On the dipstick there are two holes. The manual for the car says that as long as the level falls between the two holes that it is fine and not to add oil. Every time the dealer has changed the oil it was right up to the top hole. Last night I changed the oil myself and added the required six quarts per the car's manual. However the oil level is not quite up to the top hole. More like 3/4. I realize the manual says this is fine but why the discrepancy between the six quarts when I did it myself versus when the dealer did this? Are they putting more in?
Level Indicator
- Thread starter Riptide
- Start date
- Status
they either put more in, or you let it drain longer.
X2 on what bdcardinal said.
Should I add a little oil and bring the level up to the top hole in the dipstick? Is there anything to be gained from that or is the manual correct about it being OK as long as the level is between the two indicators?
Your choice. Makes no difference to the engine.
Originally Posted By: Riptide
On the dipstick there are two holes. The manual for the car says that as long as the level falls between the two holes that it is fine and not to add oil. Every time the dealer has changed the oil it was right up to the top hole. Last night I changed the oil myself and added the required six quarts per the car's manual. However the oil level is not quite up to the top hole. More like 3/4. I realize the manual says this is fine but why the discrepancy between the six quarts when I did it myself versus when the dealer did this? Are they putting more in?
Riptide,
When they change your oil they put in what the manual indicates is necessary for the engine. The manual saying "it's ok in between" is when you check the level in between OCI's. Personaly I keep it just under the top hole. Never rest on an in between basis cuz since you got the hood up already you may as well settle on a full oil sump instead of the other.
Durango
On the dipstick there are two holes. The manual for the car says that as long as the level falls between the two holes that it is fine and not to add oil. Every time the dealer has changed the oil it was right up to the top hole. Last night I changed the oil myself and added the required six quarts per the car's manual. However the oil level is not quite up to the top hole. More like 3/4. I realize the manual says this is fine but why the discrepancy between the six quarts when I did it myself versus when the dealer did this? Are they putting more in?
Riptide,
When they change your oil they put in what the manual indicates is necessary for the engine. The manual saying "it's ok in between" is when you check the level in between OCI's. Personaly I keep it just under the top hole. Never rest on an in between basis cuz since you got the hood up already you may as well settle on a full oil sump instead of the other.
Durango
When you check it changes the reading.
If it is hot, it will read higher.
If it does not have adequate time to drain back into the oil pan, it will read lower.
If it is hot, it will read higher.
If it does not have adequate time to drain back into the oil pan, it will read lower.
My Mazda suggests a minimum of 5 minutes before checking the oil level.
Originally Posted By: Eddie
My Mazda suggests a minimum of 5 minutes before checking the oil level.
I typically check mine after filling the tank. I guess I've never thought about how long it takes to fill, but I'm guessing 3-5 minutes depending upon the vehicle. I seem to get at least a consistent result this way.
My Mazda suggests a minimum of 5 minutes before checking the oil level.
I typically check mine after filling the tank. I guess I've never thought about how long it takes to fill, but I'm guessing 3-5 minutes depending upon the vehicle. I seem to get at least a consistent result this way.
I checked it last night after a long 30 mile drive. Came home and let it sit with the hood up for 15 minutes. The level was 3/4 of the way up from the bottom hole towards the top one.
I put in exactly six quarts just like the manual for the car (2006 mustang gt) specifies. It just seems odd to me that when the dealer does it - it shows slightly fuller than it did after I performed the work. No leaks visible under the car.
I put in exactly six quarts just like the manual for the car (2006 mustang gt) specifies. It just seems odd to me that when the dealer does it - it shows slightly fuller than it did after I performed the work. No leaks visible under the car.
didnt realise it was a 3v 4.6, they usually take 6.5 quarts. thats how much i bill out when our techs use bulk oil.
Strange I just looked in the car's manual and it doesn't seem to indicate how many quarts to use. So it's 6.5? Maybe I should add a little bit.
The manual has in bold face letter "DO NOT ADD OIL" if the level falls between the two dots on the dipstick. Hmm..
The manual has in bold face letter "DO NOT ADD OIL" if the level falls between the two dots on the dipstick. Hmm..
