This question is on a par with my "how do you unlatch the transmission fliud dipstick?" question .....

When I check the oil level on my 83 300sd (617 engine) I consistently find that the oil shows a higher level on one side of the dipstick than the other. Quite a difference - about one quarter of an inch.

I've been playing safe and following the lower reading - and it's using virtually no oil. But why is this? I've never seen this on any other vehicle.....

Maybe your not checking on a level surface. Or your wiping oil up the stick when you take it out.

Danny

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1984 300SD Turbo Diesel 150,000 miles

OBK member #23

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Yes, that lock is a funny deal...
The first several times I pulled my dipstick out it had NO oil on it..my heart just about stopped.... Others have reported this same deal... you have to wipe it and put it back in to check it. You also might want to check the color of your dipstick handle.. they made different lengths... once someone reported that they just installed a dipstick from a car they found in a junkyard.... that was a funny one... but you should check ALLDATA.com and plug in your car's specs... that site shows the tech bulletins title free... and some cars like mine there are several concerning them adjusting the oil level by changing the dipstick length....

The last post makes a lot of sense. It seems to be common lore that too many of these engines have too much oil in them if filled to the top dipstick mark. A much lessor initial oil consumption is quoted by only filling to the half way mark between the lower and upper factory marks on the dipstick. Almost as if the company had corrective sticks for new owners complaining about oil consumption.