Reading the GT dipstick... or trying to!
7/27/08, 07:50 PM
#1
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Reading the GT dipstick... or trying to!
I'm I the only one who thinks the dipstick on the GT stinks? When I check my oil, there seems to be a lot of oil stuck to the sides of the dipstick tube I just can’t seem to get any kind of consistent reading at all.
You can kind of see where the stick gets fully submerged, but all of the excess that gets left on the side of the dipstick from the tube makes it really difficult. With fresh oil, it makes trying to get the oil level to the top of the hashed area all but impossible since it pretty much looks overfilled from the start, even when not fully inserting the stick!
This was never a problem with any of my GM cars. Of course the dipstick was probably the only part that was well designed on those!
Tim
You can kind of see where the stick gets fully submerged, but all of the excess that gets left on the side of the dipstick from the tube makes it really difficult. With fresh oil, it makes trying to get the oil level to the top of the hashed area all but impossible since it pretty much looks overfilled from the start, even when not fully inserting the stick!
This was never a problem with any of my GM cars. Of course the dipstick was probably the only part that was well designed on those!
Tim
Last edited by tdbrown75; 7/27/08 at 08:01 PM.
7/28/08, 03:10 AM
#2
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I agree its not easy to read, especialy in my case that the strut brace is kind of in the way.
However the method I use on my car seems to give me consistant results.
Pull the stick out and wipe the whole thing down with a shop towel, or napkin.
Insert it all the way and pull it out. and read the oil bulge at the bottom.
In any case, your car should take 6 quarts.
However the method I use on my car seems to give me consistant results.
Pull the stick out and wipe the whole thing down with a shop towel, or napkin.
Insert it all the way and pull it out. and read the oil bulge at the bottom.
In any case, your car should take 6 quarts.
7/28/08, 07:45 AM
#5
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No problems here. I don't like the convulated/twisted design that Ford uses for their longer dipsticks. I also found that the Mustang is the FIRST Ford I've owned that gives a FULL reading using the specified fill spec. In every other Ford, going by the manual gets you about 1/4" below FULL. In the Mustang, 6 qt + new filter = FULL, on the mark!
7/28/08, 10:38 AM
#6
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I've noticed that today's very thin oil complicates reading the tip of the dipstick, as well. Thicker oils (more viscous?) were easy to see on the stick. Today's 5W20 blends are almost as thin and clear as canola oil.
7/28/08, 01:25 PM
#7
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Thank for the replies guys. There must be something strange going on with mine, I get a thin trail of oil up the side of the dipstick that makes it hard to read. I did manage to get a “clean” reading after several attempts, but only on one side. I’ll throw this down on my list of minor annoyances that I plan on seeing the dealer about someday. From now on I’m going to throw 6 quarts in and call it a day.
Tim
Tim
7/28/08, 02:55 PM
#9
Cobra Member
Thank for the replies guys. There must be something strange going on with mine, I get a thin trail of oil up the side of the dipstick that makes it hard to read. I did manage to get a “clean” reading after several attempts, but only on one side. I’ll throw this down on my list of minor annoyances that I plan on seeing the dealer about someday. From now on I’m going to throw 6 quarts in and call it a day.
Tim
Tim
My stang is easier to read than my Ranger. Ranger sometimes takes 10 tries!
7/28/08, 03:52 PM
#10
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7/29/08, 11:36 PM
#15
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something i did on my supra which was a PITA to read was drill holes with a 1/16" drill bit about halfway through dipstick, dipped it in epoxy paint (brake caliper stuff) and whiped it off so just a little paint was left in holes but still a recession so you can see the oil level by what holes it filled.
7/30/08, 06:17 AM
#16
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I get the same line of oil up the side of the dipstick, regardless of if I wipe it or not. I guess you need read from where the oil covers the entire dipstick...not really a problem, but a bit of an annoyance when you do your first oil change and are second-guessing whether you put in enough.
Last edited by Andrew07GT; 7/30/08 at 06:18 AM.
7/30/08, 02:07 PM
#17
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I get the same line of oil up the side of the dipstick, regardless of if I wipe it or not. I guess you need read from where the oil covers the entire dipstick...not really a problem, but a bit of an annoyance when you do your first oil change and are second-guessing whether you put in enough.
7/30/08, 02:21 PM
#18
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Because its not. The service specifications (I have the .PDF around here somewhere) calls for 6.5 with filter. Granted there is some left in the engine when you drain. If you want to top it off, it actually takes a little more then six.
Don't listen to me though, I'm the guy having problems reading a dipstick.
Tim
Don't listen to me though, I'm the guy having problems reading a dipstick.
Tim
7/30/08, 02:32 PM
#19
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O.K., you made me look at the service manual. Jun 05 print of the service manual states 6.0 quarts with filter change. Maybe they built yours on a Monday and you got a bigger motor. 
7/30/08, 02:34 PM
#20
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According to the specification, it’s only “full” with 6 quarts if you had a half quart of old oil trapped in the engine. If you want it topped off, and managed to drain a little more then that, then its going to take a little more then 6 quarts to top it off. Does it need to be topped off? No, so long as the level reads between the two holes on the dipstick its fine.
As Andrew said, it is a bit of an annoyance when you do your first oil change and are second-guessing whether you put in enough!
Tim
Last edited by tdbrown75; 7/30/08 at 04:05 PM.