i just changed my oil for the first time a few weeks ago and put the reccomended amount in, fired it up for a few minutes and when i pulled the dipstick it was dead nuts on the full mark. this morning i stopped at the gas station to fill up, about a 5 mile freeway drive, and checked the level before i left and it read overfull by about 3/4"-3/8". im just wondering if i should be concerned with the hot engine reading or not to worry and just go with the manual reccomended capacity and the colder dipstick reading.
i get different cold and hot dipstick readings
- Thread starter turbomazda
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cold oil doenst drain back to the pan as fast as hot oil does 
Many manufacturers recommend checking after letting set for five minutes or so. Most also recommend keeping it within the “safe” marks, however I often “overfill” my Camaro by ½ quart. Seems to be ok on the LS1 engine. YMMV.
Check it dead cold in the morning and see what you get. If it is OK then for get it.
Dead cold, my oil is lower than checking when it is hot. It expands, you know....
Kestas
Staff member
To provide a reference point, Mercedes specifies checking the oil hot two minutes after shutdown (typical for a check when you fill up with gas). They also specify maintaining the fill halfway between min and max on the dipstick.
I've always tried checking mine in the morning before startup. If you follow that routine all the time, you will have a more consistent level....
it's like checking your MPG and one time you stop filling when the pump clicks off and another time you allow it to click off, and then top off slowly....never be an accurate read.
it's like checking your MPG and one time you stop filling when the pump clicks off and another time you allow it to click off, and then top off slowly....never be an accurate read.
My Mazda is pretty picky about when and where the oil is checked. As long as you put in the correct amount, dont worry about it. Just familiarize yourself with the dipstick reading in different locations and different situations (off all night, hot, cold, etc...).
I have to shut off my engine and wait a minimum of 5 minutes to get an accurate reading on a VERY flat surface. My apartment complex driveway is slanted so i have to check my oil level elsewhere. Usually i do it at the car wash after i wash my car as the drying area is nice and flat.
I have to shut off my engine and wait a minimum of 5 minutes to get an accurate reading on a VERY flat surface. My apartment complex driveway is slanted so i have to check my oil level elsewhere. Usually i do it at the car wash after i wash my car as the drying area is nice and flat.
Coot strives for regularity.
Regularity is good.
Coot strives for early am regularity.
Coot also strives for oil level checking regularity.
It is a good thing.
Immediately prior to start-up.
Kinda' like the regular regularity.
On a longer trip, for safety, in case a leak has developed or sumpthin', oil checked after a 5 minute or so engine shut down. Indicates if level has dropped dramatically.
Coot... just a regular guy.
Regularity is good.
Coot strives for early am regularity.
Coot also strives for oil level checking regularity.
It is a good thing.
Immediately prior to start-up.
Kinda' like the regular regularity.
On a longer trip, for safety, in case a leak has developed or sumpthin', oil checked after a 5 minute or so engine shut down. Indicates if level has dropped dramatically.
Coot... just a regular guy.
That's a good plan obbop, I usually like to check my oil levels while i'm on a trip as well. Better safe than sorry
I can get an extra 1/4" just by leaning on the front bumper while checking.
I would assume that when its cold, most of the oil has had a chance to drain back into the pan.
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