Oil level - dip stick reading

[MartinA]

I find that when I check the engine oil the dip stick shows alevel between the two marks, if I then dip it again the level is below the lowest mark. A local mechanic told me that this is normal on some french cars and a small reservoir that the dip stick goes into that needs to refill.

I think I must have over filled recently which caused a leak from the sump.

 

[Cornish4]

Hi Martin. Well, I've not heard that one before. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it off, replace it, pull it out again, and you should get a true reading. Over filling will not cause a leak from the sump, but it's not recommended.

 

[MartinA]

Thats the way I have always checked oil levels. The interesting thing is if I dip the oil as ou say and then leave it without starting the engine the level goes back to the high reading. Very strange.

 

[Cornish4]

Hi Martin, sorry, I wasn't trying to teach my granny how to suck eggs. As long as the oil level is somewhere around the full mark all will be fine I'm sure. Enjoy your 4.
All the best Brian.

 

[MartinA]

I am still not happy about the oil level so I think I might drain the oil and measure the amount. Can someone let me know the sump capacity of a 1108cc engine please.

 

[Andy McGhee]

I am still not happy about the oil level so I think I might drain the oil and measure the amount. Can someone let me know the sump capacity of a 1108cc engine please.

3.25 litres.

 

[MartinA]

Thank you.

 

[malcolm]

The end of the dipstick sits in the sump so the reading on the dipstick should never be lower than the level in the sump. It might be picking up oil from the dipstick tube as you pull it up the first time. I think the second reading will be the more reliable.

 

[MartinA]

The interesting thing is that if I put more oil in the first reading is also higher. I did measure the amount I put in originally and I thought had put in the correct amount.

 

[JdeW]

Remember that capillary action also has an effect on the reading when accidentally mixing mineral and synthetic oil, old and new oil as well as multi- and monograde oil.