| Author | Message | ||
| Peter Polasek (Peterp)
Junior Member Username: Peterp Post Number: 60 Registered: 8-2002 |
Thanks for the feedback. I will try the napkin trick and look at the dipstick next time the oil is drained to see if it picks up oil from the tube or is dry. I don't know how they could have such a poor design for a measurement that is so critical. I think the end of the dipstick has "patented" written on it -- what exactly did they patent, stealth oil detection? I am checking it 1 minute after shutdown from operating temp per the manual. I'm used to hot oil checks (with engine running) from the dry sump in 911's, but I'm not sure why a hot check is needed for a wet sump. This too I find inconvient because if you are ever unsure about the oil level in a car, the only correct solution is to drain and refill because damage could occur while warming it up. I'll try checking it cold to see if anything registers to get a cold temperature reference. One might also ponder why the electrical sensor is built into the dipstick and requires remove/reinstallation of the wiring harness to check the oil, but I have the discretion to not mention that point. | ||
| Ken A (Zff)
New member Username: Zff Post Number: 12 Registered: 12-2002 |
I have the SAME problem with my 308! It drives me nuts! I've found what helps is to press a white paper napkin to the dipstick and watch the way the oil stains the napkin. Like many of you, I do this several times to be sure. I check the dipstick when I change the oil -- right after I drain the crankcase -- just so I know what it looks like dry. | ||
| Henryk (Henryk)
Member Username: Henryk Post Number: 513 Registered: 8-2001 |
Peter: Are you taking the oil level reading a minute, or so, after shutting the engine down......as the manual suggets? I have noticed that, in the morning, the level is ALWAYS too low!!!!! One should NEVER check the oil level when the engine is cold......the oil seems to drain into the sump, thus always showing a LOW reading. I now check the oil level, about 1-2 minutes after shutting the engine down. There is some oil on the side of the dipstick, however, where it crosses the whole dipstick, is where it is read. Take several readings. | ||
| Bill Steele (Glassman)
Junior Member Username: Glassman Post Number: 163 Registered: 4-2002 |
I use magnifying glasses. It is impossible to see the oil line with fresh oil any other way! | ||
| Craig Dewey (Craigfl)
Member Username: Craigfl Post Number: 556 Registered: 1-2001 |
Mine is the same. Sometimes I take 3 or 4 readings just to be sure. Wipe it clean from top to bottom (with a twist) each time. | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Advanced Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 2603 Registered: 8-2002 |
That's why the dealer charges $ 150 for an oil change.  | ||
| Peter Polasek (Peterp)
Junior Member Username: Peterp Post Number: 59 Registered: 8-2002 |
I find it almost impossible to see the oil level on the dipstick (Mondial 3.2). The color of the indicator is dark tan so it blends in with the oil. The shape of the dipstick doesn't help either because it looks like it picks up oil from the sides of the dipstick tube. Is there a trick to this? I just changed oil with Mobil 1(added 9 quarts) and I THINK it's full according to the reading. My engine has never burned oil, so I'm probably safe -- but I'm not comfortable being unsure if I could detect it if it ever was low. As usual, sorry if this is a stupid question. |