As long as the car has cooled and the dip stick is properly seated, you have nothing to worry about. Just like Ford says if the oil level reads between the two hole points you are fine. A 1/3 of a quart one way or another will be of no concequence to the safety of the engine operation. I would just let it alone periodically checking the level. I know that VW and other manufacturers say to check oil level during each fill up with gas, that is probably overkill but it doesn't hurt to check every 300-400 miles or so.
In any case make sure NOT TO OVERFILL because doing so can cause damage to emissions equuipment--- if oil makes its way to the cat or 02 sensors.
In any case make sure NOT TO OVERFILL because doing so can cause damage to emissions equuipment--- if oil makes its way to the cat or 02 sensors.
Originally Posted By: Riptide
I checked it last night after a long 30 mile drive. Came home and let it sit with the hood up for 15 minutes. The level was 3/4 of the way up from the bottom hole towards the top one.
I put in exactly six quarts just like the manual for the car (2006 mustang gt) specifies. It just seems odd to me that when the dealer does it - it shows slightly fuller than it did after I performed the work. No leaks visible under the car.
Shouldn't seem odd at all if you consider the dealer is probably using bulk oil and a hose with a valve/meter on it, (like at Jiffy Lube) rather than opening and pouring in six individual quarts of oil.
They probably fill it until the meter reads "6qts", run/shut down, check the level and then top it offas required.
If it makes you feel beter, just top off the crankcase (a little at a time so as to not overfill) and get some sleep at night.
I checked it last night after a long 30 mile drive. Came home and let it sit with the hood up for 15 minutes. The level was 3/4 of the way up from the bottom hole towards the top one.
I put in exactly six quarts just like the manual for the car (2006 mustang gt) specifies. It just seems odd to me that when the dealer does it - it shows slightly fuller than it did after I performed the work. No leaks visible under the car.
Shouldn't seem odd at all if you consider the dealer is probably using bulk oil and a hose with a valve/meter on it, (like at Jiffy Lube) rather than opening and pouring in six individual quarts of oil.
They probably fill it until the meter reads "6qts", run/shut down, check the level and then top it offas required.
If it makes you feel beter, just top off the crankcase (a little at a time so as to not overfill) and get some sleep at night.
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: Riptide
I checked it last night after a long 30 mile drive. Came home and let it sit with the hood up for 15 minutes. The level was 3/4 of the way up from the bottom hole towards the top one.
I put in exactly six quarts just like the manual for the car (2006 mustang gt) specifies. It just seems odd to me that when the dealer does it - it shows slightly fuller than it did after I performed the work. No leaks visible under the car.
It could be because the dealer is not letting the oil drain completely- I like to let my car drain for 1hr+.
I checked it last night after a long 30 mile drive. Came home and let it sit with the hood up for 15 minutes. The level was 3/4 of the way up from the bottom hole towards the top one.
I put in exactly six quarts just like the manual for the car (2006 mustang gt) specifies. It just seems odd to me that when the dealer does it - it shows slightly fuller than it did after I performed the work. No leaks visible under the car.
It could be because the dealer is not letting the oil drain completely- I like to let my car drain for 1hr+.
Thanks guys I just decided to leave it. I know I put exactly 6 quarts in there and it should be fine. The manual even states specifically not to add oil if it's in the safe range on the dipstick. I have an extra quart but why bother opening it now. I'll just save it for the next change.
I'll sleep fine.
I'll sleep fine.
Last edited:
I have 3 cars that show less than full with the specified amount of oil added,2 Fords and a Subaru. the Subaru manual states oil capacity of 4.2 quarts. It also says that 4.2 quarts is a guideline and to add more oil to the full line. It points out variables like amount drained and engine temp. Anyway, the safe zone is safe and fine.
It may depend on how much you lift up the front end to drain the oil. I have already tested and proven on my Accord that, if I use the Rhino ramps, my car will take 4.5 quarts just like the manual says. If I jack the car up another few inches, I will need 5 quarts to reach the full line. Tested and re-tested, it works out this way every time.
- Status
Similar threads
