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Check oil level

Discussion in 'Prime Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Peng Xiao, Jan 2, 2022.

  1. Peng Xiao

    Peng Xiao Junior Member

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    It's not easy to read the oil level, especially just after oil change, the oil color is so light. And the dipstick tube is curved, I think it touched the tip to make the reading even harder.
    Any suggestion?
     
  2. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Leave it sit outside of the tube for 5 minutes and then insert it;).

    I also turn it over to compare the different sides of the dipstick (y).
     
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  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    The dipstick seems to draw oil up the tube, when you first remove it, messing up the dipstick when you wipe and reinsert for the check; that 5 minute wait gives the drawn up oil time to drain back down.
     
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  4. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    If you don't get a good read the first time, try try again!
    One side is usually good and the other is not, most of the times I've read the dip stick !

    flip it (the dip stick) around a few times ! - get to know what it always looks like in your car ! - use a bright flashlight ! - change your own oil and watch as it starts to show in the stick and document how many quarts you put in at both holes ! (edit did you prime the filter or put it in dry) - than read it again in a week !
    best of luck, it ain't a (No-brainer) !
     
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    ^ Here here. It's tricky, but it's not impossible; get familiar with it.

    Whenever I've changed the oil, I let it drain good, reinstall drain bolt, put in 4.2 liters (4.4 US quarts), and don't second-guess it. Checked a few days later, first thing in the morning, it's 3~4 mm's below top mark. So far, 93K on the odo, it's never budged. Knock on wood...
     
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  6. ETP

    ETP 2021 Prime(Limit),24 Venza Limit,B52-D,G,F,H

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    Wish everything had an Aircraft oil quantity gage.
     
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  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yeah
     
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  8. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Always check the oil first thing in the morning before starting the car the oil dipstick tube will be dry and the level on the stick will be easier to read.

    If you pull over to a gas station and shut the car off and check the oil it will show quite low on the stick. Lots of oil in the upper engine and VVT oil circuit and cam actuator.
     
  9. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    And apple plane play, so pilots have something to complain about too!