1st gen 4runner 22re checking oil

[58rennur4]

So seems simple enough pull out dip stick check oil - right?

Well no not really. I tend to get readings all over the map depending on when I check it. So I consult several manuals to see if I can get a clue. One says check at normal operating temperature, another says cold, one indicates nothing at all other than a description of "how to".

So we all know if you check the oil when hot the reading will be a bit higher or sloppy because the oil has to seep back into the pan. So after many tests and checks I have figured it out without a doubt.

The oil is best checked when cold and the most reliable reading. I verified this 3 times over the last few oil changes. After each oil change I drove minimal miles (2-5) and the next morning checked pure cold and every time exactly what I had added during the change.

You can check it after it has been driven but in my case I need to wait a solid 30 minutes to more like 45 minutes to get accurate reading. Otherwise it registers 1/4 quart high or so.

So that's my story and I am sticking to it :music:

 

[DW4RUNR]

So was the dipstick reading low or high when you were checking? I'm just curious why you had crazy readings?

Anytime you do a oil change, replace filter, drain oil, put proper amount oil in, fire car up, run for a minute. Let the engine sit for 5 min, then check. You shouldn't have that crazy of different readings. How many miles on the engine?

 

[58rennur4]

So was the dipstick reading low or high when you were checking? I'm just curious why you had crazy readings?

Anytime you do a oil change, replace filter, drain oil, put proper amount oil in, fire car up, run for a minute. Let the engine sit for 5 min, then check. You shouldn't have that crazy of different readings. How many miles on the engine?

No in that case after an oil change and 5 minute run it was always good to.

I am talking about driving 20 to 50 or more plus miles and getting the engine at operating temperature. At 5-10 minutes after cool off it would show high by a 1/4 qt or so, then another 10 or so minutes low a 1/4 qt or so... But after a good 45 minutes it shows perfect again and also in morning on total cold motor shows good.

I've got almost 200,000 k and it does not burn any oil using 10w/30 dino.






.

 

[DW4RUNR]

Huh... Sounds weird to me, not sure if this is normal. Sorry for not being helpful

 

[58rennur4]

Huh... Sounds weird to me, not sure if this is normal. Sorry for not being helpful

It makes sense I think. When it is hot oil is everywhere and showing a 1/4 high just in the draining back to the oil pan process. When the bulk of it has drained it shows a 1/4 low but there is still lots of oil stuck to stuff in the upper end. Over night ( or 45 minutes later) it all drains back and wala good reading.

Thanks though... I just posted this because each manual is different and I had seen a few threads when searching asking the question...