2.7 Tacoma Hard to read oil dip stick

I've noticed it's quite difficult to read the oil dipstick on this engine compared to other vehicles I've owned in the past. When I pull out the stick to check the oil, it just looked smeared everywhere. I've tried letting the truck sit and pulling the dipstick out slow to get a accurate reading but I still get the oil smeared along the stick. Does anyone know how to read the dip stick?

 

You pull it out, then wipe it off, stick it back in, then pull it out to check reading.

 

At least yours didn't get stuck..

A TW classic thread:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/am-i-crazy.414572/

Warning! DO NOT read post #581 while consuming a hot beverage. You will hurt yourself.

 

Just wait until it gets really black and nasty. Then it's easy to see!

G.

 

I know that but what I'm trying to say is that this truck doesnt give you a nice flat level reading on the dip stick. When its pulled out the oil is smeared along the whole stick leaving me wondering where the oil level really is at

 

Ah yes. Good ol' oneshort!

 

Pull the dip stick out, wait 5 min and then try again.

 

I haven't looked at the Taco. But my wife's Rav4 doesn't have the knurls between the Hi / Low marks. Makes it hard to read for an old fart like me. I plan on knurling the dipstick myself. Just hadn't decided how I plan on doing it just yet.

 

Tape off the dipstick above and below the oil measurement zone and rough it up with sandpaper, emery cloth, or a dremel. Makes it much easier to read.

 

I've though about using a Dremel. But a little bit concerned about weakening the metal. I've seen a "Knurler"? somewhere around the machine shop where I work. May try to borrow that. Or I may just use a sharp blade like the metal engravers use.

 

I have a 2014 and the dipstick is still horrid. Cant read it to save my life. People on here will tell you that your batshit crazy and give you the proper way to use a dipstick, wiping it off, waiting and re-sticking, like thanks I'm not a total idiot I do know how its SUPPOSED to work, I'm here asking because it's not doing what you suggest Captin Obvious. I now just dump the required amount (6 quarts for me) and call it a day.

 

what a glorious maniac

 

Check it first thing in the morning, before start up.

 

This. ^

 

@PhenixFord I read on here somewhere that someone drilled a small hole in the dipstick to catch the oil at the full mark after verifying it.

 

Works for me too. Then I check my oil between oil changes and if the dipstick has oil on it all is good in the world.

 

This is what I do.

 

Lol pretty much this. I just put 5.5 quarts and called it a day. The dip stick is pretty worthless

 

Pull stick....wipe it....wait 5 min.....put stick back in.....pull.....Now you have a proper reading....!! (don't try a second time without the required 5Min.)….

 

I’ve tried everything to get a solid read on my 2.7! I’ve even tested the reading while filling my oil to see what “low” (4qrts) would look like and it’s looks exactly like full (6qrts)! All smeared and “overfilled” looking. I just put in the needed 6 quarts and call it a day. I’ll periodically check the dipstick to atlest see if it has oil on it and not bone dry.