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Topic: Measuring oil level (Read 450 times) previous topic - next topic

Measuring oil level

There is no visible high and low level marking on my oil dipstick. How do I measure the level?
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Measuring oil level

Reply #1 –
Assuming this is engine oil dipstick, you will need to CALIBRATE IT at the next oil change:

At the next oil change, drain oil, remove old filter (as usual).

Then install the drain plug and new oil filter and add the engine's correct oil capacity LESS THE NUMBER OF QUARTS you want between the "ADD" and "FULL" marks (let's say 2 quarts).

So for an engine with 20 quart capacity you would add 18 quarts. Run the engine a few minutes, shut off and wait until oil has descended into the pan (at least 30 minutes and an hour is safer).

Pull the dip stick and use a file or dremel tool to mark the oil level "ADD".

Add the remaining two quarts, let the oil settle in the pan, pull the dipstick and mark this the "FULL" mark.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Measuring oil level

Reply #2 –
Thanks Brett, I'm glad I asked before adding the last gallon. I appreciate the quick response.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Measuring oil level

Reply #3 –
So I'm curious why the previous owner didn't do this already.

Maybe just thought "there's oil on the stick so I'm good to go!"...and just trusted his dash would yell at him if it's low??
Dylan and Aimee
2001 U320 4013
Unit# 5896
450 HP/IFS
 

Re: Measuring oil level

Reply #4 –
Quote from: dlkj07 –
So I'm curious why the previous owner didn't do this already.

Maybe just thought "there's oil on the stick so I'm good to go!"...and just trusted his dash would yell at him if it's low??
Probably so. Some people are not "anal" enough in my opinion concerning oil and other fluid levels, counting on as you said for the DIC to flash and say add oil dummy. A friend has a new Mercedes that doesn't even have a dip stick. I would not have it as it would drive me nuts not KNOWING.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Measuring oil level

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Dub –
Probably so. Some people are not "anal" enough in my opinion concerning oil and other fluid levels, counting on as you said for the DIC to flash and say add oil dummy. A friend has a new Mercedes that doesn't even have a dip stick. I would not have it as it would drive me nuts not KNOWING.
I feel ya, my wife's last 2 Audi's haven't had any sticks for tranny or oil and it just doesn't feel right...just learned to have faith 🤷
Dylan and Aimee
2001 U320 4013
Unit# 5896
450 HP/IFS