Stupid question for you all to argue...What is the proper why to check your Oil Level

[suprasurrey]

I`ve just had a look in my Toyota Supra owners manual and it says, `With the engine turned off and at operating temperature, check the oil level on the oil dipstick`.

[Justin Bieber]

If your really interested heres a expansion formula you can figure it out from, it makes my head hurt looking at it

 

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/volumetric-temperature-expansion-d_315.html

[Lbm]

Great thread.

I just get my Butler to check it.

[DodgyRog]

I`ve just had a look in my Toyota Supra owners manual and it says, `With the engine turned off and at operating temperature, check the oil level on the oil dipstick`.

 

 

Well I guess that's the answer then

 

N/A or TT:eyebrows: (JOKE)

[DodgyRog]

If your really interested heres a expansion formula you can figure it out from, it makes my head hurt looking at it

 

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/volumetric-temperature-expansion-d_315.html

 

 

Holly DO DO, that explains why none of us know:D

[Justin Bieber]

Holly DO DO, that explains why none of us know:D

 

Going on 5 litres of oil, with a 90 degree operating temperature, the oil will roughly expand to 5.26 litres, however I don't know the specific coefficient of your particular oil, but it wouldn't be too different

[Chris Bailey]

When I do a service at work - I always put the oil in the vehicle and check where it is on the dipstick. When it half full on the dipstick I start the vehicle up and leave it running for a minute or two to get the oil flowing around the engine. I then turn it off an top it up if need be and re-check it until its up to the correct level on the dipstick.

Edited July 8, 2013 by Chris Bailey (see edit history)

[Digsy]

But you sais "usually" lol, so did Toyota ?

 

Probably. It would be too complex to factor in all the variables to do it any other way with any degree of repeatability.

[Josh]

I check it whenever. As long as the car's on the flat, hot or cold is all good by me

[Digsy]

When I do a service at work - I always put the oil in the vehicle and check where it is on the dipstick. When it half full on the dipstick I start the vehicle up and leave it running for a minute or two to get the oil flowing around the engine. I then turn it off and re-check it until its up to the correct level on the dipstick.

 

In an enine the size of a 2JZ there's probabably about a quarter of a litre hung up in the head and oilways immediately after key off. Mind you, that's probably cancelled out by the aeration in the oil pan which will probably increase the dipped oil level oil more than any thermal expanson would.

 

I'd always allow the oil to drain down and settle before checking.

[Chris Bailey]

In an enine the size of a 2JZ there's probabably about a quarter of a litre hung up in the head and oilways immediately after key off. Mind you, that's probably cancelled out by the aeration in the oil pan which will probably increase the dipped oil level oil more than any thermal expanson would.

 

I'd always allow the oil to drain down and settle before checking.

 

I often leave it 5 minutes after ive had it running then re-check it!

 

And plus I work on Mercedes Sprinter ambulances so they take 12 litres of engine oil from empty. A little bit more than a 2JZ...

[pedrosixfour]

I go by weight.

 

I honestly don't think I could sleep at night if all I relied on was a weekly check on the oil's proximity to a simple mark stamped into the same dipstick found in thousands of similar engines.

[ellis]

I was always taught to run the car until at NOT, then turn the car off, leave it ten minutes, then go back and check the level.

[mellonman]

I was always taught to run the car until at NOT, then turn the car off, leave it ten minutes, then go back and check the level.

 

i was always the same get it HOT, leave it 5-10 then check

 

if its near the top happy days if its in the middle add more

[stevie_b]

I always check it when the engine's stone cold, because it's the most stable hence repeatable condition. Sounds like Toyota's workshop manual advice is aimed at getting the oil warm (thus expanded a bit), but ensuring it's all drained back into the sump. In my unscientific experience, it takes longer than 10 minutes of rest after key-off to get a repeatable reading on the dipstick.

 

I tend to fill the oil to about 3/4 of the way between min and max. I suppose brimming it accurately to the max mark allows you to monitor oil loss more closely, but about 3/4 is accurate enough for me.

[Digsy]

In my unscientific experience, it takes longer than 10 minutes of rest after key-off to get a repeatable reading on the dipstick.

 

The other issue is that after the engine has run the oil in the sump will be aerated. Granted this will be less if the car is left to idle but it does happen at any engine speed.

 

When we do aeration measurements we fit the sump with a tap, then run the engine up to the required RPM and draw off a sample into a graduated beaker. The volume of il is then measured immediately and then it is alowed to settle for 24 hours and the level is read again. The difference between the two levels gives the % air in the oil by volume.

 

I still think its a non-issue. Any errors in oil fill due to dipstick inaccuracies wont be big enough to cause any harm, to the engine.

[mattdavies]

TI still think its a non-issue. Any errors in oil fill due to dipstick inaccuracies wont be big enough to cause any harm, to the engine.

 

I agree with this considering the Volume of oil needed from the MIN to the MAX is roughly a litre, Therefore there must be a reasonable tolerance built in

[Supra Gaz]

I used to check it from cold on a level service. But out of curiosity I just called Toyota Gatwick, the helpful service manager told me to check it at running temperature. I don't know if this is his personal view or Mr T's.

[ripped_fear]

Intersting thread this one. I personally always check it from cold on a level ground, but that is purelly because it was how i was taught to do so.

[kill1308]

Pull the dipstick out, look at it with your eyes.

 

Use brain to decide if it's high or low

 

The end

[DaveR]

I was always taught to run the car until at NOT, then turn the car off, leave it ten minutes, then go back and check the level.

 

+1 after I do an oil change. Usually I just check it before even turning the key, so cold.

[trebor69]

Get oil up to temp and then let settle for 20 mins or so and then check ......simples

There is an upper and lower level and as long as your oil sits between them then there is enough .....and no need to get too anal .......not too full and not too empty is totally sufficient .

Edited July 9, 2013 by trebor69 (see edit history)

[wile e coyote]

the new mini says to run to temp leave for 1 min then check

[Pulley]

I'd check before I start the car (just in case ) run till warm then settle for 10 mins and check again

I also run a decent oil pressure and temp gauge and an higher pressure threshold switch for my oil pressure light

 

 

Common sense level ground hot or cold I think

[Radio]

When the hydraulic lifts at the back don't go up, it needs oil.....................oh no, got mixed up, that's my tractor. Tomato, tomarto, is it that critical......what's that noise?