Oil dipstick giving different readings

[Sierra0792]

I was wondering why oil levels are different when checking your oil with the dipstick. Of course I'm checking the vehicle on level ground and after its been off for a couple of hours. If I insert the dipstick with the hash marks facing the engine, ill get a reading half way between empty and full. Then if i insert the dipstick with the hash marks facing away from the engine it will show the oil is over filled past the full line. Maybe someone can give me some clarification, thanks in advance.

 

[csandste]

What vehicle? Is the dipstick vertical?

 

[Sierra0792]

What vehicle? Is the dipstick vertical?

2020 Gmc Sierra with the 5.3

 

[wpod]

The lowest reading on the dip stick is correct.

 

[Sierra0792]

2020 Gmc Sierra with the 5.3

 

[Sierra0792]

The lowest reading on the dip stick is correct.

I heard that but how do you know that?

 

[Sierra0792]

2020 Gmc Sierra with the 5.3

?

 

[csandste]

Your dipstick is angled so it would read differently. Just like if you put a straw in a milkshake at an angle. Imagine the markings would face the center of the engine.

 

[Sierra0792]

Your dipstick is angled so it would read differently. Just like if you put a straw in a milkshake at an angle. Imagine the markings would face the center of the engine.

So do i go by the high reading or the low reading?

 

[Propflux01]

If the letters on the dipstick are installed facing towards the engine, use the lowest. If the letters are facing away from the engine, use the higher.

 

[PimTac]

What does your owners manual say on how to check?

Some engines/manufacturers are specific on the how to instructions.

 

[csandste]

So do i go by the high reading or the low reading?

Sounds like you're halfway between full and add. Check your manual.

 

[Sierra0792]

Sounds like you're halfway between full and add. Check your manual.

 

[Sierra0792]

Here is my manuel, it doesn't specify

 

[Rhymingmechanic]

My guess is that one side of the dipstick contacts the tube and picks up oil, making the level look higher on that side. I go by the lowest reading when that happens. The trans dipstick on my Vibe would give two different readings.

The way to be sure is to check it after the next oil change, when you know the exact amount of oil in the sump.

 

[paulri]

I found that my dipsticks would have oil all over them even after waiting the recommended/required number of hours after running the engine.

The only solution I found was to look at it after the first pull out of the tube, in the morning after it sat all night. Then the reading was as clear as day.

 

[wpod]

I heard that but how do you know that?

it is magic

 

[DeafBrad]

Here is something you can do for peace of mind. Change your oil, and put in the exact oil called for by the owner's manual. Then check the oil to see where the level is on the dipstick. And then from that point on always check the oil the same way.

 

[Zee09]

Magnatec is so clear you often don't see it when fresh unless you really try and then it likes to walk upward.
You'll figure it out...

 

[CR94]

Read the top side, which will be the side on which the level appears lower if it's unambiguous on both sides.