Do you go by dipstick or manual?

[stranger706]

Because they do not match up on my Mazda 3.

The manual calls for 4.5 quarts with filter change. If I put 4.5 quarts back in, it will be way over on the dipstick. I've always put an even 4 quarts back in and that puts the level about 3/4 on the dipstick.

 

[scurvy]

Originally Posted By: stranger706
The manual calls for 4.5 quarts with filter change. If I put 4.5 quarts back in, it will be way over on the dipstick. I've always put an even 4 quarts back in and that puts the level about 3/4 on the dipstick.


If the dipstick is the correct one, I use it and ignore what the manual says. Otherwise, all bets are off. Are you checking oil level after letting the engine run for a few minutes then cool back down after an oil change?

I've noticed many folks here skittish about 'high' oil levels. When you say 'way over', how far above the full mark are we talking - 1 cm? 5 cm? Pouring out the top of the dipstick tube? I routinely run my cold oil level 3cm over the full mark in my cars with no ill effect.

Putting in that extra half quart probably won't cause an issue. If you put that amount in and there's no bubbles on the dipstick, I wouldn't worry about it at all.

 

[synthetic_crazy]

On our Toyota Avalon, the manual calls for 5 qts. However, when I add 5 qts, the dipstick is about 1/4 inch above the full mark. I have not noticed any bubbles on the dipstick, but I am not sure which to go by.

Any suggestions?

 

[Papa Bear]

Originally Posted By: stranger706
Because they do not match up on my Mazda 3.

The manual calls for 4.5 quarts with filter change. If I put 4.5 quarts back in, it will be way over on the dipstick. I've always put an even 4 quarts back in and that puts the level about 3/4 on the dipstick.


What does your dealer say about this ?? What do they do ?? Have you emailed Mazda about this ??

 

[Johnny]

My Honda manual says 4.5 quarts with filter, dealer says 4.25 quarts with filter, I hand them a 5 quart jug of PU and the pour it in. The dipstick says full.

 

[Eddie]

I go buy the dip-stick on my Mazda CX7. Much depends on how level the car is when checking and how much siphons out of the oil galleys/cooler and head. My dry fill is listed at 6.7 quarts and refill is listed at "approximately 6 quarts" I usually get 5.6 quarts to the full line. I think your Mazda manual says "approximately xx fill volume"

 

[bigmike]

I go by the dipstick, but that got me into trouble once. After a rebuild, and unknown to me, I bent the dipstick tube. That changed the read on the dipstick and I overfilled. I knew that after the oil got sucked up into the carb through the breather tube and the big plume of white smoke following behind me was the tip off.

 

[rslifkin]

I go by the dipstick, which is usually pretty close to the manual. If it's more than 1/4 quart or so off, I'll look into it further.

 

[cos]

Dipstick, because you may not get out as much the manual says to pour in. How much old oil drains out will vary depending upon the angle of the car during the drain, drain time, oil temp etc.

 

[UNC197]

I have always put 5 quarts in my Mazda3. No problems. The more oil the better.

 

[JHZR2]

I always go by the dipstick. My new car only has an electric gauge though!

 

[saberz]

Always go by the manual. My dipstick reads slightly over filled at 4qts.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Use both, but many dipstick cannot be trusted. The drain and refill should be within a cup of spec - otherwise you made a mistake (typ not a thorough drain) or used a differing capacity filter. Make sure you DONT use the as-designed (rebuild) capacity since this would be only accurate on a rebuild as typ 1/2 L stays in the engine.