DIP STICK

[larglo]

Hi all,

Yesterday I checked the oil and looked to be a little under the "ADD" mark, so I added about 3/4 qt. Reading the stick, I couldn't tell I had added anything, so put the rest in. After checking it one more time, the oil was at the bottom mark on the stick, but that may have been where it was before, couldn't remember?

I got to wondering about the engine being at an angle, and not level, thought the oil was going mostly to the back of the engine?

I'd like to ask you all what is the proper way to check the oil? The two hash marks on the dip stick, when the oil is at the first ADD mark, does that indicate it's a qt low, the same as a car?

I don't want to overfill. I ran the engine till it got to operating temp, and was going to check it again before I left, but forgot to.

Me and the wife are going for our first real cruise today, so will check it again.

Sure would like some advise on the subject of proper way to check the oil and reading the dip stick.

Thanks,,Larry

[Danny Bailey]

Look up your engine oil capacity in your engine manual. Next time you change oil, after you have drained the oil and changed the filter, add all the oil back less one quart. See where it comes on the dipstick and mark it. This is your 'add oil' mark. Add the remining quart, check the dipstick and mark it. This is your 'full' mark. Cummins recommends marking the dipstick with an engraving pen. They say filing or marking with a cold chisel will cause the end to eventually break off.

[larglo]

Danny,

Are saying not to use the marks that are already on the dipstick now, and use new ones based on the oil level after an oil change?

Larry

[captainmaniac]

If you have the right dipstick for the engine, you should be able to rely on its standard markings. The stick will be 'calibrated' to account for the fact that the engine is mounted the way it is. If level didn't change when you added the oil, I would have to wonder (I know, its a stupid question...) if maybe you didn't actually insert it fully when you did the 'after' test?

[Danny Bailey]

Larry,
The method I described is a way to double check your dipstick markings. The end objective is to run your engine with the amount of oil specified in the manual. I just realized I left out a step in that process. After adding all but 1 quart of the new oil, you must start the engine and let it fill the new, empty oil filter. Then you can check the 'add oil' mark.

The marks you have now may be right on. I'm not saying don't use them. Just that if you doubt them, next oil change check them .

[rossjo]

Danny's is absolutely right - thats what I did with my Cummins when I got it and changed the oil.

In your case - where was the oil level the last time you changed it and filled it up? Thats where your top level should be (without having to go through another oil change now).

Don't overfill - or you won't get proper lubrication to the crank (no splashing).

[turtlem1969]

over filling is also a good way to blow seals.

[wowzer52]

Larglo, Use the marks that are already on the stick. When you put oil in give it time to drain to the bottom before checking again. Wipe the stick clean each time before you stick it in to check the oil. Also, check the oil before each cold start-up. Don't be bashful about checking it at random times after shut-down during your cruise,(at anchor or during refueling). Take extra oil with you. You will eventually learn the consumption rate of your engine whether it be a quart every ten hours or none. Keep track of this in your fuel log book, writing down the hour meter at refueling, gallons used, and any time you put in a quart. Most older engines will use some oil. That's why it is important to check often and when it gets a quart low put a quart in. Happy cruising.