if that's true then what's the point in checking the oil when you gas up? i usually don't hang around for 3-4 hours at the pump...

 

Well knowing how most people are checking while fueling up will give you a rough indication of how much oil you have, since a lot of people forget to do so regularly.

Howevere, if you want to know EXACTLY how much oil you have its better when it is completely cold as ALL the oil in tour engine gets a chance to drain into the pan.

 

Your oil reading is at its maximum when the engine is cold because, as previously stated, most of the oil will be in the oil pan. If you warm up the engine, you will distribute the oil in the engine comparments and therefore your reading (of the oil left in the oil pan) will be even lower!!! So you better start filling it up!
BTW, it is NORMAL for the S engine to consume oil during break-in, so don't worry. Just check your oil more frequently and fill it up as needed.

 

DJHOHUM:
Follow the manual! The reason to check it "warm" is oil changes vicosity at various temperatures. It expands and is thicker at low temperature, just like water turning to ice (as an exagerated example). Honda has calibrated the stick for warm oil...so measure it warm. As for overfilling, the reason to avoid this is "cavitation". To much oil may cause cavitation which results in air in the oil. Air in the oil means lower oil pressure. Lower oil pressure means heat carrying capacity to remove heat from the lubrications system. Many folks have had natural consumption of large amounts. It's normal! Just keep an eye on it.......

P.S. I lived in San Dimas (Cataract Ave) for 10 years until I transferred to Utah. Stop in at the Casa Del Rey and tell Art (the owner) hello from me. His brother used to be my room mate. My other friend owns the Comfort Suites just down the road on Arrow Highway. Drop me a line.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Utah S2K
[B]DJHOHUM:
Follow the manual! The reason to check it "warm" is oil changes vicosity at various temperatures. It expands and is thicker at low temperature,

 

Ok Ladies.
Lets try this.
Someone go outside and measure the oil level in their cold car.
Then start the car, let it get hot and then measure the oil again...
then go for a drive, measure it again.
Problem Solved...

 

That will give you slightly different results, not because the oil is warm but because it is not all in the pan. When it is running it is circulating through the engine. It takes a little while for all of it to drain down to the oil pan. Oil level will always be highest when it is cold because it has all drained to the bottom, not because of any expansion/contraction.

 

It's really basic physics. Agree the difference is slight but it's there. You say it doesn't matter....does this mean you know more about oil viscosity and measurement then Honda? If you really want to get into it, in addition to the thermal expansion issue, the miniscus (related to viscosity) on the stick is reduced at higher temperature resulting in a flat line across the stick and thus a more accurate reading. Sorry you think it's bull but what do you do for a living if I might ask? I am an engineer and understand physics and fluid dynamics (hydraulic systems) very well

 

Maybe your dipstick is bent! Seriously, there may be half an X difference which certainly doesn't represent a half quart.

[Edited by Big Al on 02-19-2001 at 05:34 PM]

 

DJHohum, just take your car to a dealer every 600m and let them solve it for you, you