I've noticed that when I initally pull dipstick to check oil level the level is below minimum, then when I re-insert and re-check it shows maximum

Anyone else get this problem? I'm worried now, is it dangerously low, or fine?




(TD6 BTW)

Engine should be at normal running temperature. Switch off for 5 minutes or so, remove the dipstick and wipe clean, re-insert the dipstick and make sure it is 'fully home' then remove and take a reading. It should be on or just a fraction below the maximum mark.

Never below the minimum mark and never above the maximum mark

i thought its best to check the engine oil when its cold and settled in the sump..

scarey wrote:

i thought its best to check the engine oil when its cold and settled in the sump..

That's how I would usually do it.
When "first parading" a vehicle in the army, never been told to check when it's hot (Unless I've not been listening properly )

It would mean before I start a journey, starting vehicle, letting it warm up (10 minutes say) then shutting engine down, checking oil level 5 minutes later and possibly finding then that it's to low and may have damaged engine.

Contradicting advice on the internet

Method is made quite clear in the owners handbook. Check with oil cold and car on a flat surface

The handbook says check when cold. It then goes on to say that if you have to check after the engine has been running then leave the ignition switched off for 5 minutes to allow the oil to collect in the sump.

So in the way of the politician, you're both right

When oil is hot it expands and therefore will increase in volume when in the sump. If you have the oil at the top mark when cold it will be over when hot hence the reason you should check when hot.

Yes older method was to check when cold but with modern vehicles fitted with finicky oil sensors the hot method is most accurate to prevent errors.

Gearbox, diff and transfer box should also be checked hot

Have to check my 911 oil when it's warmed up fully but that's because it runs a dry sump.

Where it says leave the ignition on for 5 minutes after you've warmed it up and stopped the engine is that not asking for trouble if you're not running a secondary battery....

47p2 wrote:

When oil is hot it expands and therefore will increase in volume when in the sump. If you have the oil at the top mark when cold it will be over when hot hence the reason you should check when hot.

Yes older method was to check when cold but with modern vehicles fitted with finicky oil sensors the hot method is most accurate to prevent errors.

Gearbox, diff and transfer box should also be checked hot

the level on the dipstick was designed with the fact the oil will expand taken into consideration hence the reason they say to check it when its cold...as if you fill it up to the level when its hot/warm then infact you will not be putting enough oil in the car as when its cold it will then show a lower reading
and may i also add if you fit a new oil filter you will need to check the oil again after starting the car for a few minutes as it will need a top up  "RANGEISM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED"
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