I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Oil fill level on dipstick
Hello all,
I changed my oil by myself a couple of months ago and have since ordered a new dipstick as I can’t honestly read the oil level on my old one at all. The new Mazda one arrived but it seems like my oil level seems really high? I added what should have been the correct amount (about 4.3 liters) however I can’t really get a good reading on the dipstick as to what it actually is which has my worrying.
When I check the oil with the engine cold, it seems like it’s about at the right level, but then if I run it for a few minutes the oil level is all the way up the dipstick almost to the handle. When I wipe it off and try again it seems to be well passed the twist on the dipstick and it’s got me worried. I have been driving after the oil change for 2.5 months and haven’t had any smoke coming from the back or any other issues of that sort, however I don’t drive very often, and not for very long distances so I’d prefer to be absolutely sure. Below are some photos, thank you in advance!
you need to leave the engine to cool and, more importantly, let the oil drain back down towards the bottom of the sump.
The 2 holes on the new dipstick indicate the lower and upper level. You need the oil to be at the top hole area when it has settled.
Remove the dipstick, wipe it with a tissue/old rag. Replace dipstick. Wait. Remove and see where the oil level is.
That should do it
My oil level check always was, leave overnight and check the level before the first start of the day. For a really clean dipstick check, do the above but leave the dipstick out of the tube, then dip the oil.
Do remember if leaving the dipstick to replace of course, I used to leave the bonnet open to remind me, my car was garaged.
To add, it’s always been problematic for some to read the oil level, doing the above was ok for me, old stick or with the replacement one, this is despite what the manual or experts say.
I gave my new style dipstick a light scuff with emery paper in the oil reading area.
It seems to help the oil stick to the dipstick so it is easier to read.
I always check the oil when the engine is cold, on a level surface. That way I can guarantee that all the old has returned to the sump. Dont have any problem with reading the new style dipstick.
If you think reading an MX5 NC dipstick is difficult, you should try reading a R56 Mini. In both cases the actual dipstick is too wide and drags oil up the tube contaminating the reading. I bought this on eBay and it was too long but I managed to calibrate it to get the right reading by measuring it against the existing dipstick. The end is only 3.5 mms wide and gets a good reading each time but I do not leave it in place, only use it for readings. My MX5 is arriving on Thursday so will try it out after getting the right length.
