Factory Oil Fill Level

[RAWR BRZ]

Guys I came from BMWs and have no idea how to read this dip stick... I assume the oil has to fill the hole completely is that correct? So if the top hole isnt completely filled with oil that means it isnt full? And if it is overfilled I look at the U above the top hole which will indicate how much it is overfilled. Now for the bottom hole how much oil does that one indicate? -1 quart or liter? Thanks

[bluesubie]

Originally Posted by RAWR BRZ

Guys I came from BMWs and have no idea how to read this dip stick... I assume the oil has to fill the hole completely is that correct? So if the top hole isnt completely filled with oil that means it isnt full? And if it is overfilled I look at the U above the top hole which will indicate how much it is overfilled. Now for the bottom hole how much oil does that one indicate? -1 quart or liter? Thanks

If the dipstick is the same as other Subaru's, the notch above the "F" hole is the maximum oil level when the engine is hot. And generally you are one quart low when it is on the "L". Doesn't the manual have drawings?

-Dennis

[RAWR BRZ]

Originally Posted by bluesubie

If the dipstick is the same as other Subaru's, the notch above the "F" hole is the maximum oil level when the engine is hot. And generally you are one quart low when it is on the "L". Doesn't the manual have drawings?

-Dennis

I didnt open my manual

Thanks though!

[Z3D]

I am so put back on why nearly ALL manufacture cant seem to design an oil dipstick that displays proper level of oil within the engine correctly.

-_______-

[ft_sjo]

An important fact was earlier in this thread but no one seemed to pick up on it:

CHECK BOTH SIDES OF THE DIPSTICK AND USE THE LOWER READING

Oil streaks on one side.

[AZP Installs]

Originally Posted by ahausheer

It is a problem to me. A car is likely the second most expensive thing you will ever purchase in your life. It had better be right from the factory. If you chronically overfilled the oil and ever needed warranty work because of that, you could easily be denied. If it is actually overfilled this is unacceptable. Take it back to the dealer and show them, watch them check it and see what they say.

HOWEVER, some engines are very very sensitive to checking the oil level on flat ground, even slight inclines will significantly effect the level so keep that in mind.

The cars need to be perfectly level when they are checked. Even a 1% grade can cause an issue on the boxer engine oil check.

With that said, remember there are acceptable variances in terms of how much oil can be in the engine. If you think that 1/2 quart of oil extra in your engine is going to cause it to blow you are very very sorely mistaken. Now 2 quarts extra in there? Yeah that's not good, but a 1/2 quart is NOT going to cause an issue, not nearly as bad as being low 1/2 quart.

-Mike Paisan


11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts.
Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us.
Like us on Facebook! | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber |AIM: AZP Installs
"Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!"

[ahausheer]

Originally Posted by AZP Installs

The cars need to be perfectly level when they are checked. Even a 1% grade can cause an issue on the boxer engine oil check.

With that said, remember there are acceptable variances in terms of how much oil can be in the engine. If you think that 1/2 quart of oil extra in your engine is going to cause it to blow you are very very sorely mistaken. Now 2 quarts extra in there? Yeah that's not good, but a 1/2 quart is NOT going to cause an issue, not nearly as bad as being low 1/2 quart.

-Mike Paisan


11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts.
Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us.
Like us on Facebook! | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber |AIM: AZP Installs
"Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!"

True, I tend to overreact.

[Clembo]

Thanks for all the info in this thread - I notice these cars have to be absolutely level to get a correct reading. Just a small nose-down incline will show significant but false overfill. The sandpaper trick works and I've used it for years now. More necessary than ever to get a good reading with synthetic oils.

I agree, a slight overfill won't hurt. As long as the crank doesn't whip the oil, you're fine.

[Ganthrithor]

I'm gonna have to try sanding mine: I get a streak of oil along one edge of the stick that goes about 100% past the full mark, then basically no oil anywhere else. So I guess my engine is somewhere between a quart overfilled and a quart low: very helpful...

[Suberman]

If by being low half a quart (a pint) you mean below minimum on the dipstick then that is correct, bad news for your engine. However if you mean half a quart low between the dipstick marks then that is just wrong. The engine is designed to run indefinitely at rated maximum with the sump oil at the minimum mark.

It is much worse for an engine to be half a quart overfilled than half a quart low on the dipstick.

Modern engines are being built with no dipstick and a purely electronic sump level indicator. These don't even begin to warn you to add oil until you're more than half a quart low.

[Howardwei]

is the reading supposed to be between the dot?

[Black Tire]

Since I started this thread, I though some cross-linking would be useful to the current discussion. Here is another thread that I started, now edited so that the original photos show up:

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...006#post317006

Originally Posted by yayforaddison

A great tip. Get a fine graded sandpaper, and sand about 1cm above the full dot all the way down to the bottom. Makes the oil stick in the right places when you check it

I like it! I think I will try to do this the next time I change the oil.

[Jyn]

Originally Posted by Howardwei

is the reading supposed to be between the dot?

Yeah. Anywhere between Low and High is what you want.

[blackfireball5]

Hey guys, I've been having a pretty tough time understanding where my oil level is at. To make things more confusing I have an oil cooler with lines going to the passenger fog light area, and I have the full blown turbo kit. What's the best way to check the oil level to get an accurate reading of oil?

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