That pesky dipstick

[JasonCzerak]

So I changed my oil last saturday. I purchased 3 gallons of Amsoil for my typical change. What I started doing latly since a full 3 gallons is to much (something like 2 gallons, 11 to 11. 5 quarts) is pour about 1 quart down the fill hole to help flush out any extra old oil while the draining is almost complete (dripping for a few minutes).



So I close everything up, run the motor for 10 minutes. no leaks, no nothing. Change out the fuel filter and let her sit for 30 minute and I check the oil. The level is indicated to be at the bottom of the shaded area. surprised me, so I have the absolute minimum amount. ok no biggie. Drive to do some arrons and pick up one quart at the Napa and pour in exactly 1/2 quart, assuming I'll bring it up to mid-dipstick.



In my experiece with cars, that shadded area is about 1 quart right? Or does one have to wait more then 30 minutes after run time to check the typical level of oil with synthetics?



So, this morning I finally remember to check the oil prior to start and I find the level is RIGHT UP at the VERY TOP!!! grrrr. This is after a 12 hour down time.



I shouldn't have to let out a bit of oil should I? it's like a hair below the top most mark on the shaded area.



how picky are these motors with oil level?

 

[BigGunZ]

Keep in mind that the dipstick is not exactly a "Space Shuttle" quality component. The level of the terrain, temperature of the oil, time sitting idle, and even the length of the dipstick and tube ( I find it hard to believe that all of them are the exact same length) will all affect the way it reads. While over filling can be bad, it takes more than just a hair above the full mark to cause problems.

 

[WyattEarp]

i agree, there is no such thing as a completely level spot unless your on concrete, as far as the dipstick is concerned i don't trust them that much, if the engine says 11 quarts... 10 in the crankcase and one in the oil filter thats what it gets and no more. In my experience run the engine at least 5 minutes after you fill it back up, then let sit on a level a spot as you have and check in 10-15 min. you don't have to wait 30 or longer.

And as biggunz said over filling slightyly will not harm it, now take 1/2 quart or more and then you start having problems with foaming of the oil and pouring clean oil down the tube stick hole in my opinion is a waste of new oil, the best time to drain is a day when you know your not going to be using the truck, drain and let sit all day, anywhere from 4-6hrs or when you can see no dripping, that gets just about all the oil that anyone can get drained from an engine.

Of course i also like to drain hot oil, run to town like 20-30 min. come back wait 10-15 and then drain all day.

Just some pointers you might think of trying if you want.

 

[JasonCzerak]

yeah, all good points.



It's just that a little 1/2 quart went from bottom of hte stick to the top that raises a red flag.

 

[BigGunZ]

If you know how much you put in, the dipstick reading is moot. I changed my oil a few days ago as well. I filled the filter and dumped the remainder of 3 gallons in the crank. My truck was noticeably "nose-down" due to the slope of my driveway and leaning to the right. By all accounts, it should have read low BUT the level was maybe 1/8 below the full mark which tells me that the stick would have read over-filled if the truck was level. Dipsticks are an approximation at best.

 

[JasonCzerak]

As far as the driveway level. It's a pain in the pass to push the truck foward or back. it doesn't roll on it's own. That's perty close to level in that direction. as far as side to side. nothing where I need one leg shorter then the other.



As for as 3 gallons. Is that 3 gallons "wet" or "dry". naturally there will be a difference between the two numbers.

 

[opjohnny]

I think my owners manual said to wait with the engine off 15 min before checking the oil.

 

[roperteacher]

My truck just did the same exact thing!!! But my dip stick was reading 2 quarts different each time I checked it, about 1 minute apart!!

 

[EEdmondson]

Is that 3 gallons "wet" or "dry". naturally there will be a difference between the two numbers.

What does that mean?



I always use 3 gallons and the dipstick reads full. If I recall, the book says 3 gals with filter (Fleetgard of course). A different brand filter might have a different capacity.

 

[jjdiesel]

These are all good points... . the main thing is our trucks take 12 qts. with the filter, so if it's off on the dipstick... make sure your on level ground and take a file to put a notch marking the right spot. This was a real common occurrence on the CTD a while back... . looks like it's resurfacing

 

[WyattEarp]

thats like my reply from earlier if you know you put 12 qts in then you should be fine no matter what the dipstick says, unfortunately around here there is not such thing as flat ground unless i want to take it miles from here just to check the oil, that ain't happening LOL...