Inaccurate Oil Level Readings (Help!)

I just changed my engine oil (first Taco oil change) a few weeks ago. Approximately 6 quarts came out and I refilled it with exactly 6 quarts. I checked the oil level after 500 miles and the level was 50% over the fill mark (~17mm over the full mark as shown in the picture). The other side of the stick was completely covered as expected. Since the quantity between the two marks is 1.6 quarts according to the manual, I decided to remove that (apparent) excess quart. So, I siphoned off a quart of oil and the level is STLL exactly 50% over the fill mark like before. Anyone else have this issue?

 

I can't speak for 3rd gen, but on my 2nd gen the only accurate method I have found for checking oil level is check it first thing in the morning when it's cold. If I check it by pulling the dipstick, wiping, re-inserting, and then checking I find the level on the stick is often higher or smeared all over where I can't get a good reading. If I pull the stick first thing in the morning and check that first reading it's normal. What specific method/process are you using to check yours?

 

Thanks! I also pulled the stick this morning and still had bad readings. The side toward the aft of the vehiclde was all smeared and showed a level at 17mm. The back side was still smeared and only showed a tiny level mark in the middle of the smear. Only when I drained two quarts of oil and only the bottom of the stick was wet, did I get a good reading. I just refilled what I took out and called it a day. On my Miata, Jeep and Subaru...checking is a cinch and completely consistent. Thanks for the reply!

 

Are you 100% sure you drained your oil and not your transmission? This happens all to frequently.

 

To help with the dipstick get some sandpaper or scotchbrigh and scuff up the lower portion.

 

Thanks, but i think I have that little tidbit figured out. I have a manual transmission, anyway. No slushboxes for me.

 

Tried that, but the oil is still smeared. I may buy another stick and drill out the dimples. OK?

 

Agree with above, check it cold in the morning if possible.

The tiny dipstick tube is part of the problem. Every time you pull the stick out it drags oil up the tube muddying up the reading. Try pulling the stick out, walk away for 10 minutes and then recheck. That'll give some time for the oil to slide back down to the pan.

Better yet, pull the stick out, go to bed and check it in the morning. Annoying for sure, but it might help get a better look

Another thing to try is to "short stick" it. If you pull the stick for a measurement and think you see the line/mark but aren't sure. Put the stick back in stopping short about 1/2 inch from being fully seated. Pull it out and see if the line/mark moved down the same 1/2 inch distance

 

I have found after 7 years and 15-16 oil changes myself the best way to check the level is to run the engine for a few mins, then shut it off. Give it 3-5 minutes to drain any oil out of the dipstick filler tube and then you’ll get a really nice clean reading.

oil checked on a cold engine in the morning is going to show higher than when warm.

and hate to go there, but are you certain you drained the engine oil? Manual trannys have fluid too and from the sounds of things you have way too much oil in your engine.

 

You can’t get 6qts of gear oil out of the manual transmission so that should be an easy no. And if you can’t tell the difference between gear and engine oil by smell alone from a block away you probably shouldn’t work on stuff in the first place.

 

Thanks, but again...I have that figured out long ago. Plus, manual transmissions don't have dipsticks.

I let my car set overnight and pulled the dipstick like others have said. The non-smeared side did show it perfectly full to the top mark. Cheers!