Odd Oil?

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Even new oil comes in a variety of colors/shades, generally the thinner weight oils are lighter in color. Some are so light that they can be difficult to see on the dipstick without finding a light source to reflect off of the oil on the dipstick. That oil may be on the dark side if freshly changed, hard to say without knowing what brand/weight or when it was changed. You could always change it again, or it may be fine for a bit.

Both sides on the dipstick with read differently unless you check the oil after the vehicle has been off for some time, or overnight.

 

It looks darker than any newly-changed synthetic oil I've seen. Also, did you wipe the dipstick off before you measured it? If so, it has been overfilled. It is clearly above the full line in that one picture.

 

If you DIY, i would just go ahead and change it out.

Cannot go by looks all the time, however you can go by peace (piece) of mind

Knowing what and when is in your engine is best case scenario

 

I agree! Change it out.

the most accurate way to get a good oil level reading is to let it sit on level ground overnight, and check in the morning before starting the car.

 

Yeah that looks way to dark to be fresh oil, conventional or synth. Someone's fibbing I think.

 

the level should be between the high and low marks.

hard to tell in the pics, i'm almost wondering if the topped up the dino with syn.

 

Late to the party on this thread.
But if it was me? Regardless of what I was told when I purchased, I'd simply change the oil-to synthetic, again. Either at a place I trusted or DIY....pic em.
But the only way to really totally relieve concerns about what might be in your engine, is to drain what is in it, and know for sure what is being put in. Of course I would do a filter change, as well.

I'm not sending up a flair after seeing the pics, but I would say that doesn't look like new, uncontaminated, full synthetic oil to me.

 

There's no harm in changing the oil, etc on any 'new to you' used car purchased.

As for the photos:

There's a big difference of color between Mobil 1 and NAPA full synthetics, as I've used both many times. I'm sure it's like that with other brands also. Initial colors in the golden brown range are useless to judge unless you know what brand is being used and what color it is when new. If it's black? Well, that's another story. It could also be something as simple as he changed the oil, but not the filter. Some DIY people do filters every second oil change.

The gaps you're concerned about where the oil is beaded off some areas of the dipstick is normal. Inspect both sides of the dipstick, as usually one side will provide a clear indication of actual level. After looking at both photos, it looks to me like your oil level is right at the top mark.

 

In addition to this, after pulling the dipstick, wait for 30-60 sec (or longer) to ensure any oil dragged up the dipstick tube returns back down.

I notice only one side of the dipstick presents with that patchiness on the edges, which is the side toward the radiator. So I always read the side facing the ICE.

Anywhere between the L and F marks will be meet the Toyota specification, but for me, as there are only 3.9 qts (3.7L; 3.3 Imp qts) in total, I like it to be towards the F mark. Some say that if you fill to the F mark about 0.5 qt (0.5 L; 0.44 Imp qt) will disappear somewhere, so they recommend filling 3.4 qts (3.2 L; 2.8 Imp qts) rather than the specified 3.9 qts. Do not fill past the F mark.

In terms of safety and engine care any of these options would be acceptable. So, you choose what is acceptable to you.

 

That's very old used oil. After an oil change its very hard to see where the oil is its so clean. The metal dipstick is the same color of fresh oil.

You must let the car sit overnight check it in the am before starting the car it will give you the true oil level very clearly. Just remove the dipstick and look at it not necessary to wipe it off.

Keep it at the full mark always. Top off to keep it that way.

Most older high mileage G2's eat oil its just a case of how much. Check the oil every Saturday morning for a few months till you get a handle on how much oil its eating. Run a g2 motor dry of oil becasue you had no idea it was an oil eating monster and it will kill the motor.

See that alot on this site. Lots of motor replacements. People do not check there oil. No idea it was eating lots of oil.

I have changed the oil on my bought new 07 about 25 times so far. It takes exactly 3.6 quarts with a new oem filter filled with oil.

Good Luck.

 

Whats 5 balls?

 

I guess better than 4.

If it was 4, it doesn't sound like they wouldn't have been happy.

 

Battery hydrometer balls?

 

Looks totally normal to me and I have been covered in enough of it over the years

 

Oh its a coolant tester.. lol....Have not vent used one of those in eons.

In a G2 its easy. Dont test just dump the rad a few times. It will not invoke the dreaded air lock with is a real biatch.