I've figured out a foolproof way of reading the 993 dipstick without guessing or hoping you've got it right.
The problem is when you remove the wet dipstick you're coating the inside of the dipstick tube with oil as you draw it out. When you re-insert it you cover the stick with oil and get a lousy reading when you remove it again. The tube has such a narrow inner diameter.
Try this: On a cold engine remove the dipstick and set it aside - leave it out. Cover up the opening of the dipstick tube, something that will keep out debris but won't fall off (some sticky tape works fine). Wait an hour or two before you go for a drive - you're letting the tube "drip dry".
Now go for a drive and get the engine/oil hot like you normally would, park it on a level surface, idling, remove the tape and then insert your clean, dry dipstick.
When you remove it the stick will read like any other dipstick: the lower half wet with oil and the upper half dry (if your level is correct to begin with). There is zero head scratching or guessing.
It's a little unconventional but will completely eliminate any frustration. After all, you're not going to read this way all the time just once in a while.
If you don't like the method or are happy with your gauge - don't do it. Try it once though and see how clear the dipstick is to read.
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