Hot oil expands.

[Jimiii]

I know that to be true. However I have never seen a significant rise on the dip stick (until now), on any engine. I started using Mobil1 euro0W40 fs in my 2018 GoldWing motorcycle and when checking the oil level when hot it will read 1/2” over full. The level will steadily drop for a day or two of sitting to show at the top of the full mark.
1- has anyone else noticed or experienced this?
2- where should I maintain the oil level? When hot is it too high? Never any bubbles or froth on dipstick.
Posting here because I have only noticed it with euro oil. I am assuming it has to do with base stock that is more sensitive to temperature.
Thanks in advance.

 

[TwoC400s]

I know that to be true. However I have never seen a significant rise on the dip stick (until now), on any engine. I started using Mobil1 euro0W40 fs in my 2018 GoldWing motorcycle and when checking the oil level when hot it will read 1/2” over full. The level will steadily drop for a day or two of sitting to show at the top of the full mark.
1- has anyone else noticed or experienced this?
2- where should I maintain the oil level? When hot is it too high? Never any bubbles or froth on dipstick.
Posting here because I have only noticed it with euro oil. I am assuming it has to do with base stock that is more sensitive to temperature.
Thanks in advance.

Does Goldwing publish anything on how/when to check oil level?

Mercedes says to turn off engine that has reached operating temp, let it sit for 5 minutes on a level surface, and then check the oil level.

I think that counts as a "hot" level.

 

[Eddie]

My old Subaru had two oil level marks. One for cold and one for hot oil plus the usual Low mark

 

[Passport1]

That happens to ATF. Most trans dipsticks have a hot and cold level. My old Volvo has a hot temp of 100C.

 

[himemsys]

I wonder if the small size of a motorcycle sump exaggerates a minute difference on the dipstick?

 

[Sequoiasoon]

No clue on the motorcycle unless not draining back. Maybe clogs, maybe too thick?

My FIL's Jeep Renegade says check hot. When I checked cold vs hot it was about 1/8" difference on dipstick.

Most of my cars get checked hot since I do it when I fill up with gas. I will check whichever car I'm driving cold at work since it's flat (unlike my driveway) and has been sitting at least 8-10 hours. No significant difference noted.

I know one user with a Mini, no dipstick and there is a procedure to be hot, engine running at idle to check the level on sensor.

 

[Number_35]

That's interesting - with some engines, the oil level will read low if checked shortly after being shut down at operating temperature.

This is not due to thermal expansion, but rather because some oil stays up the head(s) and oil galleries, and takes some time to run down to the sump.

 

[himemsys]

That's interesting - with some engines, the oil level will read low if checked shortly after being shut down at operating temperature.

This is not due to thermal expansion, but rather because some oil stays up the head(s) and oil galleries, and takes some time to run down to the sump.

Yes. If I check my oil hot, it takes at least 15 minutes for a somewhat normal reading as much of it hasn't drain back into the sump. My usual process is to either check before first engine start of the day, or give it a good hour after it's been driven for it to drain back down. Both methods yield similar results.

 

[Kalle.J]

Check in the morning, keep at max level. Be happy.

 

[bullwinkle]

I know that to be true. However I have never seen a significant rise on the dip stick (until now), on any engine. I started using Mobil1 euro0W40 fs in my 2018 GoldWing motorcycle and when checking the oil level when hot it will read 1/2” over full. The level will steadily drop for a day or two of sitting to show at the top of the full mark.
1- has anyone else noticed or experienced this?
2- where should I maintain the oil level? When hot is it too high? Never any bubbles or froth on dipstick.
Posting here because I have only noticed it with euro oil. I am assuming it has to do with base stock that is more sensitive to temperature.
Thanks in advance.

The Euro oil, having higher HTHS, has more internal friction when running, so it gets hotter in operation & expands more. If there’s no foaming of the oil, & no blue clouds of oil smoke (hot), I wouldn’t sweat it.

