Oil - brimmed or between?
Discussion
So... there's a recommended minimum oil level, and recommended max level on the dipstick... but where should you aim for? Half way between the two? Topped up at the max level?
I tend to aim for the top mark, but I won't add any more until it dips to about halfway between the two. Is there a right / wrong answer to this?
Can is an EP3 so I value the oil in the engine more than the water in my shower pipes, but I'm also curious as to the general consensus on this.
I tend to aim for the top mark, but I won't add any more until it dips to about halfway between the two. Is there a right / wrong answer to this?
Can is an EP3 so I value the oil in the engine more than the water in my shower pipes, but I'm also curious as to the general consensus on this.
The OP's question is not as daft as some might think. Typically, oil level indicators are calibrated to show accurate levels when the engine is operating warm, then shut down for 10 minutes, then checked. Checking stone cold when the warm level was high will show the oil overfilled.
The owners's guide for the car will say how the oil level should be checked, and what it should be set to.
I would recommend setting the level cold at roughly 3/4 of the way between the min and max levels.
The owners's guide for the car will say how the oil level should be checked, and what it should be set to.
I would recommend setting the level cold at roughly 3/4 of the way between the min and max levels.
GavinPearson said:
The OP's question is not as daft as some might think. Typically, oil level indicators are calibrated to show accurate levels when the engine is operating warm, then shut down for 10 minutes, then checked. Checking stone cold when the warm level was high will show the oil overfilled.
The owners's guide for the car will say how the oil level should be checked, and what it should be set to.
I would recommend setting the level cold at roughly 3/4 of the way between the min and max levels.
Interesting, i've not yet come accross an engine dipstick that has a hot and cot marks only auto gearbox dipsticks, what cars have this hot and cold engine oil level marks?The owners's guide for the car will say how the oil level should be checked, and what it should be set to.
I would recommend setting the level cold at roughly 3/4 of the way between the min and max levels.
The levels will change hot and cold but not by enough to cause issues
Top level is usual defined by the max level when car is accelerating, braking or pulling G in corners so as not to let the crank and big ends dip in the oil as this will froth the oil and sap power
Modern engines often have splash plates or baffles to stop this.
Earlier post was correct high level the max low level you need to top up
In essence and as long as you check frequently mid point is fine, in my opinion it just means you have less error margin if oil level drops for any reason or you forget to check
Top level is usual defined by the max level when car is accelerating, braking or pulling G in corners so as not to let the crank and big ends dip in the oil as this will froth the oil and sap power
Modern engines often have splash plates or baffles to stop this.
Earlier post was correct high level the max low level you need to top up
In essence and as long as you check frequently mid point is fine, in my opinion it just means you have less error margin if oil level drops for any reason or you forget to check
S0 What said:
Interesting, i've not yet come accross an engine dipstick that has a hot and cot marks only auto gearbox dipsticks, what cars have this hot and cold engine oil level marks?
If you read the Owner's Manual of any new or newish Ford, they specifically say that the oil should be checked after the engine has been run and left for 10 minutes. There are no hot or cold marks. The marks are effectively 'hot and not necessarily completely returned to the sump' for max and min.
I recognize it's not entirely obvious, but that is what the Owner's Manual says.
GavinPearson said:
If you read the Owner's Manual of any new or newish Ford, they specifically say that the oil should be checked after the engine has been run and left for 10 minutes.
There are no hot or cold marks. The marks are effectively 'hot and not necessarily completely returned to the sump' for max and min.
I recognize it's not entirely obvious, but that is what the Owner's Manual says.
Well yes but that's how you've allways checked the oil, operator manuals have said that since the 50s (i dont service cars older than the 50s so i cant say with any certanty before that) you give it time to drain back into the sump and all the dipsticks i've seen/used say min and max not hot and left for 10 mins (mind you a lot of cars don't even have dipsticks any more, a right PITA for us back street mechanics who have to spend out on dipstick service sets) but i digress the min and max are there for using after the 10 mins or so drain time NOT to indicate a hot or cold level.There are no hot or cold marks. The marks are effectively 'hot and not necessarily completely returned to the sump' for max and min.
I recognize it's not entirely obvious, but that is what the Owner's Manual says.
My advice is check after standing for 5 mins or more and to the max BUT unless your vehical uses a lot of oil between services there is no need to be anal about it and close will do, TBH you should be checking the oil weekly anyway, with the undertrays so many cars have nowdays DO-NOT rely on an oil stain on the floor prompting you to check the oil.
Edited by S0 What on Sunday 26th January 13:58
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