Can't get a decent dipstick reading!!

[Rob Johnson]

Just changed the oil on my 1997 3.0td 95.

It took 6.8 litres and the level looked correct at the time.

Then paranoia crept in and I started thinking there was too much oil in but I can't seem to get a good reading as the dipstick seems to show really high on one side (like it's getting covered in the tube) and lower (albeit a few mms over the top mark) on the other.

Any ideas or reassurance would be great!!

Rob

 

[Beau]

As far as I remember last time I did an oil change mine took about 7.3 litres of oil (oil filter was changed as well). The dipstick then measured about 3/4 full.

I have had it reading over the dipstick a few times and the engine seems fine, making no difference.

 

[Chris]

If you drained it, changed the filter and then put 6.8 lts in, you can't have overfilled it. There is a bit left in the engine and when Toyota used to do mine (a long time ago) they always banged 7 lts straight in and it was always slightly overfilled. 6.8 as a first pass should be fine.

The dipstick does do that. On many cars. You can get a smear up one side. But the true reading should be distinguishable from that. It should look, well, un-smeared really.

Obviously take the reading when it's completely cold and on level ground. Wipe the end of the dipstick quite hard with a dry cloth and then dip it for a couple of seconds. I'd go with the lower reading on the bottom of the stick. Some filters drain more of their oil when they stand and if it looks a little high, that will probably get taken up when you are running. Either way, it's not going to blow up for the sake of an extra half a litre or so.

Chris

 

[Rob Johnson]

Cheers Guys, you have put my mind at rest!