How to Get Good Oil Level Reading?

[SocalSam]

Let the roasting begin. I read my dipstick this morning and it looked OK. I wiped the stick for a second reading and oil covered a lot more of the stick so that I don't have confidence in actual oil level. I think the first reading is OK but I can't be sure.

How do the old hands around here get and trust an oil level reading? Be kind!

 

[Berty_K]

Let the roasting begin. I read my dipstick this morning and it looked OK. I wiped the stick for a second reading and oil covered a lot more of the stick so that I don't have confidence in actual oil level. I think the first reading is OK but I can't be sure.

How do the old hands around here get and trust an oil level reading? Be kind!

Don't feel bad. It's a common problem a lot of us here have run into. But you should search first before posting. Not trying to be a dick.

• can't read dipstick
• How to check oil level?
• Trouble reading oil levels on dipstick
• Checking Oil
• How to Get Good Oil Level Reading?

Some tips:

• Good lighting
• Let the dip stick sit out for a few minutes so oil in the tube can drip down
• Wipe the dip stick before taking a measurement
• Look at both sides- usually you can see a clear mark on one side, even if the other side is covered
• You can try sand paper/spraying on a light mist of water, but haven't had to do this myself

 

[Cezar]

Use 80 grit to put a crosshatch pattern on the measurement section, that helps. Otherwise I always let it sit overnight to get a good reading. I agree the dipstick on these trucks is absolutely atrocious to read, worst out of any car I have ever owned.

 

[ArthurKotb]

I too check the oil after it sits overnight. It's also easier to read when it's dirty and almost ready for a change. When you pull the stick out oil comes with it and coats the tube, so when you put it in again and take it out there is oil down the edges, making it hard to read. I also find that one side reads better than the other. So let the 4Runner sit level overnight and check it the next day, taking a reading the first time you pull it out.

 

[SocalSam]

I too check the oil after it sits overnight. It's also easier to read when it's dirty and almost ready for a change. When you pull the stick out oil comes with it and coats the tube, so when you put it in again and take it out there is oil down the edges, making it hard to read. I also find that one side reads better than the other. So let the 4Runner sit level overnight and check it the next day, taking a reading the first time you pull it out.

Thanks for replies everyone. I let my noob show, I am only one year into 4th gen ownership. What confused me was trying to check oil level after an oil change. My pump was only able to draw out 4 quarts from the dipstick pipe. I filled with about 4.5 quarts to account for filter and spillage when the filter back flow valve stopped working. Internet says capacity is 5.5 quarts.

 

[SocalSam]

Use 80 grit to put a crosshatch pattern on the measurement section, that helps. Otherwise I always let it sit overnight to get a good reading. I agree the dipstick on these trucks is absolutely atrocious to read, worst out of any car I have ever owned.

Mercedes is worse. Newer ones don't have a dipstick.

 

[ArthurKotb]

Thanks for replies everyone. I let my noob show, I am only one year into 4th gen ownership. What confused me was trying to check oil level after an oil change. My pump was only able to draw out 4 quarts from the dipstick pipe. I filled with about 4.5 quarts to account for filter and spillage when the filter back flow valve stopped working. Internet says capacity is 5.5 quarts.

You're drawing out oil through the dipstick tube? Why not open the drain in the oil pan? Specs for my 2004 says 6.4 quarts.

 

[hungryfobz]

You're drawing out oil through the dipstick tube? Why not open the drain in the oil pan? Specs for my 2004 says 6.4 quarts.

Yours is a V8, for V6 it's 5.5 qts for drain and refill with filter change. I too wonder why he's not using oil pan drain.

 

[ArthurKotb]

Yours is a V8, for V6 it's 5.5 qts for drain and refill with filter change. I too wonder why he's not using oil pan drain.

I was referencing a specification document I had. It shows 6.5 for oil, no mention of engine. It does for everything else but not that; really odd. Of course the owners manual says otherwise.

Maybe he doesn't want to take off the skid plate??? I wouldn't risk it.

 

[Cezar]

I'm able to pull damn near 5.5 qts on the dot through the dipstick tube. If it saves me from crawling under the car then I'm all about it.

 

[ArthurKotb]

I'm under it to change the filter and lube the drive shaft anyway. I've heard of vacuum pumps to take out oil through the dipstick tube but never saw one used.

 

[AuSeeker]

I'm under it to change the filter and lube the drive shaft anyway. I've heard of vacuum pumps to take out oil through the dipstick tube but never saw one used.

On the V6 the oil filter is up on top so no need to crawl under to get to it.

 

[CarlosV]

Oil level...

Turn engine off, wait couple of hours and you will get good oil level reading in the first pull out

 

[ArthurKotb]

On the V6 the oil filter is up on top so no need to crawl under to get to it.

Interesting. I wish they had done something better for the V8. My wife had an 80s Subaru that had the filter on top and you could reach the drain plug from the top also; pretty handy.

 

[Cezar]

Yeah it's great having the filter up top. An oil change for me is 10 minutes or so between that and the vacuum. I couldn't even DRIVE to jiffy lube in that timespan.