Oil Dipstick Reading Screwed

[insomniac]

Hi all, I recently discovered that I get a different reading (oil level) on each side of the dipstick.

The dipstick tapers into a flat surface at the bottom, with the relevant level markings - "Max" and "Min" - on each side. One side shows a level somewhere halfway between Max and Min. The other side shows a level way above Max.

It's as though the engine is slanted! The dipstick is not bent but, my engine mountings are bad and need to be replaced.

Could it be because of the mountings or...?

Thanks.

 

[ronrackley]

I have seen a similar thing on some cars and assumed that it must have to do with the geometry of the dipstick tube on the way out - and taken the lower reading as being correct. I don't remember any difference larger than, maybe, a quarter inch. This case sounds more extreme than anything I have seen, though.

It seems like I remember seeing in an instruction book to take the lower value when this happens. Maybe that would be a good place to look if this particular vehicle is prone to have this issue.

 

[insomniac]

I make sure that the dipstick does not rub against the side of the tube as I pull it out. And, I have been doing this for the past 6 years without any skewed readings.

What do you think the issue is?

 

[ronrackley]

Originally Posted By: insomniac
I make sure that the dipstick does not rub against the side of the tube as I pull it out. And, I have been doing this for the past 6 years without any skewed readings.

What do you think the issue is?


Beats me. Have you changed the type of oil you use?

 

[insomniac]

No. A friend did say it could be because of the engine mountings. Thought I'd get some feedback, here, before getting my mechanic to look at it.

Thanks.

 

[Eddie]

Most of my engines have produced this phenomenon. I just use the reading on the side where the oil line is level. I seriouly doubt it has anything to do with engine mounts.

 

[whip]

Does the reading on the stick different from when the engine is hot vs cold? Is it possible the engine is forcing some oil up the tube?

 

[turf1]

Had a tractor like that. What I did was to change the oil and put the correct filter on. Start your engine and let it run for a few minutes. Shutdown and repeat startup again running engine to fully warm up oil. Shutdown and wait a few minutes to let oil drain back to pan. Check dipstick, this is your correct oil level. Be sur to insert dipstick the same way always.

 

[teddyboy]

You must have an 07-11 Camry. This problem was driving me crazy until the service writer told me that the accurate reading was on the under side of the dipstick. I do seem to get an accurate reading when I turn the dipstick over.

 

[odie]

The YARIS we have do the same thing with the metal dip stick . One side will read at the FULL mark , then the other a little below . The oil doesn't like to stick to all the metal for a good reading . There's 2 metal dimples for the levels . I'll put the dimple side in the tube facing the engine and read that side on a second try . Annoying ain't it !?