to put 2 litres in today, been a little slack with my checks. She still purrs like a kitten tho so touch wood no damage done. It is by far the worst dipstck Iv ever seen tho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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