Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Am I a complete idiot?

[Mingoglia]

Maybe you shouldn't answer that (the Subject).



Am I the only one that has a feeling of uncertainty after changing the oil on my '01 3500 and not being able to tell where the heck the oil level is on the dipstick? Everytime I change the oil (just got done), when I check the stick there seems to be oil all up and down the stick... I wipe it with a rag, check again... same thing. It seems like I must check it 30 times and still barely feel comfortable with the reading. Am I alone? Any suggestions other than counting the quarts as they go in (which I do)? I drove the truck around to get the oil a little dirty and I'm hoping if I check it again tomorrow morning when the oil is cold maybe it will be a little thicker and I can tell a little better.

 

[fj40charles]

I put in 11 quarts of oil when I change the oil and filter. I usually check the oil level when the engine is cold because it seems to take forever for the oil to drain back into the pan.



Don't feel so bad. You'll get real comfortable after you do a few changes...



Hope this helps. .



Charles

 

[dsldoug]

pull the stick out before you even drain the oil, that will allow time for the oil to drain from the dipstick tube after you'r done start it with the stick out shut it off let it sit for a couple of minutes then check it

it drove me crazy for a while too

-doug

 

[Motorhead]

Like they say, just go with the 11 quarts and check that the oil filter seals and close the hood.

 

[EricBu12]

take out the stick and when clean, find the marks. then file a small "V" on the edge of the high and low marks and then check the oil. easy to see then...

 

[jwilliams3]

Dont worry so much.

Just drain your oil, reinstall your drain plug (torque to 50NM), add

1 quart of oil to your new filter install it, then add 10 more quarts via your valve cover, place cap on and your now good to go.



The dipstick is not really a scientific way of reading your oil level,

its more like a reference point.



---Justin

 

[Mingoglia]

jwilliams: That's what I do... I'm just a fanatic about having the oil read right up to the full mark. Maybe I have mental problems that cause this anxiety. I find myself adding approximately a tea spoon at a time (probably an exaggeration) to get the level right to the full line.



I've been very busy the last 2 months moving into a new office and have found my self about 2,000 miles past when I normally change my oil. When I changed the oil last night it was extremely dirty. What I ended up doing is changed my oil without changing the filter so I could get new oil to circulate the system and get out all the crud and next weekend I'll change my oil again and this time change the filter. Probably not necessary, but let me reiterate... I'm a fanatic.



Since I didn't change the filter, I only added 10 quarts. This sounds about right, doesn't it?



Mike

 

[Motorhead]

If you are changing your oil at regular intervals,(seems like most of us TDR members change it more often than recommended) I wouldn't worry about going over by 2000mi. Besides you are,in my opinion, just wasting 10 good quarts of oil when you don't change the filter. My $. 02 Chris

 

[WadePatton]

Check your oil first thing in the morning- stone cold. Just pull it out and read it. No need to wipe and reinsert.



This also the best time to drain a bit from the filter--when everthing is settled.

 

[Bob Cochran]

It seems when I check mine after oil change with the oil marks up or the words on the end of the dip stick up I cannot tell how full it is. I wipe clean turn it over then do it again and I can see the level. Not sure why but it works for me!!! I would leave the stick in upside down but it looks strange.

 

[Mingoglia]

I was noticing that my Post is one of the most read posts... I wonder if it,s because the subject catches peoples ear... or because there's many of you out there that are eager to confirm that I'm a "complete idiot".

 

[wcaldwell]

I was just wondering if it was a rhetorical question or if you really wanted an answer.



Since I don't personally know you, I can't answer one way or the other.

 

[Mad Max]

He got himself a Dodge Ram with a Cummins...

That's a plus in my book.



MaX

 

[JCockrell]

Can't be.....

"Complete idiot". I second Mad Max, you got the Cummins... Oo.



I like that little bouncing dude...

 

[Mingoglia]

Thanks guys... now only if we can convince my wife.

 

[Mad Max]

If you convince her...

BE SURE TO TELL THE REST OF US HOW SO WE CAN TOO!



MaD MaX

 

[Mingoglia]

:-{}

 

[Bob Cochran]

Complete idiot? I think not or there is a lot of us; me included!!!!