Checking the oil level on the ISB engine

[WWalters]

I've had a difficult time trying to check the oil level of my trucks engine. It seems like when I pull the dipstick out of the tube it must be depositing oil along the sides of the tube because when I insert the dipstick and pull it out again there is oil all over the dipstck. It's very hard to determine where the oil line is. Since the dipstick is as long as it is, it's hard for me to get it out cleanly. I've looked on the back of the dipstick and it seems to show the oil level line better but is this an accurate mark? I've read most of the threads about the dipstick inaccuracies on the Cummins engine. My truck is a 2001. 5 and I'm sure that it has an accurately calibrated dipstick. Is there any special method to getting the dipstick out of the tube and re-inserted to get an accurate measurement? Thanks for your help.

 

[JLinder]

I've noticed the same thing with my truck. It's a little better if you check it when the engine has been sitting and all the oil is down in the pan, but no luck if the oil is up in the engine.

 

[DBuchheit]

Originally posted by WWalters

I've had a difficult time trying to check the oil level of my trucks engine. It seems like when I pull the dipstick out of the tube it must be depositing oil along the sides of the tube because when I insert the dipstick and pull it out again there is oil all over the dipstck. It's very hard to determine where the oil line is. Since the dipstick is as long as it is, it's hard for me to get it out cleanly. I've looked on the back of the dipstick and it seems to show the oil level line better but is this an accurate mark? I've read most of the threads about the dipstick inaccuracies on the Cummins engine. My truck is a 2001. 5 and I'm sure that it has an accurately calibrated dipstick. Is there any special method to getting the dipstick out of the tube and re-inserted to get an accurate measurement? Thanks for your help.

I look at the back of the dipstick. After changing the oil and having added the prescribed 11 quarts of oil, the dipstick reads right at the full mark using the back side method. PITA, but it works. Of coures it's hardest to read when the oil is new and clean.

 

[work2muchplay2little]

I usually check mine in the morning after it's sat all night. Just pull out the dipstick and check it, no wiping

 

[rashwor]

Engine oil checking

Ditto what Kurt said and all is well. Checking immediately after the engine is killed will yield inaccurate readings.

 

[THerman]

Re: Engine oil checking

Try turning the dipstick over... so it read upside down when in... . then the marks don't swipe on the tube as you pull it out...



They put the marks on the wrong side (or the words upside down) if you ask me!

 

[Deezal Man]

Yep! Check her in the morning, no wiping or fuss.