Concerning oil level accuracy at dipstick

[wesleyc]

When checking oil level. Follow directions on the sticker in the engine bay. But how do you know when the temp is ready ? When my temp gauge hit a steady 9 o'clock and I feel my oil cooling fan running. Then check it at the dipstick. I've been not letting my oil get hot enough for a level check for over a year. Only made about a half quart difference. Us newbies still need to get it right though.

[Newsboy]

Just go for a 10 mile drive and then check the level. I keep mine between the two lines on the dipstick, which for me is around 2/3 up on the oil level gauge.

[wesleyc]

Driving 10 minutes then checking level works good in summer with oklahoma temps in the mid 90 degrees. In fall and winter it's surprisingly hard to get the oil temp high enough for a accurate check. Last winter I drove to a town 30 miles away. Checked oil when I arrived home. It showed to be too high. Oil was circulating to oil cooler but not hot enough to start the fan. Changing from 0-40 to 15-50 oil had a little to do with it to. Level gauge and dipstick were more accurate in less time with 0-40. No way I would go back to 0-40 though

[BimmerDob]

I think you may be over thinking it. There are 10 Qrts of oil, more then enough for lubrication! The greater volume is needed for the cooling aspect (lots of pipes to fill and radiators up front). When you check the oil level on the dip stick, you are checking the oil tank not the engine (dry sump).

Oil flowing but fan not running is fine and normal, it is warm enough if flowing.

The first symptom of low oil will be overheating, which in turn will break down the lubrication capabilities of the oil and also induce heat failure into the engine parts. So if you are having trouble getting the car up to temp in the cooler months and you have oil in the proper range on the dip stick, then you have enough oil :-)

If worried about starting lubrication after sitting in cold temps, pull DME and crank over the engine to get the oil flowing, then reinsert DME and start engine. Common technique for garage queens.

Check out post #27 for how the whole system is connected and see what you are measuring.

Oil Flow Diagram

[crg53]

I fully agree with BimmerDob, you are over thinking this. As I said to you in the OTHER thread you started about the same issue, get the engine temp up to 194 degrees (picture of gauge posted) when car is stationary, and then compare oil level gauge to dipstick, that is your benchmark.
I have made a mark on my dipstick half way between the factory marks, and that corresponds to oil level gauge showing half full at 194 degrees. If yours is different, that is fine, but this way you know were your oil level is at.

[wesleyc]

A mark on the dipstick is a great idea. I never thought of pulling the DME when it's real cold out. As always I learn a bit when on this forum. And Yes I probably am overthinking it. I'm a bit anal about checking oil levels. I actually wore out my Landcruiser's hood struts from opening and closing too many times to check its oil. thanks for some clarity about this.

[crg53]

You don't need to pull the DME when it is cold outside, do you honestly thing Porsche designed the car like that, if you use your car in cold temperatures, you change the oil viscosity accordingly.
It is however, a good idea to pull the DME if the car has been sitting for longer periods of time i.e. several month, and crank it until you have oil pressure.

[wesleyc]

Unfortunately in oklahoma we can have a 40 degree temp change in 12 hours. But advise well taken. I would probably forget the DME until the car was already running anyway.