I've got a problem with my dipstick

[fake7]

Calling all Subaru gurus...

I measure the oil level this morning before leaving for work, and it's right at the bottom of the stick
top up with about 1/2 litre just to get going
check again at lunchtime and now it's above the max on the dipstick

The only difference I can think of is this morning it was stone cold, but at lunchtime is was still a little warm.
Both measurements on level ground etc.

So have I got too much oil or too little?

should have said - Subaru Impreza WRX 2003

[Manicminer]

I had a 2001 WRX and it was a right pain to get a consistent reading.

Best option seems to be have the engine warm but leave it at least 15 mins before measuring. Pull dipstick, wipe and reinsert then pull and read.

Only look at the side with the markings on.

If it reads low do the wipe and check again a couple more times just to be sure before adding oil!

[fake7]

Thanks for your answer

But where does it go when cold? I was assuming that the dipstick goes to the bottom of the sump, so higher level the longer you leave it

[MadKipper]

Exactly the same thing happened to me with my Legacy.
It seems the Subarus have a narrow band of oil between min and max as shown on the dip stick - guessing about half a litre.
The only solution is to drain some oil from the drain plug or buy a pump for around 15 pounds to extract some from the dip stick.
Do not run the engine - too much potential for engine damage and costs way beyond 15 pounds.
This is my solution - the oil pump.
Lesson learned!
Happy motoring in your Scooby!

[ScoobieWRX]

When your motor is stone cold your oil level on the dipstick should be just over half of the way between low and full. When it gets up to normal operating temp check the oil again, it should be up to the full mark. That's it.

[T5NYW]

IIRC

The correct way is from very cold
Run engine for a 5 minutes to warm up.
Leave settle for five minutes
Clean dip stick
Put dip stick the right way round.
Only read from the one side ignore level in back.
Oil level to full line.

Take great care at other temperatures.

Warm engine just check as normal with between line and notch.

normal engine level use the hot notch above full line as a guide only.

Hot engine ONLY top up if the level is below hot notch. Ignore if level is too high. Do not drain

IMHO

Tony

Edited by T5NYW on Saturday 28th September 13:09

[fake7]

checked again this morning when cold, and level is still a bit high. So I guess I filled up too much yesterday.

[arthur t]

Lol

I did this as well... Normal checks before going on hols. Was there was no oil at all.. Full the thing up changed my pants drive down the road to get some fuel. Came home and realised there was Way to much oil and drained it down again.... Arse!

Lol learnt my lesson