engine and drivetrain Reading my oil dipstick?

[rikers_mailbox]

Oil dispstick is showing that my oil level is at the bottom line (farthest from the handle). What is the nominal oil level? ...at the top line? inbetween?

I know that my engine has an oil leak (getting fixed) so I'm concerned about the rate of oil loss. Just want to see if I should add some...

and if so, what kind and how much?

disclaimer: I've only owned an '02 for two weeks. No owners manual included.

[Guest dutch]

add whatever is allready in it and add a quart. if you dont know whats in it, it wont hurt to change all of the oil. go with mobile 1 synthetic its what i use

[BillWilliams]

The bottom line means you are one quart low, the upper line, you are just right. Many of these cars seem to like to run about 1/2 quart below the full line. For some reason, "windage" the boys will tell you over libations, cause the M10 motors to blow by the first 1/2 quart even in good motors.

If you keep it somewhere between 1/2 and 1 quart low you are ok.

Unless you have a newly built motor or just have a passion for synthetic oil it may not offer as many benefits to you. Synthetics offer an edge on organics at the ends of the spectrum of the performance range. That spectrum being when organics start to break down and synthetics can and will lubricate in the places organics can't. There have been many intelligent posts on the forum on oil and some good links to research.

Organic oil is fine in many applications and for many people. You make the choice between organic and synthetic. I suggest which ever way you go, to consider changing you filter every 3,000 miles and your oil every fall or early winter to get rid of the acids that build up in oil. Obviously also change your oil at the intervals suggested by the organic (3,000 miles) oil manufacturer or the synthetic oil manufacturer.

For now, put in a guart of a good brand of 15W-50 and change the oil and filter the first chance you get. When you do, add 4.5 quarts of oil and ensure your oil level reaches the top line on your dipstick. If the nice clean oil line is not at that level, adjust your dipstick so that is. You can adjust your dipstick by loosening the top hose clamp on the small piece of hose that connects your dipstick tube and the boss on the block, then slide your dipstick tube up or down accordingly, tighten and recheck.

By the way, that space (plenum) on the drivers side and passenger side by the wiper mechanism, is designed to hold a quart of spare oil :-)

OIL CHANGE TIP from someone on this board about a year ago: Loosen your filter with whatever wrench or pliers you choose, put a large baggie over the filter and continue unscrewing the filter by hand. All of that nasty oil and filter end up in the baggie, not on the side of your motor. I thought that tip was fabulous!

[jgmgti]

Bill,

Baggies over the filter....good tip

jgmgti

[Napes]

between the 2 marks. Then it doesn't change 'til the next 3K miles oil change.

[rikers_mailbox]

Thanks much, Bill. Exactly the advise I was looking for!

I just topped-off the oil to get me through until the weekend without worry... I'll change the oil then per your comments.

[dlhoovler]

(nt)