Checking the oil level

[SPucillo]

How long should I wait after shutting off the engine before checking the oil.

This morning I checked the oil in my truck after sitting all night.

It was slightly above max full mark.

I ran the engine for 1 minute, let it sit a minute while I looked for a rag, then checked it again. This time it is just touching the bottom of the stick!

I would assume that I would want to check it a minute or two after it shuts off.

The useless manual says nothing and DVD manual says wait 5 minutes but that is under the 5. 7l engine oil section. They don't even have a 6. 7 section.

Anybody happen to know how long to wait?

 

[GaryOwen]

IIRC, my 03 owners manual called for waiting ten minutes before checking oil level. Would think that would be about the same for the 10's.

 

[TLane]

From my 2008 owner's manual, you should wait a minimum of 30 minutes:

 

[SPucillo]

Wow!

If I wait overnight it is overfull. If I wait 30min. it is half full.

Part of designing a good engine is to provide a functional oil system, which includes the return of oil back to the pan.

I have never owned a vehicle that was so finicky.

 

[ata]

Wow!

If I wait overnight it is overfull. If I wait 30min. it is half full.

Part of designing a good engine is to provide a functional oil system, which includes the return of oil back to the pan.

I have never owned a vehicle that was so finicky.

One thing you have to remember is that it is one big piece iron. (1100 plus pounds) It takes a lot of oil to fill the oiling system when it is running and then still have enough oil in the pan to keep it running. When you shut it down it takes a long time for it to drain the oiling system back out and get a TRUE oil level.