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Oil level confusion

  • 15-01-2016 9:32pm
    #1
    SnakePlissken
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,489 ✭✭✭


    First of all, let me hold my hands up and say though I try to be mechanically minded, sadly my own ineptitude gets in the way too often. For each of the dozen or so cars I've owned over the past number of years checking the oil levels each week had been something I've done as a matter of course, sure it's so simple any auld eejit can do it... Well, this is where my befuddlement comes into play. I recently bought an 09 Mazda 5, checking oil wasn't an issue until the past month, when cold, when I first pull out the dip stick it's clear, not a hint of oil, I'll dip it once more and pull out... Ooh er missus, and it will be near enough the max. It's probably fine but I just find it strange that there's no oil showing when the stick is first pulled out, is this normal? Thanks all


Comments

  • #2
    Supergurrier
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,302 ✭✭✭Supergurrier


    Engine wanted the D again

    Dipstick that is


  • #3
    CJhaughey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,907 ✭✭✭✭CJhaughey


    Some cars have a bubble that forms near the dipstick, and gives strange readings from time to time. I think pulling the dipstick releases the pressure and the next reading is correct.
    Just try it a few times and see what you get.


  • #4
    Special Circumstances
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,569 ✭✭✭Special Circumstances


    See it a lot in subaru forums that there is vacuum/pressure that causes difficulty reading (as well as the angle the dipstick enters on a subaru grr).

    Some people claim that opening the oil cap AND pulling the dipstick releases whatever vacuum/pressure causes the different levels.

    I'd say people think I'm gone fishing down there or something the amount of repetitions I make to be sure of the level in it. Seems to be the only car I've ever seen that takes 0.5 L between min and max rather than 1L.


  • #5
    sogood
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,258 ✭✭✭sogood


    I would always tend to remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, then insert it fully, remove and check the level, sometimes even repeating the process.

    A pint of oil is a lot cheaper than a replacement engine.


  • #6
    savagethegoat
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,297 ✭✭✭savagethegoat


    sogood wrote: »
    I would always tend to remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, then insert it fully, remove and check the level, sometimes even repeating the process.

    A pint of oil is a lot cheaper than a replacement engine.

    that's how I have always done it. Initial reading can be a false reading.


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