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Tips for reading the dipstick

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Tommy, Nov 16, 2009.

  1. Nov 16, 2009 at 10:01 AM
    #1
    Tommy

    Tommy [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I can't read this damn thing to save my life!! I've even left the truck set overnight, still looks like theres 20 gallons of oil in my engine. I've put 5 and half quarts in, the dealer mech says put in 6 but hell I don't even know where I'm at on the dipshit, any tips for reading this oil soaked bastard?
     
    TacoEngineer23 likes this.
  2. Nov 16, 2009 at 10:02 AM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    You can sand or scuff up the dipstick to make it easier to read.
     
  3. Nov 16, 2009 at 10:07 AM
    #3
    Tommy

    Tommy [OP] Well-Known Member

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    How will sanding help if there is oil half way up the stick?
     
  4. Nov 16, 2009 at 10:11 AM
    #4
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Odds are, the oil isnt halfway up the stick. Sanding the dip stick will give a more accurate reading as to where the actual oil level is.
     
  5. Nov 16, 2009 at 10:12 AM
    #5
    wilsonpj

    wilsonpj Well-Known Member

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    Make sure you clean it off real good before putting it back in.
     
  6. Nov 16, 2009 at 10:30 AM
    #6
    WoadWunner

    WoadWunner Well-Known Member

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    Read the owners manual
     
  7. Nov 16, 2009 at 11:57 AM
    #7
    pataco

    pataco Well-Known Member

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    did u drain the old oil out first?had to ask
     
  8. Nov 16, 2009 at 12:01 PM
    #8
    Dark Knight

    Dark Knight Well-Known Member

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    A few bolts are different.
    [​IMG]


    sorry Tommy had to do it.... but for real, if you have emptied out all the old oil before putting in the new. 5.5 qts is right on the money.
     
    DrFunker and billybob50 like this.
  9. Nov 16, 2009 at 12:19 PM
    #9
    hillbillynwv

    hillbillynwv Well-Known Member

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    Don't feel bad Tommy, The dipstick is unreadable to me also as if the dipstick has wax on it and the oil can't stick to it. Just put the right amount of oil in according to your manual and say fuck it till the next 5K miles.
     
    QChawks, spitdog and koditten like this.
  10. Nov 16, 2009 at 1:50 PM
    #10
    Tommy

    Tommy [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yes, I did drop the old oil first. I think I will try sanding it, that makes sense to me that if the dang thing is waxed then roughing it up a bit will help the oil stick evenly. Glad to see that everyone agrees its a piece of shit though.
     
  11. Nov 16, 2009 at 2:31 PM
    #11
    pataco

    pataco Well-Known Member

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    mine is so black i never had a problem reading it.i guess clean oil will fool u.
     
  12. Nov 16, 2009 at 2:41 PM
    #12
    pataco

    pataco Well-Known Member

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  13. Nov 16, 2009 at 3:47 PM
    #13
    Masada

    Masada Well-Known Member

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    Do you wipe the dip stick off before inserting it back in to get a reading?
     
  14. Nov 16, 2009 at 3:48 PM
    #14
    URBIKESUCKS

    URBIKESUCKS Well-Known Member

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    You would think on a 27k truck they could get this right.
    I was upset about the trans as well but after 10k they found a fix (reflash) shit like this amazes me.
     
  15. Nov 16, 2009 at 4:51 PM
    #15
    Tommy

    Tommy [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, I wipe. I sanded the dip in crisscross motions with heavy sandpaper and it does help, although 5.5 quarts has me right at full, so if I do what the manual says or what the dealer says and put in 6.1 or 6 I'll be way over full according to the dip. Thats screwed up. I've seen the other threads on this , I guess I'll just flip a coin and either follow the dip or follow the manual.
     
  16. Feb 25, 2016 at 1:11 PM
    #16
    Dirtboyz

    Dirtboyz Well-Known Member

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    Sorry to jump in but what do you mean about the trans? I have the same year just a sport and get terrible mpg hopefully this is what you are talking about and there is hope through a reprogram on shift points. Thanks.
     
  17. Feb 25, 2016 at 1:17 PM
    #17
    xJuice

    xJuice My spoon is too Big!

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    Not sure which engine you have. I've found in my V6 that yes there may be oil all up and down the sides of it, but when you pull it out, flip it over. The back side of the stick seems to be the best for reading and has less 'extra' oil on it, so it's easier to see the oil line that goes all the way across.
     
  18. Feb 25, 2016 at 1:19 PM
    #18
    CO Ryan

    CO Ryan Well-Known Member

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    stuff
    I wouldn't mind 'jumping in', this thread is nearly 7 years old lol. I'm guessing URBIKESUCKS didn't have the 2014 yet in 2009 though...
     
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  19. Feb 25, 2016 at 3:51 PM
    #19
    billybob50

    billybob50 Well-Known Member

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    Had a job 40 years ago at a dealership. Had to drive with a mechanic to a gas station. Customer just bought a new Oldsmobile stop and got gas, saw it didn't have any oil. So he called the dealership to come and get the car. We got there he pulled it out and wiped it. Stuck it in pulled it out and let the light hit it, so you could see the oil glisten in the light. Never forgot that, works every time weather light bulb or sunlight hits the oil works every time!
     
  20. Feb 25, 2016 at 11:55 PM
    #20
    Dirtboyz

    Dirtboyz Well-Known Member

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    I'm guessing you're correct that's why I asked him because he had the same year as mine and therefore "sorry to jump in" because it was off topic.
     

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