How to check dipstick?

[sgvaibhav]

Alright, I just had oil change.

In : Total Quartz 9000 - 5W-40.

So my manual says i need to pour in 4.4L without filter change, and 4.6L with filter change.

However the actual amount of oil required is less than this number always, as all the oil is not drained out.

So the mechanic put in around 4L of oil yesterday or 3.95L taking into account some of oil drops left in the bottle .

So he didnt check the dipstick.
After heading back home, i stopped the car, waited for 5 minutes and i decided to check the dipstick to check the oil level.

The dipstick is silver colored, and the oil is kinda colorless/golden, so it is very transparent'ish.

So i find it very hard to read the oil level on the dipstick. I find traces of oil about 1cm above the H mark.

However it is very hard to notice oil at H mark, i cannot find where is the exact level between L and H.

Any ways to read the dipstick?

 

[eljefino]

If there isn't a curly q at the bottom (or even if there is) lay the stick on a paper towel and let the towel blot the oil off.

It's going to spread, so you'll have to imagine where the line probably is/was as you look at it a few seconds after it starts to spread.

 

[Falken]

Just make sure it is wet and wait until it darkens up a bit.

If you can at least see an oily sheen between the two marks you won't seize your engine or cause it harm.

On my car I have a very clean engine and it takes 3,000 km to be able to easily see the oil on the dipstick.

Right after an oil change, I know I added 3.6L and did my own work, so if I see a sheen, I don't worry about it. I wait till it darkens, but still check weekly for the sheen until then.

If it is Really invisible, just touch it with your finger between min and full, and rub your finger tips together.

If it is oily you're good.

 

[Merkava_4]

If the dipstick has any holes in it, I'll shine a flashlight through the back side
to see the oil. The holes will show up amber if there's any oil covering them.

 

[zerosoma]

I check it in the morning before turning the engine over. Even the lightest colored oil seems to show up better cold for me.

 

[widman]

Originally Posted By: zerosoma
I check it in the morning before turning the engine over. Even the lightest colored oil seems to show up better cold for me.


That will give a false reading if the filter is located where a bad anti-drain valve can leak.

Most recommendations are to run it, and measure after 10 to 15 minutes. That also gives time for the oil in the tube do drain back and give a better reading on the stick. You can often look at it sideways and see the bulge at the end of the oil level.

 

[kb01]

I usually either shine a flashlight on the dipstick to look for the shiny part or press it against a paper towel and see how big the wet area is.

 

[TallPaul]

Try laying the stick on a cloth and see where the oil wets the cloth. You have to be sure not to slip the stick when doing this as you need to compare where it is on the cloth vs the stick.

Another way that I like is to get a very small high speed drill and drill holes in the stick along the safe zone, about 2 to 4 holes as you please. It will not be easy and be sure to get the burrs off before using the stick. But then you can see how many holes come out filled with oil. Some sticks come that way from the factory.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: sgvaibhav
Alright, I just had oil change.

In : Total Quartz 9000 - 5W-40.

So my manual says i need to pour in 4.4L without filter change, and 4.6L with filter change.

However the actual amount of oil required is less than this number always, as all the oil is not drained out.

So the mechanic put in around 4L of oil yesterday or 3.95L taking into account some of oil drops left in the bottle .

So he didnt check the dipstick.
After heading back home, i stopped the car, waited for 5 minutes and i decided to check the dipstick to check the oil level.

The dipstick is silver colored, and the oil is kinda colorless/golden, so it is very transparent'ish.

So i find it very hard to read the oil level on the dipstick. I find traces of oil about 1cm above the H mark.

However it is very hard to notice oil at H mark, i cannot find where is the exact level between L and H.

Any ways to read the dipstick?


Pull out dipstick and immediately hold it horizontal. Look at top and bottom. Should get a clue.

 

[ddtmoto]

Clean/dry off the dipstick and you will be able to see any oil on it. I am surprised that a 'tech' would not even check his work, amazing....it aint his car, he dont care and takes no pride in his work. Amazing... Reasons all, to do your own work...

 

[TFB1]

I've checked oil cold before engine is started for 47 years, hasn't failed me yet, and yes it is easier to read by a great margin... So what if it reads a little over full, a pint either way isn't going to make any difference...

 

[sgvaibhav]

Okie dokie mates.

Shall check the tissue way with some photographic evidence and post here

 

[Rylan]

Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
If the dipstick has any holes in it, I'll shine a flashlight through the back side
to see the oil. The holes will show up amber if there's any oil covering them.


This.
Most car dipsticks have small pinholes that get covered when submerged in oil. Think of how a bubble blowing wand is coated with soap in order to blow bubbles.

IIRC, for a more accurate reading, you also need to wipe the dipstick surface clean, re-insert the dipstick and then check the level.
Checking oil level cold is fine as long as it is at the cold "C" mark.

 

[Errtt]

After engine run, I'll shut it off, pull the stick then may do other checks for other fluid top-offs, but wait a good 5-10 minutes. Then the stick has well cooled and the oil in the engine has settled.
Then ensure stick is wiped dry, then take oil level reading. Seems a colder stick against warm/hot oil gives a little easier to read level compared to a warm/hot stick.