When to check the oil level? Hot or Cold?
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From: Cupertino
When to check the oil level? Hot or Cold?
I checked my oil level when I fill up and it was at full. Now 45mins later I'm 3/5th quart short. Which one is correct? Thanks in advance
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From: Lyndhurst
OH OH!!! Now you've done it. You've opened up that can of worms.
My humble opinion is the one after 45 minutes. That give the oil some time to drain down to the pan. You may have had some oil in the dip stick tube that showed up on the stick.
My humble opinion is the one after 45 minutes. That give the oil some time to drain down to the pan. You may have had some oil in the dip stick tube that showed up on the stick.
I just want the best for my S2000.
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From: Columbia, MD
For right or wrong, I've learned to only check the level after the car has been running for 15-20 minutes...in motion. I've tried letting the car warm up sitting still, but never get any oil to show up on the stick (STILL have no idea why that happens). So, I take her out for a 5 minute ride, come back, wipe off the stick, and check the level on the driver's side of the stick...works like a charm.
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Euclid, OH
Interesting. Not to fan the flames, but so far, if I check the oil when warm, it's always way lower than when cold. If I just start it, roll out of the garage & then shut down (total maybe 20 seconds of running), the level is down at least 2 X's and won't come back up for at least 30-45 minutes. ???? 
All I know is that I check it cold before leaving the garage, so the car is always in the same spot (my driveway is not very level, but the garage is), and I get consistent results.
JonasM
All I know is that I check it cold before leaving the garage, so the car is always in the same spot (my driveway is not very level, but the garage is), and I get consistent results.
JonasM
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From: WA
If you really want an accurate indication of how much oil is in the oil pan you check it when it is cold, which means there has been time for the oil to drain back down. You can check it when still warm but since some oil is still in the upper part of the engine you will have a lower indication on the stick.
I can let my car cool for a full hour after being hot and the oil level will still show about one X low, but if left overnight without adding oil it will show fully to the H.
I can let my car cool for a full hour after being hot and the oil level will still show about one X low, but if left overnight without adding oil it will show fully to the H.
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From: Central USA
[QUOTE]Originally posted by JonasM
[B]Interesting. Not to fan the flames, but so far, if I check the oil when warm, it's always way lower than when cold. If I just start it, roll out of the garage & then shut down (total maybe 20 seconds of running), the level is down at least 2 X's and won't come back up for at least 30-45 minutes. ????
[B]Interesting. Not to fan the flames, but so far, if I check the oil when warm, it's always way lower than when cold. If I just start it, roll out of the garage & then shut down (total maybe 20 seconds of running), the level is down at least 2 X's and won't come back up for at least 30-45 minutes. ????
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From: Euclid, OH
Originally posted by boiler
There is a very good reason for this. When the engine is running, the oil pump is taking the oil from the oil pan and pumping it throughout the engine. The dipstick extends into the pan and reads the level of the oil that is in the pan. If a portion of the oil has just been pumped out of the pan into the engine, then the oil level on the dipstick will come up short. It usually takes a bit of time to let the oil drain out of the engine and back into the pan, before you can get a true reading on the oil level. It is also important to read the dipstick when the car is on a level surface, as well.
I hope that this makes sense,
Bob
There is a very good reason for this. When the engine is running, the oil pump is taking the oil from the oil pan and pumping it throughout the engine. The dipstick extends into the pan and reads the level of the oil that is in the pan. If a portion of the oil has just been pumped out of the pan into the engine, then the oil level on the dipstick will come up short. It usually takes a bit of time to let the oil drain out of the engine and back into the pan, before you can get a true reading on the oil level. It is also important to read the dipstick when the car is on a level surface, as well.
I hope that this makes sense,
Bob
JonasM
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From: Havre de Grace, Maryland
I suggest you read your manual and you will get the information you need. I am not trying to be a smart a$$, but you really should follow what Honda recomends. That is what validates your warranty and if you are questioned when you bring your car in you will definately need to know the correct answer.
To help you out the correct answer is:
Everytime you fill your car up with gass you are suppose to check the oil.
For some on the board the correct answer has saved them big $$$$.
Please read your manual from front to back - it will save alot of questions and insure you do not void your warranty. I hope this helped. Safe motoring.
To help you out the correct answer is:
Everytime you fill your car up with gass you are suppose to check the oil.
For some on the board the correct answer has saved them big $$$$.
Please read your manual from front to back - it will save alot of questions and insure you do not void your warranty. I hope this helped. Safe motoring.
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From: Central USA
[QUOTE]Originally posted by JonasM
[B]
Makes perfect sense, and that's how I've always understood the issue. What I found interesting was MacGyver's experience, where he couldn't get any reading on the dipstick until he'd been driving for a while.
[B]
Makes perfect sense, and that's how I've always understood the issue. What I found interesting was MacGyver's experience, where he couldn't get any reading on the dipstick until he'd been driving for a while.