Oil level / dipstick

[o.versteer]

Evening all,

Quick question about oil levels and dipsticks. Checked the oil on my HSV GTS earlier today, and it is showing as quite low. Now, the oil light comes on when you turn the key without starting the engine, along with the other lights, but goes out immediately. It does not come on when driving, even when driving hard.

I can of course get some Mobil 1 to put in it no problem, but I remember reading that there was a recall on the dipsticks of these cars, as they apparently were wrongly dimensioned or something. So, not wanting to put too much oil in the engine, does anyone know how I find out whether I have the wrong dipstick or whether it needs more oil?

Thanks very much indeed for any input - 'tis a bit worrying!

[Island boy hsv]

I have a HSV GTS(UK) and from your description it sounds like you have the correct dip stick. The oil light will only come on when the oil level is about 1L below the minimum shown on your stick. The dip stick replacement was done because UK drivers were experiencing oil starvation because we have more twists and turns than in AUS.

I have a replacment dip stick and have just measured mine and it is 670mm long from the top of the yellow ring to the bottom.

There is a number printed on it which I assume is the part number which is 12558988.

I fill my engine with oil as per the markings on the dip stick and have not had problems.

Edited by Island boy hsv on Sunday 26th November 18:25

[o.versteer]

Thanks Island Boy, you're a star. I have the very same part number on my dipstick so must be low on oil. Bugger. Off to Halfrauds in the morning then.

Thanks very much indeed for the very quick and decisive answer, it's hugely appreciated.

[Island boy hsv]

Not a problem, was working on the car this afternoon any way. I know when I first got my HSV GTS(UK) there were many questions this forum answered. Only keeping the tradition going!

Edited by Island boy hsv on Sunday 26th November 19:32

[annie_vxr]

Just don't let yourself be fooled by the bloke who gets paid less than £2.50 an hour and get the OW30 stuff, the Castrol list said 0 0W 30 coz when I checked with Greens they said I had to get the 5 O 30 which was much thicker, it's all a diferent language to me, but I'm glad I checked coz they're stuff, said 0 30 50, which is what I had from the old car, the Golf. But apparently it's not thick enough, or something. I really should do this when sober.... Now I'm confused, basically, check before you do it.

[o.versteer]

annie_vxr said:

Just don't let yourself be fooled by the bloke who gets paid less than £2.50 an hour and get the OW30 stuff, the Castrol list said 0 0W 30 coz when I checked with Greens they said I had to get the 5 O 30 which was much thicker, it's all a diferent language to me, but I'm glad I checked coz they're stuff, said 0 30 50, which is what I had from the old car, the Golf. But apparently it's not thick enough, or something. I really should do this when sober.... Now I'm confused, basically, check before you do it.

Er, right, I musta stuffed up then, because I got exactly that, 0w30. That's what all the Mobil 1 was. I put a litre in but it could do with more, so if this is crucial I'll make sure to get the proper viscosity. Have I stuffed the engine now?

[Island boy hsv]

Not wonting this to go into an oil thread you will probably be ok with your mix. I use Redline oil in my engine, together with Redline oil in my gearbox and diff. If you wonted to improve your gear shift you could replace the gearbox oil with Redline it improved mine no end. I was running the standard Holden fill before.