Oil level

Hello all!

I know it is supposed to be checked when engine is hot, but what do you read on the dipstick when it’s cold before starting it for its weekend trip??

Thanks!!

 

I guess as long as its somewhere between min and max you'd be ok!

 

Thanks Graham, I agree but I was wondering about the difference between the hot and cold level...

 

Hi Roger, normally the level of the oil must to be checked 15 minutes after stopping the engine as seen on the repair manual.

 

Hello Caruso and thank you!
As writen in my first post I know that.
Just wanted to know which other may observe between hot and cold level, that’s all...

 

When the engine is cold the level must be at the maximum on the dipstick

 

Hi Stèphane,

I don't think it's easy to measure any significant cold-hot difference in oil level on these engines. They have a substantial and wide wet sump with probably 15 litres at full level - the rest of the 2-3 litres will be dispersed around in oil passages/cooler/filters. Engine oil generally expands about 4% for every 38 dgr.C (100 dgr.F) so the difference in volume between oil at 20 dgr.C and 100 dgr.C would be about 8%.

If you measure the distance between min-max on the dipstick and take 8% of that you might get 3mm of difference on the stick

 

Easiest way to figure it out is check it cold, then check it after its warm as per manual. Compare difference. If low, top off to proper level, check it next morning cold.

I wouldnt worry about starting it if your not sure if its high enough unless you see nothing on the dipstick, or a huge pool of oil on the floor.

Min oil level is really for hard driving in corners, high rpm. For starting and idling and easy driving, being on the low side shouldnt be 'risky' for starting and warming up.

 

Hi gentlemen!

Got my answer!
My thoughts were: warm level should be higher than cold due to the oil expansion brilliantly and accurately described by Arvid
But even after a 20 minutes stop allowing oil to get back down to the sump, I have got a lower level when warm, hence my askings...

So next to maximum when cold looks like a nice idea.

Thanks again!!