Checking Oil Levels - and what Oil's best?

[dealmaster]

Hi Chaps,
I feel totally stupid asking this question but the search function is out of action on P.H.
Picked up Noble last week from Jetstream and thought I would check oil levels this afternoon.
Manual says to check oil when engine's warm - from operating temperature.
I've got a 2.5 with a Track Day Sump to I get the whole checking when warm thing.
But do any of you measure levels when cold or it that just a total No No?
Ive already got 3rd degree burns from trying to dip and re-dip the stick to get an average reading.
Is this par for the course without the aid of oven gloves or have asbestos skin? ....or do I just need to man-up.

Just while I'm on the subject of Oil, whats everyone using on here?

Cheers

Nick

[RobP]

I always check cold. Oil level should be at top mark on the dip stick, but don't overfill as this can lead to problems with seals. Shell Helix Ultra 5W40 is recommended for normal use.

[TuxMan]

Cold first thing In the morning for me , as suggested shell helix unltra 10w 40 .

Tux

[dealmaster]

Thanks Rob & Simon
Simon - are you saying (like rob) to fill to max point on dipstick when cold?
Cheers
Nick

[TuxMan]

Yes mate bring it up carefully though easy to over fill , it's taken me 3 days to get mine correct !!!

Tux

[node]

I hate using a dipstick, there must be a more accurate way of measuring your oil levels.

[sunoco69]

I always check cold and after plenty of standing time. 1st thing in the morning is best.

For oil, I will be using Joe Gibbs DT40 for my next change. Lots of zinc for anti wear protection, outstanding shear stability and great corrosion protection against all that nasty ethanol they have started putting in fuel for when I dont use the car. Not cheap but worth it.

[Adrian W]

sunoco69 said:

I always check cold and after plenty of standing time. 1st thing in the morning is best.

For oil, I will be using Joe Gibbs DT40 for my next change. Lots of zinc for anti wear protection, outstanding shear stability and great corrosion protection against all that nasty ethanol they have started putting in fuel for when I dont use the car. Not cheap but worth it.

Hmm £11.82 litre do you get a staff discount?

[sunoco69]

Adrian W said:

Hmm £11.82 litre do you get a staff discount?

Yep But it is more than worth the cost if it protects the engine. How much is an engine these days?

It is also good for at least 10,000 miles so there is a saving there in my opinion.

[dealmaster]

Thanks for the general info and advice chaps - had to buy a new dipstick though as mine had a few man-made kinks making it hard to fit back into the pipe.
Cheers

Nick