Oil Level - Hot or Cold?

[z8cookie]

Having a discussion about checking oil level last night & now I’m confused! Is it best done with a hot or cold engine? As the Tuscan has a dry sump does that make any difference? Also, OK so it’s only an inch difference but should you measure the level with the dipstick resting on top of the thread or tightened up?

Colin

[beano500]

Hot


Yes it makes a difference


Hot


But you can't "ovefill"



....and .... Hot!

[W7 KAA]

Hey Colin

I went through exactly the same when first checking mine... After seeking advice from both main dealer and the helpful PH'ers on this site, I always check when hot and been out for a good run. The level should be on or just above the max mark without screwing down the cap.

Other opinions may vary slightly but hope this helps.

Keith

[z8cookie]

So that's HOT then (that's what i said to my mate who said no, cold! And he works at Bently!)

Cheers,

Colin

Edited by z8cookie on Monday 26th June 17:08

[alderley]

z8cookie said:

So that's HOT then (that's what i said to my mate who said no, cold! And he works at Bently!)

To quote the TVR Owners handbook for the Cerbera, "the oil should only be checked when the engine is cold". I check my other cars when cold too.

[NCE 61]

alderley said:

z8cookie said:

So that's HOT then (that's what i said to my mate who said no, cold! And he works at Bently!)

To quote the TVR Owners handbook for the Cerbera, "the oil should only be checked when the engine is cold". I check my other cars when cold too.

That is correct for the AJP 4.2 or 4.5 as they are wet sump, but the Speed Six engined cars should be checked at operating temperature as they have a dry sump & the level can drop as the engine cools due to drainage from the tank.

[scurry]

I was told by Castle's that the engine should be run for about 10min prior to checking the oil level, and also that the dipstick should be screwed in.

[anonymous-user]

Factory check when hot on Tuscans - just after you turn off the engine

[optimal noise]

Should the dipstick be screwed in or not, seeing as its about 15mm in difference I would have thought it was quite important.
I used to check mine by tapping it in and out but when I took it to a dealer the mechanic screwed it all the way down so thats what I continued to do.

To screw or not to screw that is the question.

[anonymous-user]

screwed in

[Big Al.]

z8cookie said:

that's what i said to my mate who said no, cold! And he works at Bently!

Shame he don't work at TVR, cos he'd have said HOT if he did.

[beano500]

This is an area that's regularly posted on.

Here's my method - disclaimer-ridden though just because I do it, doesn't mean it's 101% right!!!!!!

1 Get car out of garage - drive it lots
2 Eventually get back to garage (or if staying overnight somewhere arrive at destination)
3 Get out of car and raise garage door, while engine idles away
4 Back into garage
5 Get out of car and open bonnet
6 Loosen oil filler
7 Shout and swear that it's F'ing hot and go and get cloth to do point 6
8 Turn engine off
9 Check oil level - but just dip top to filler, don't screw in
10 Wait 30 seconds and see how it is now
11 Repeat point 10
12 Repeat point 10
13 IF oil level below max, top up IF NOT DON'T
14 Consider when I'm next going to Costco for good price on Mobil 1
15 GO TO POINT 1 ASAP!!!!!

[optimal noise]

beano500 said:

7 Shout and swear that it's F'ing hot and go and get cloth to do point 6

[basil brush]

On the grounds that too much is better than too little in a dry sump motor I don't screw the dipstick in when checking.

[Bob the Planner]

And remember its about a litre from max to min. Helps when trying to work out how much to add.

[edit] I also use a technique similar to Beano but without the garage and always have a cloth to wipe the dip stick with me so miss out step 7.[/edit]

Edited by Bob the Planner on Tuesday 27th June 18:44

[Bonedoc]

How often does it need to be checked?

[beano500]

Personally I check it everyday the car's out.

[bogie]

depends on how you use the car for weekend use then Id check it every weekend...if you are using it daily and doing 1000 miles per week then 2x a week ...I check it every 500 miles maximum and before any long journeys like LeMans etc..

[donaldhunter]

beano500 said:

5 Get out of car and open bonnet
6 Loosen oil filler
7 Shout and swear that it's F'ing hot and go and get cloth to do point 6
8 Turn engine off
9 Check oil level - but just dip top to filler, don't screw in

I agree with the steps outlined by Beano and would add that the order here can be very important. The oil in the tank can/will start draining back into the sump as soon as the engine is switched off, so I always measure the oil level immediately after switching the engine off.

Like Beano, I lift the bonnet, loosen the filler and get ready with a cloth before I turn the engine off. I also just dip to the cap without screwing it in because a) it is quicker and b) too much in the tank is not a problem, too little is bad.

[Redtuscan]

Why don't you conduct your own test and see if it makes any difference on your own car?

Try it hot: engine just switched off that second and fill it to the maximum if necessary.

Then try it cold, car not been run for 24 hours.

If it does make a difference, then mark the cold level on the dipstick and you know that equates to the full mark when hot. No more racing to do the job whilst the engine is hot and no more burned hands!