Oil level mystery

[Zoonhollis]

There's a nagging issue that I need cleared up from you experts out there. Whenever I check my oil cold, I get ambiguous readings on my dipstick (I know, sounds personal). Let me explain: on one side of the dipstick, there's a clear and unquestionable reading about halfway between the high and low marks. However, on the other side of the stick, the oil pattern is roughly in the shape of a "V", with the lower portion of the "V" about 3/8ths of an inch lower than the good reading on the other side. The upper "arms" of the "V" are the same level as the good reading as well. Is my true oil level that of the good solid reading, or is it that of the lower portion of the "V" on the other side? Just curious...

------------------
Matt
------
Grey/black '84 300D, 194K

[Zoonhollis]

Anybody?

[jeffsr]

Well, without getting into a lot of hydrodynamics, whatever the highest level the oil reaches on the dipstick is your approximate level. Try checking it a few times. Between each dip, give the stick a vigorous wipe. If it betwen the min and max, you're OK..

------------------
Jeff Lawrence
1987 300e
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

[MikeTangas]

I have the same quirk. I check the level several times, always with about a 5 count before removing the dipstick.

------------------
Mike Tangas
73 280 SEL 4.5

[engatwork]

you can practice on the automatic transmission dipstick.
engatwork
'95 E320
'97 Honda CRV

The oil basically keeps running down the dipstick causing the "V" shape, however if you clean the dipstick and stick a dry strip of masking tape (for test only) you will clearly see the level, however as stated before, anywhere between the min and max is OK.


------------------
Mercedes-Benz Master Guild - 2 years
Shop Foreman - 20 + years - dealer.
2000 SL500
1995 E320
1989 300SE

[Zoonhollis]

Thanks for all replies.



------------------
Matt
------
Grey/black '84 300D, 194K

[jeffsr]

Jason, on my 300, about 1 to 1 1/2 qts spans that distance.

------------------
Jeff Lawrence
1987 300e
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

May I ask a question.

How many quarts to have to lose before the oil light comes on and what level will be the dipstick?

------------------
'89 420 SEL
'90 300 SEL
'68 Olds 88 Convertible
'84 300 SD (sold it)

[jeffsr]

Between 1 and 1 1/2 quarts depending on the car.

------------------
Jeff Lawrence
1987 300e
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE