Is it better to keep the oil level full or??????

[oilpan49]

Hey,

Here and there and through various posts I would see it's better to keep and oil topped off all the time.

Now, I also heard at 1 time that it's better to let the oil run down to the min level and refill to the max line. I'm confused, please advice,,,,,AR

 

[tpi]

I keep mine topped off in engines with smaller sump capacities. 1 quart is 25% of capacity-so I don't let it get "down a quart."

Most engines use so little oil this isn't an issue. On my Ford diesel w/ 15 quart capacity I'm not too concerned if it is down a quart or two.

 

[doctormdds]

As long as the oil level is between the "add" and "full" mark on the dipstick there should be no problem.

 

[TallPaul]

I have to confess that my oil never gets to the full mark--I keep it overfull

My Ford manuals say it will actually be above full if the vehicle is new or just had an oil change. They go on to say no harm unless it is at or above the "F" of the word Full, which is about 1/2-inch above the full mark. So I often will have mine midway in that range.

Now someone once pointed out that you could increase consumption by running it too full as more oil would get thrown up the cylinder walls, overwhelming the rings. I suspect that is possible, but one could test by running it lower and see if consumption goes down.

Safest bet seems to maintain it in the upper half of the safe zone.

The other question that was discussed at this site was whether to check it stone cold or hot. I now go with the hot (several minute drip down though) check.

Factoid: Did'ja know the dipstick is an analog gauge?

EDIT: Yep, Cyprs (below) has a good point. Check your owner's manual. Some do say to check hot, but other's may say cold and then you may find a way that works best for you. I heard some non automotive engines even have a "check it with the engine running" procedure.

[ September 21, 2004, 12:56 AM: Message edited by: TallPaul ]

 

[Cyprs]

I have a 75 390ci 350 Ford Truck that has blow by, I have to top off every 60 miles from the min mark on diptstick, that is not by choice although the engine just keeps on going like the E-Bunny.

Every other vehicle I check the oil prior to every short trip and I top them off when oil drops 3/16 inch down from full mark. I agree with TallPaul on keeping that dipstick oil level high, for me I stay at full level on Nissan and other vehicles, this insures maximum lube protection and heat protection.

On oil check I ensure engine is cool, preferably cooled and drained into pan overnight before topping off, this works better for my purposes . Hot oil expands and will effect dipstick read, on my 03 Altima this can be 3/16 inch over full mark even 2-4 hours after engine shut off when engine still hot on hot day. When oil cools completely the level will go down 3/16". My dipstick will show a different reading next morning from that 2-4 hour shutdown point. Cold engine oil checks take all guess work out of it for me, it is consistant and constant. Also, the Overfilling of this Nissan is probably as bad as an underfilled crank, the oil foams thus reducing lubrication and puts pressure on seals, most import manuals warn not to overfill. I would not run oil down purposely though.

Jokingly I assume purposely running oil down low on dipstick can give constant oil change like my 75 Ford gets, I only change the filter every 3K miles.

Cyprs

 

[Ugly3]

Check the oil every Sunday AM - if it below 1/2 quart short add to the full line.

 

[pee-wee]

Its always a good idea to keep your oil topped off. Figuring out how much oil your car burns will give you a rough idea as to how often to check your dip stick . Personally I check once a month and top off as needed.

 

[Patman]

I also like to overfill my engines slightly, by about a half quart. Neither of my cars use oil so I don't need to add any. But in the past, if I needed to add oil I'd do it as soon as I noticed the level dropping even slightly. I would not wait until it needed 1/2qt or more, I'd add it 1/4 qt at a time.

 

[oilyriser]

If the oil gets too low, air bubbles formed near the surface as oil dribbles back into the sump will not have time to separate and will get sucked into the oil intake. Air has a rather low viscosity, so it won't lubricate so well.

 

[Ray H]

Overfill churned into foam by the crank counterweights will do the same.

 

[Pablo]

As long the engine isn't over filled, more volume is always better. An Overfilled engine can present problems, no doubt about that (churning, foaming, oil consumption, lower mpg, leaks, etc). But just finding out the MAX amount of motor oil your car can handle WITHOUT overfilling is worth it. Some cars it's right at the top of the full mark, some can be slightly above (which may be 1/2 qt+).

 

[Dr. T]

Yeah, it won't make a difference.

I wouldn't go chasing the F mark every second day by adding .0003mL or anything like that, but if it's 1/2qt. or more low top up (or you may be due for an oil change altogether).

 

[Razl]

quote:

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Now, I also heard at 1 time that it's better to let the oil run down to the min level and refill to the max line.

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I can't think of one good reason why that would be advantage? It wouldn’t save you from checking under the hood from time to time. If anything it saves you a sliver of time from having to pour in top-off oil.

Silly. I would take the advice of what other recommend so far on this post.

[ September 21, 2004, 10:23 AM: Message edited by: Razl ]

 

[Spector]

consistency is the key if you are looking to get a handle on consumption etc. so hot or cold just be consistent. Personally, I like cold first thing in AM and I like slightly over full on dipstick as well, and I add ounces at a time (2-4) , crazy but I do.

 

[rich mds]

quote:

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Originally posted by Razl:
[QB]

Now, I also heard at 1 time that it's better to let the oil run down to the min level and refill to the max line.

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The idea behind this thinking is that usually the amount between min and max is 1 quart. So to make it easier if one allows the oil to get to min you know to add exactly 1 quart.

 

[Primus]

Depeds on a drive style. During a quiet drive on on plains it does not matter where the oil level, just it should be above the mininum, but even at these conditions it's recommeded not to go lower than 1/3 of the level. For those who likes red line or pass turns at a very high speed the oil level should be at maximum. As I know many sporty cars in the events are usually slightly overfilled for safety reasons.

 

[Kestas]

Another thing to consider... whenever I had a car that used oil, I would let it get down to a quart low before an oil change. No sense in topping it off with good oil if it's gonna get changed out soon anyhow.

 

[XS650]

quote:

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Originally posted by Spector:
consistency is the key if you are looking to get a handle on consumption etc. so hot or cold just be consistent. Personally, I like cold first thing in AM and I like slightly over full on dipstick as well, and I add ounces at a time (2-4) , crazy but I do.

---

What is the smallest amount of added oil that you can read on your dipstick? Based on how much I add to get it right to the full mark when I change oil, I think I can see a 2 oz difference on mine.

 

[oilpan49]

Hey,

Wow, I didn't think I would get this much replies. I'll admit, I'm one of those types who would wait until it gets down to minimum or just hovering above it, then I would add oil. Learn something new everyday!

Now that I think about it, I'm out of M1, so off to the store I go for some 5w30SS. Thanks guys,,,,,AR

 

[KW]

I shoot for keeping mine somewhere between the add and full lines on the dip stick or sight glass.