 

[BigCahuna]

To the OP. My Harley's oil level will show between 1/8th - 1/4 of an inch low, when checked cold. But when warmed up, it shows right on the full mark. 2 things, my harley more than likely runs hotter than your wing, being it's air cooled. Second thing is, you may have slightly over filled your oil. I know the manual might say to use x amount of oil during a change, but it's not that precise a measurement. If you can remove a bit of oil when hot, just enough to bring it to the top of the full mark, then check the level when it sits overnight . Then again when it's hot . The level shouldn't rise or drop below where you set it at.,,

 

[Jimiii]

Does Goldwing publish anything on how/when to check oil level?

Mercedes says to turn off engine that has reached operating temp, let it sit for 5 minutes on a level surface, and then check the oil level.

I think that counts as a "hot" level.

No. Just after oil change. Standard. Run 2-3 minutes, turn off let it for a few.

 

[Jimiii]

I wonder if the small size of a motorcycle sump exaggerates a minute difference on the dipstick?

3.9 quarts so not any smaller than typical car.

 

[Jimiii]

That's interesting - with some engines, the oil level will read low if checked shortly after being shut down at operating temperature.

This is not due to thermal expansion, but rather because some oil stays up the head(s) and oil galleries, and takes some time to run down to the sump.

6 cylinder opposed flat six so not an issue

 

[OilUzer]

Other variables to consider:

• Possibility that not the same amount of oil was drained and/or added as the previous times.
• Possibility that the "Euro" oil container wasn't holding the exact amounts. Maybe a lil high. You can't trust these Europeans you know! They use the metric stuff.

 

[barryh]

I know that to be true. However I have never seen a significant rise on the dip stick (until now), on any engine. I started using Mobil1 euro0W40 fs in my 2018 GoldWing motorcycle and when checking the oil level when hot it will read 1/2” over full. The level will steadily drop for a day or two of sitting to show at the top of the full mark.
1- has anyone else noticed or experienced this?
2- where should I maintain the oil level? When hot is it too high? Never any bubbles or froth on dipstick.
Posting here because I have only noticed it with euro oil. I am assuming it has to do with base stock that is more sensitive to temperature.
Thanks in advance.

Nothing to do with the base stock. All oils expand when hot. The reason there is much more awareness of this issue with ATF is that the ATF is not just a simple volume sat in a sump, it has big lumps of metal submerged in it so any expansion makes a bigger difference to the level. The design of the Goldwing sump may be similar. Honda should know the right answer but I'd set the level with hot oil.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

I know that to be true. However I have never seen a significant rise on the dip stick (until now), on any engine. I started using Mobil1 euro0W40 fs in my 2018 GoldWing motorcycle and when checking the oil level when hot it will read 1/2” over full. The level will steadily drop for a day or two of sitting to show at the top of the full mark.
1- has anyone else noticed or experienced this?
2- where should I maintain the oil level? When hot is it too high? Never any bubbles or froth on dipstick.
Posting here because I have only noticed it with euro oil. I am assuming it has to do with base stock that is more sensitive to temperature.
Thanks in advance.

Oil should be back to ambient temp after a 12 hours, you may have air entrainment even though you don't see froth on the DS.
I would take 300ml out. Boxers MC are more susceptible to overfill. Does your bike read sump temp? How hot is it getting?
Another option, don't run this particular VM laden automotive oil in the bike.
Enjoy the ride.

- Arco

 

[ARCOgraphite]

I know that to be true. However I have never seen a significant rise on the dip stick (until now), on any engine. I started using Mobil1 euro0W40 fs in my 2018 GoldWing motorcycle and when checking the oil level when hot it will read 1/2” over full. The level will steadily drop for a day or two of sitting to show at the top of the full mark.
1- has anyone else noticed or experienced this?
2- where should I maintain the oil level? When hot is it too high? Never any bubbles or froth on dipstick.
Posting here because I have only noticed it with euro oil. I am assuming it has to do with base stock that is more sensitive to temperature.
Thanks in advance.

Your oil sump (3.5litre) will expand 196cc in a temp rise from 20degC to 100degC (β=0.0007)
I do not know what the coefficient is for star polymer VM = of which this lubricant have a fair percentage