Discussion
Hi guys - this is a posting I made on the technical pages over at SELOC but thought I'd post it here, I guess a lot of people read both Forums but just in case we don't all go over there I though I'd post here too:
My S1 Elise has used some oil over the last 2000miles (my first 2000 as an owner!). I bought the car knowing it goes through a bit of oil and my readings on SELOC confirm similar from other owners, so I am not surprised by this fact.
I have watched it go from the high mark to the low mark over the course of about 7 weeks, and yesterday I topped it up with 750ml of oil, which by my reckoning should have taken the dipstick level to 3/4 of the range (the intention was to put 750ml in and check the level after a couple of days as i was worried about over-filling)
I'm a bit worried because after topping up the level on the dipstick is still at the low marker. Should I put more oil in? My dipstick seems to be warped - it has a kind of elongated 's' shape, so I'm wondering if it doesn't dip as far into the oil as it should and hence gives a false low reading.
Anyway, I'm on the verge of putting more oil in. I guess the question is this - has anyone had a similar problem? What is worse for an engine - too little oil, or too much oil?
Thanks for any advice
My S1 Elise has used some oil over the last 2000miles (my first 2000 as an owner!). I bought the car knowing it goes through a bit of oil and my readings on SELOC confirm similar from other owners, so I am not surprised by this fact.
I have watched it go from the high mark to the low mark over the course of about 7 weeks, and yesterday I topped it up with 750ml of oil, which by my reckoning should have taken the dipstick level to 3/4 of the range (the intention was to put 750ml in and check the level after a couple of days as i was worried about over-filling)
I'm a bit worried because after topping up the level on the dipstick is still at the low marker. Should I put more oil in? My dipstick seems to be warped - it has a kind of elongated 's' shape, so I'm wondering if it doesn't dip as far into the oil as it should and hence gives a false low reading.
Anyway, I'm on the verge of putting more oil in. I guess the question is this - has anyone had a similar problem? What is worse for an engine - too little oil, or too much oil?
Thanks for any advice
The S1 dipsticks ( yellow plastic, right? ) do lose shape and kink, but this should straighten out as you pop it back into the channel.
Are you remembering to pop the stick down fully? You will meet resistance, then feel it 'pop' into place - if you haven't done this, it could explain the false reading as it will not be reaching its full travel.
I would push the dipstick in fully, leave for 30 seconds, and check. Take 2-3 readings to compare. MAKE SURE CAR IS ON LEVEL GROUND AND YOU ARE CHECKING A COLD ENGINE.
If it is still just above the min line, then re-fill to just below max.
Or, if you are still worried about the dipstick, re-fill to halfway and buy a new one.
But don't take risks with low oil!
Are you remembering to pop the stick down fully? You will meet resistance, then feel it 'pop' into place - if you haven't done this, it could explain the false reading as it will not be reaching its full travel.
I would push the dipstick in fully, leave for 30 seconds, and check. Take 2-3 readings to compare. MAKE SURE CAR IS ON LEVEL GROUND AND YOU ARE CHECKING A COLD ENGINE.
If it is still just above the min line, then re-fill to just below max.
Or, if you are still worried about the dipstick, re-fill to halfway and buy a new one.
But don't take risks with low oil!
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