| Author | Message | ||
| Phil Hughes (Ferrarifixer)
Junior Member Username: Ferrarifixer Post Number: 224 Registered: 7-2003 |
The most accurate way on ALL models of ANY age or type, is to check the level immediately after switching the engine off, when the oil is around 80 deg C. Many of the dry sump tanks CAN suffer from splashing, waves or direct hit on the dipstick, from the oil being returned into the tank, and consequently give false readings. If you let it stand too long (over 30 seconds), the oil will begin to drain back into the pipework and sump giving a low reading. Wet sump cars can stand a little longer and still give accurate readings, but you don't NEED to wait. Checking a wet sump level when it hasn't been run for several hours WILL show a high reading. But this is a good time to drain it....IF it was properly warmed the last time it was run, as the hot oil will have drained well into the sump. Starting and stopping a cold engine prior to an oil change will suspend much of the oil around the internals and a thorough drain will not be possible. The oil volume expands around 10% between hot and cold...so 10 litres cold, near low, may well equal 11 litres hot, near High. | ||
| Vincent (Vincent348)
Intermediate Member Username: Vincent348 Post Number: 1085 Registered: 4-2003 |
i check the oil on the 348 (dry sump) with the engine running after I've warmed it up before I go for a drive. As long as you're above min. you're ok, on a dry sump system. you'll see some improved cooling when you are nearer the max. it should be no problem checking the oil with the engine running, on the 550 as well. Can't imagine why the light would be on, if you have oil. Vincent | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Intermediate Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 1715 Registered: 4-2002 |
What I find quietly amusing is that this very same argument has been going on for nearly 30 years. No one seems to know exactly how to check the oil level, nor precisely how much oil to fill with on an oil change. My mechanic uses 9 quarts when changing oil on older V8s. Even he doesn't know if this is right, after some 25 years of doing it. What a really bizarre problem to persist for decades! | ||
| Don Vollum (Donv)
Junior Member Username: Donv Post Number: 181 Registered: 1-2002 |
FYI, on the 456 the manual says to check it when warm. I checked it shortly before my first long trip, and it was low. Stopped by the dealer on the way out of town, and they recommended checking it with the engine running for the most accurate indication. On my car, it definitely reads higher when the engine is running. | ||
| Ali Haas (Aehaas)
Junior Member Username: Aehaas Post Number: 137 Registered: 5-2003 |
The 575 manual states the difference between min. and max. on the oil stick is 2 l, .53 gal. I am nearly sure that the 550 manual stated the same thing. aehaas | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1866 Registered: 11-2001 |
A friend said that the difference between the min and max levels on the dipstick represent one quart. i believe this is in the manual, as i think i remember reading it once and then promptly screwing up  . i believe it is LESS than a quart. my advice would be to go by half-quart increments and test. i ended up having to siphon out half a quart 'cuz i was well over the max mark; though at this juncture i no longer remember whether i dumped in 1 or 2. doody. | ||
| mike550 (Mikeg)
Junior Member Username: Mikeg Post Number: 138 Registered: 8-2003 |
Ali - thanks! And let me be the most recent to say your house (and garage) are stunning. Not too mention the vehicles in the garage. Now for an add-on question for anyone. A friend said that the difference between the min and max levels on the dipstick represent one quart. Is this true on the 550 / 575? I dont want to overfill it. If I am halfway between the min max how much should I put in. Sorry for the rookie questions and thanks in advance all. | ||
| Ali Haas (Aehaas)
Junior Member Username: Aehaas Post Number: 136 Registered: 5-2003 |
The 550 and 575 actually hold no less than 16 qts of oil in the system. There is a baffle in the oil tank and the oil in my cars was never visible above the baffle. The actual oil level in the tank is almost unimportant. If you were 5 qts low or 5 qts over filled it would make no difference. It is just a holding tank and as long as there is enough in there to cover the pump at the bottom the system will work. Of course it is not actually that simple. If you overfill it too much the vapor vacuum hose at the top will suck oil into the engine and cause smoke and enough will cause spark plug fouling. I would guess that you would have to be 5 or 6 qts down to lose oil pressure. A larger tank/more oil will decrease the the frequency that oil actually has to be in the working parts of the engine. There is more cooling of the oil between use. The above does not apply to a wet sump system where the level is very critical. aehaas | ||
| mike550 (Mikeg)
Junior Member Username: Mikeg Post Number: 134 Registered: 8-2003 |
thanks Doody. When you open the oil reservoir can you visably see any oil - or do you just seen the bottom? | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1864 Registered: 11-2001 |
i've never checked the oil with the engine running, but maybe you can. the manual i believe states to check it warm but off. i had the oil warning light come on once and it was low. ended up over-filling it 'cuz i'm a dope, but the indicator was correct (and i was thankful it was, for sure!). make sure the engine gets to operating temperature before you check the oil - the manual stipulates the temperature, if memory serves. i just check it "when i get home" if i think it needs checking. doody. | ||
| mike550 (Mikeg)
Junior Member Username: Mikeg Post Number: 132 Registered: 8-2003 |
Looking for advice - The red oil warning light came on in my 550 and so I checked the oil (immediately after engine shut down) and the level seemed fine at exactly half way between min max. Note - there is visably no oil in the reservoir when I take off the oil cap and look in. I did add half a quart and the light did momentarily go on after a few short drives and then when out after a minute. I think I have it right that you check the oil immediately after turning off the engine. As there appears to be no oil if I check it cold. Any thoughts on the above. Also can I check the oil with the engine running? |