Oil level

[rfisher]

Correct me if I'm wrong but;

I don't like checking my Tam oil level when she's hot so I check it cold. I've never noticed any difference between the oil level checked hot or cold anyway.

I figure that, if the level is above the high mark when cold then it is not going to be lower when hot.

I figure this based on my limited understanding of dry sump engines where the level being checked is that in the return tank which is essentially an overflow tank. The level in this tank should be lowest when cold and highest when hot.

Am I a bad person?
Should Tammy be taken away to live with someone else?

[julianc]

The oil level is supposed to be checked hot, but as you say, when I've checked it cold the levels don't seem to be that different. I just use kitchen towel to protect my fingers when unscrewing the dipstick when hot.

However, don't ever try and check the oil level if you've started the engine then switched it off a few seconds later (I had to do this once when moving the Tamora from my neighbour's drive to my own a few months ago) - the reservoir will be almost empty! It worried me to death for a few minutes....

Julian

[sideways mostly]

I always check mine after getting the engine up to
temperature and imediately after turning off the engine-I was told to do it that way by the dealer.

[chris watton]

sideways mostly said:

I always check mine after getting the engine up to temperature and imediately after turning off the engine-I was told to do it that way by the dealer.

Yep, that's what I have been told (repeatedly!) also, and I have the battle scars on my right forearm to proove it!!!