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Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
August 2003
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True oil level?
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Wed, 29 October 2003 21:34
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Okay guys... call me stupid if you want but how do you get the most accurate reading on the dipstick. The owners manual says to get the engine to operating temp, park on level ground, turn off the engine and wait a couple of minutes for the oil to drain into the bottom of the engine.
When i do this, the reading is on the full mark. (Just had the oil changed by Toyota). However when i check the level when it is cold (sitting for a few hours) the level is above the full mark by a couple of mm. Shouldn't the true level be when all the oil has drained after a couple of hours or do manufacturers set it so the accurate reading is when most people check their oil - at the servo.
Has Toyota overfilled my oil?
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Location:
NSW, East Coast
Registered:
July 2003
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Re: True oil level?
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Wed, 29 October 2003 22:28
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I think and someone can correct me if im wrong but when oil is warm it is thinner so there 4 it will sit more compact.
When it is cool it is thicker there 4 it will sit less compact.
I know it doesnt make much sense but i hope you get my drift.
I also think there needs to be a certain amount of oil in the sump at all times, so there needs to be a certain amount in the engine so that you dont under-fill the oil.
Just my 2c worth.
Someone please correct me if im wrong.
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Location:
Menai area of Sydney
Registered:
June 2003
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Re: True oil level?
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Wed, 29 October 2003 22:39
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It's just a definition of "true oil level". The Toyota guys did for Hawk what is "normally" accepted as the proper way. So you have two "true oil levels" - one when warm, one when cold. If you try to top your oil up when the engine and oil are cold, it will take ages to drain down into the sump. So stick to the Toyota way and this will keep the appropriate amount of oil in the sump when you're driving. Cheers, 
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Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
July 2002
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Location:
Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Japan
Registered:
January 2003
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Re: True oil level?
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Thu, 30 October 2003 01:01
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yup, it's all about where the oil is in the motor... just after you turn the motor off, the oil galleries, pump and filter are all full, ie approximating running levels, but after a while, all that oil makes its way back into the sump (well, maybe not if you have a drain back valve in the filter)
but yeah, measuring when hot, a few minutes after turning off is good practice.
Cya, Stewart
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Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
August 2003
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Re: True oil level?
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Thu, 30 October 2003 01:23
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Thanks guys for clearing that up for me.
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