Dumb question, but an easy one.
 

I'm new and have a 1985 Targa.

Just checked the oil using the dipstick (at temp, level ground, etc.).

I'm barely just above the bottom mark.

How much do I add? Is one quart of oil the difference between to bottom and top marks on the dipstick?

Thanks in advance.

Lawrence

Don't quote me but i think it's closer to 2 qts.
My suggestion is add 1 qt and check it.
If you have the owners manual it should be listed there.

+1

Pete3799 is right is about two quarts range on stick - and adding only one QT at a time.

+1

The dipstick measures the 'top two' quarts of oil. Do not fill the oil to the top line. Ideally, you want to be half way or one quart up from the bottom line on the stick. Study (but do not rely on) the relationship between the oil tank level gauge and the dip stick reading. At idle and once warmed up to operating temp, the gauge should not be in the red zone, which should indicate that you are at or below the low (fill) line on the dip stick. If the gauge is at 3 o'clock at idle, you should be in the right zone. If it goes to the top, or your dipstick shows your level to the top line, you may end up sucking oil into the intake system and maybe even smoke a bit as a result.

When the oil gets hot it will actually raise up on the dip stick. I like to run it at the bottom line hot. I never incur a leak, or smoking, and my oil usage is very low.

You don't say the engine was running and at idle, was it? If so (as already stated), level is 1/2 way between marks. Good time to see how the in car gauge works also but go by the stick.

The car was at idle and operating temp. I ran it well for over an hour beforehand. A very fun drive!

Thanks to all for the replies.

I'll add a quart and check again and look for the relationship between the dip stick and the gauge.

Lawrence

Oh, one more dumb one: does it matter if I add oil to the car after it has cooled or should I do it when the car is warm or even running?

Thanks.

Add it anytime, I would shut it off 1st though...

You can add it either running or not. Just be careful around the fan and belt. Get a funnel that fits good and stays in place while adding when running.

Add a quart
 

The difference between the two marks on the dipstick is 1.85 qt or 1.75 litres.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1287937454.jpg

Thanks. This information was perfect.

I added a single quart of oil.

The dipstick mark is in a comfortable spot--not too high, not too low. The oil gauge shows a reading in line with the dipstick mark.

Thanks again for the top shelf advice!

Lawrence

Swoboda:
Just as a chaser.....target fill at between the hi and low marks. Routinely filling to the "high" mark is not advised and when the hot(ter) oil expands, it will find its way via tubing and such into the intake tract. It then "looks" like hi oil consumption when in reality it isn't. The overfill also makes a mess of the airbox or other parts of the intake. Ya done good !!