Hard to see level of new oil on dipstick when re-filling

[perryr777]

Because new oil is so clean, it is sometimes very difficult to see where the oil level is on the dipstick when refilling with fresh oil. This works a treat:

a) Get a length of stiff plastic tube (nylon is best) which will go down the dipstick tube on the engine, 4-5 mm OD and about 40 cm longer than the dipstick.
b) Drill through a cork or rubber bung and thread it onto the tube so it is a sliding fit..
c) Keeping the bung in contact with the top of the dipstick tube, gradually push the plastic tube down the dipstick tube, at the same time gently blowing down it.
d) When the end of the tube reaches the oil in the sump you will hear a bit of bubbling and gurgling. If you suck gently you will also feel resistance.
e) Without moving the bung on the tube, withdraw it, align the bottom of the bung with the stop on the dipstick, and see where the end of the tube is relative to the level markings on the dipstick.

[rigga]

Stop faffing and just pull the dipstick and place it on some kitchen towel.

Jesus I've never read such crap.

[Maximus_Meridius101]

Put some green food dye in the oil, job jobbed.

[lexusboy]

Who checks the oil level after refilling?

Service manual says it takes a certain amount so I pour that in and close the bonnet

[fttm]

Gas station attendants check the oil don't they ?

[Tony1963]

I’d love to see the OP’s process for a complicated action lol.

Me: remove dipstick, clean with cloth. Reinsert dipstick fully for a couple of seconds, remove. Observe where dry bit meets wet bit, turn dipstick in the light if having difficulty seeing where dry bit meets wet bit. That’s the level...

Best the OP never dates a larger lady!

[anonymous-user]

I thought the schools went back last Monday? Can't recall when I last read such crap.

[steveo3002]

google what the capacity is with or without filter....put that much in ...job done

[Dogwatch]

Life can be soooo difficult sometimes.

[ChocolateFrog]

lexusboy said:

Who checks the oil level after refilling?

For the sake of 10 seconds I'd expect everyone.

[mickyh7]

I don't check, because my car doesn't have a Dipstick! All done on the MMI.

[Nads02]

Maybe use a torch so it reflects. Personally I'd never stick Any thing down the dipstick hole because if it goes deep down and doesnt come up it won't be fun

[Evoluzione]

ChocolateFrog said:

lexusboy said:

Who checks the oil level after refilling?

For the sake of 10 seconds I'd expect everyone.

Who doesn't? An idiot.

[Belle427]

Pour some water in the oil, it will turn to white Mayo.
Easily visible on the dipstick then.

[mickyh7]

Evoluzione said:

ChocolateFrog said:

lexusboy said:

Who checks the oil level after refilling?

For the sake of 10 seconds I'd expect everyone.

Who doesn't? An idiot.

Most modern German car owners.
Manufacturers don't fit dip sticks anymore.
Read all of the thread?

[Chris32345]

lexusboy said:

Who checks the oil level after refilling?

Service manual says it takes a certain amount so I pour that in and close the bonnet

Because on many engines you can have 100ml or so still in the engines oil pathways

[Captain Answer]

rigga said:

Stop faffing and just pull the dipstick and place it on some kitchen towel.

Jesus I've never read such crap.

Straight to the point there

This is exactly how though, especially if you've got a car that is hard to read - the end on the dipsticks for SAAB were black for a good while, absolute arse to read any other way

[mickyh7]

Crikey we have Spacecraft on Mars right now.
Many Men have been to the Moon.
We have been to the bottom of the Deepest Oceans.
Yet this thread exists

[InitialDave]

lexusboy said:

Who checks the oil level after refilling?

How's life at Kwik Fit treating you?

[steveo3002]

ive been training a ladybird to crawl down the dipstick tube and report back on the oil level