Reading the oil dipstick
#1
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When shipped from the factory and after my 1st oil change at my selling dealer, the oil was at the top end of the crosshatched area on the dipstick.
After my second oil change at a different Ford dealer today, the oil is beyond the crosshatched area and up to the 2nd hole in the dipstick. Did they overfill it, or should it be ok?
After my second oil change at a different Ford dealer today, the oil is beyond the crosshatched area and up to the 2nd hole in the dipstick. Did they overfill it, or should it be ok?
#2
Anywhere between the two holes is supposed to be okay, the second hole is the max fill point and should NEVER be exceeded. The oil could foam if filled above that point, and foamy oil does not lubricate the engine properly.
I like to keep it at the top of the cross-hatches.
I like to keep it at the top of the cross-hatches.
Originally posted by barjon@June 4, 2005, 1:03 PM
When shipped from the factory and after my 1st oil change at my selling dealer, the oil was at the top end of the crosshatched area on the dipstick.
After my second oil change at a different Ford dealer today, the oil is beyond the crosshatched area and up to the 2nd hole in the dipstick. Did they overfill it, or should it be ok?
When shipped from the factory and after my 1st oil change at my selling dealer, the oil was at the top end of the crosshatched area on the dipstick.
After my second oil change at a different Ford dealer today, the oil is beyond the crosshatched area and up to the 2nd hole in the dipstick. Did they overfill it, or should it be ok?
#3
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Thanks, Mark.
I called the service dept. and I was told only 5 qts of oil was put in.
I'd feel better if the dipstick reading was only as far up as the end of the crosshatched area, but since it's no further than the 2nd hole I guess I'll try not to worry about it. I'll keep an eye on it for any foaming.
I called the service dept. and I was told only 5 qts of oil was put in.
I'd feel better if the dipstick reading was only as far up as the end of the crosshatched area, but since it's no further than the 2nd hole I guess I'll try not to worry about it. I'll keep an eye on it for any foaming.
#4
Originally posted by barjon@June 4, 2005, 12:25 PM
I called the service dept. and I was told only 5 qts of oil was put in.
I called the service dept. and I was told only 5 qts of oil was put in.
#5
I posted this a long time ago, but, The full mark is the top of the cross marks. The max is the hole in the dipstick. You should always keep it in the crossmark area. If it is above the max mark you could damage the motor.
#6
Another important point is that the car has to be level ! If it's leaning one way or another the dipstick won't give you an accurate reading because the oil in the pan will have sloshed one way or another.
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I took the car back to that Ford dealer to have some oil drained. I also took a copy of the drawing of the dipstick from the owner's manual.
They agreed the oil reading should be within the crosshatched area, and that the hole above that is the absolute maximum before engine damage could occur.
I received an apology (as well as a lame excuse why it was overfilled: their measuring can may not be accurate), and the oil is now at the top of the criss-cross area.
They agreed the oil reading should be within the crosshatched area, and that the hole above that is the absolute maximum before engine damage could occur.
I received an apology (as well as a lame excuse why it was overfilled: their measuring can may not be accurate), and the oil is now at the top of the criss-cross area.
#8
Originally posted by adrenalin@June 4, 2005, 4:10 PM
I posted this a long time ago, but, The full mark is the top of the cross marks. The max is the hole in the dipstick. You should always keep it in the crossmark area. If it is above the max mark you could damage the motor.
I posted this a long time ago, but, The full mark is the top of the cross marks. The max is the hole in the dipstick. You should always keep it in the crossmark area. If it is above the max mark you could damage the motor.
When I took delivery, it was all the way full on the dipstick, so from the factory I am assuming I had at least 7qts of oil. What is up with this , I did not put more than 6 in the car at either oil change
#9
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It seems everyone's is different as far as the dipstick marks?
At 3000 miles, I changed my oil for the second time, making sure to let it drain until all the oil was gone before replacing the drain plug, and then replaced the filter. I put in 6 quarts of Mobil 1 5W-20, and then drove around a bit. Came home, let the car sit for 30 minutes, and checked the oil level. It's at the top line of the crosshatched area.
At 3000 miles, I changed my oil for the second time, making sure to let it drain until all the oil was gone before replacing the drain plug, and then replaced the filter. I put in 6 quarts of Mobil 1 5W-20, and then drove around a bit. Came home, let the car sit for 30 minutes, and checked the oil level. It's at the top line of the crosshatched area.
#10
The 5.4L V8 in my '04 F150 requires 7 quarts, the 4.6L requires 6. It could be that the dealership just gets mixed up on how much to put in.
I do the oil changes myself. It's not hard, and it gives me time to look around the engine compartment and under the vehicle for anything that might need attention too.
I do the oil changes myself. It's not hard, and it gives me time to look around the engine compartment and under the vehicle for anything that might need attention too.
#11
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Originally posted by Dusty1@August 2, 2005, 7:49 PM
and it gives me time to look around the engine compartment and under the vehicle for anything that might need attention too.
and it gives me time to look around the engine compartment and under the vehicle for anything that might need attention too.
LOL, I say everytime I change my oil I say I need to change my Origional radiator hoses. 11 years old 250k miles.
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