Oil Dipstick thread, yeah another please here me out.

[Blitz16v]

I have read xviper's method and am posting so I can get this straight in my head. Yeah I know a moron,can check the level of the oil with that said then color me a moron.


I have done both methods cold/warm and this is what I don't understand.

When my car is cold I shut it down at 6:00 P.M. and then in the morning when I check it at 7:00 A.M.


I pop the hood pull the dipstick out and everything is spot on perfect usually right at the F mark or just a little below.

Then I wipe it off cleanly insert and check again and it reads low right below the bottom X. This happen's every single time which befuddles me.
How come my 1st pull is perfect and then my 2nd after the wipe is low?

Is my car low on oil what the hell is going on?

[Bolander]

The oil sloshes around when you are driving and sticks to the dipstick, the correct reading is the one that you take AFTER you wipe the dipstick down and reinsert it. Yes, to the best of my understanding you are low on oil.

[batguano]

I know this will sound like a stupid question but are you sure you are inserting the stick fully into the lock position the second time?

[Blitz16v]

Yes I am pushing the dipstick all the way in till its flush. Question is how come the initial pull is perfect? And then when I put it back in it shows on the L side. I do 5QT synthetic fillups am I missing something here?

[Bolander]

Are you saying you take the dipstick out, wipe it down, reinsert it and it reads perfect? Or are you just pulling it out and looking at it?

[Blitz16v]

I am saying the very first time I pull it when I pop the hood when she sits overnight it reads perfect spot on H. I then wipe and reinsert and the 2nd pull reads on the L. Which makes no damn sense to me.

[takeshi]

The 2nd pull is what counts in your case (regardless of how long it has been sitting).

[Bolander]

yea, I think the oil sticks to the dipstick and the oil moves when you turn the car on or drive, so the accurate reading is the one that you take after you wipe the dipstick down. hopefully someone else will chime in.

[Goku]

Yep only read your second pull the first one is not correct. reason is the oil runs down the dipstick and then sits on top of the oil level and does not go flat, remember oil is a little sticky, and it binds to metal so it will stay on the dip stick. Always wipe first then check the reading. Your just scaring your self with this.

[Blitz16v]

Okay tonight I will park it let it sit for a few hours then check it, if she reads at the bottom right around L i will add 1/2 quart. I was told from L to H its 1 qt correct? So if its around 1/2 qt low I haven't done any damage to the car right and I should be ok right?

[Goku]

You can check the car in 5min and you should get a relaiable reading from that.

[repiv]

The 2nd pull is what counts in your case (regardless of how long it has been sitting).

Bingo!

[bracky]

My theory is there is a slight wicking action up the dipstick. I've always been taught to pull, wipe, then check the oil level.

[repiv]

From my own thread on checking the oil level:
The next day, before you start the engine, pull out the dipstick, clean it and put it back in for another reading. This reading will now be the "cold" reading

[Blitz16v]

Perfect waited about 15 minuts did a warm check and she came up on L. Added 1/2 quart and now she sitting on the 2nd x in between. Thanks guys :)