Dipstick

[cirvy]

However & whenever i check my oil level ( 1998 4.5 ) the base of the dipstick just shows a general coating of oil all the way past the upper level marker. At what stage do you stop trusting it & top up the oil, or is there a special technique?

[kojak69]

I leave the dipstick out overnight, then try it next day. That way, theres no oil still clinging to the dipstick.

[Paulyboy]

thats the same here mate on my Speed Six!

[Paulyboy]

It says in the owners manual to check it as soon as the engine has stopped!?

[kojak69]

Paulyboy said:

It says in the owners manual to check it as soon as the engine has stopped!?

eh!!

[kojak69]

Having said that; you have to do that on a ferrari 328. The engine has to be warm. A mate thought the service on his 328 was done wrong as the oil level was too high when cold/stood. When warm, it was spot on.

[pdavison]

True for a speed six the oil has to be checked as soon as the engine has stopped and is therefore hot.

[cirvy]

kojak69 said:

I leave the dipstick out overnight, then try it next day. That way, theres no oil still clinging to the dipstick.

I will try this one, i've always checked it stone cold, i.e. the day after use. Cheers

[satman]

I check mine without turning and doing the locking thing as this seems to lower the dipstick a little more, therefore if i am wrong, at least im wrong by having a tad more oil rather than a tad less...if you understand what im saying!!

[arcbeer]

As long as you check it in the same way under the same circumstances each time I don't see a problem.

arcbeer (check mine cold )

[whatever]

Wipe the whole stick, too, not just the bottom few inches. And repeat...

[raceboy]

cirvy said:

However & whenever i check my oil level ( 1998 4.5 ) the base of the dipstick just shows a general coating of oil all the way past the upper level marker. At what stage do you stop trusting it & top up the oil, or is there a special technique?

Didn't realise you knew how to open the bonnet mate

[sethlj]

I'm sure my handbook (98 4.5) says check oil level when the engine is cold.

I have no problem with a smeary dipstick

S.

[lake]

My handbook says check when cold (2000 4.5 LW).

I am no expert on these things, and I am sure that I will be shot down in flames but...

As far as I know the speed six is different to the V8s due to the dry sump. In the dry sump system the oil drains back into the main tank when the engine cools. Thus it must be checked hot.

Is this right or wrong?

Hope this helps

Lake

>> Edited by lake on Wednesday 21st April 15:09

[kojak69]

sethlj said:

I'm sure my handbook (98 4.5) says check oil level when the engine is cold. I have no problem with a smeary dipstick S.

A smeary dipstick can also depend what oil you use.
i.e. Viscosity etc...

[dai capp]

Speed 6 is a dry sump and so needs a hot engine for checking oil whereas on the V8's its the more normal method of check when it's cold ie it's not a dry sump...

Checking the oil on my old Tusc used to be a bravery thing - the dipstick doesn't half get hot. Resolved in the end to leaving a gardening glove in the boot in case I ever needed to check the oil while on the road!

Cheers

DC

[Rappa]

When warmish I pull it out wipe it and put it back in. It always seems to be near or at the top and doesn't seem to use much oil. About 2/3 glugs of Mobil 1 Motorsport every 1000 miles. 98S 4.5

[cirvy]

Thanks for the help everyone ( with the exception of Raceboy )
I shall try the various methods this weekend & see how we get on, fingers crossed!

[ro_butler]

Check the oil when the engine is stone cold (on a V8). It can take a little practice to get good readings.

I had to use the back of the dipstick to read mine (if that makes any sense).

rob.

[raceboy]

cirvy said:

Thanks for the help everyone ( with the exception of Raceboy )

Thats alright mate Glad to be of assitance

cirvy said:

I shall try the various methods this weekend & see how we get on, fingers crossed!

When are you popping round to christen the BBQ then mate