Flippin Dip Stick!
 

Hi guys,

I'm coming up on an oil change so I tried checking my oil level. I don't remember having this issue before but I can not read the oil level on my dip stick to save my life. I've tried checking when the car is completely cold, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes after a warm-up cycle, and also after parking from a cruise (also after giving the oil time to settle). And yes, I've made sure the car is sitting on a flat surface. I've even tried checking while the car is sitting in three different level areas (driveway, garage, and parking garage at work).

I've tried etching into the dipstick to give it more grip on the oil, but it seems EVERY time I pull it out, the oil is on the edge of the stick and not at all on the surface. I've wiped it off, reinserted the dip stick and when I pull it out, the flat part is completely dry to the touch while the oil sticks to the edge. If I check the opposite side, it's also completely dry with no oil whatsoever, even on the edge. I've also tried turning the dipstick 90 degrees before inserting but I get enough resistance that it's obvious it only wants to go in at a certain angle. I also tried 180 degrees from where it was (proper angle, just opposite side of the stick) as it's very slightly bent, but still no luck.

I was paranoid that maybe I was running dry, so I tried filling a small amount (about 1/10 of a quart) and I can see the oil level rise accordingly on the dipstick (reading from the edge). Now I'm even more paranoid because if that oil level is accurate while it's showing on the edge of the dipstick, then I am now OVER the limit. (See pic)

Just to clarify, on my last oil change, I was able to read the dipstick properly after filling up and was just under the FULL dot. Filled with EXACTLY 5.7 qt of Redline 0W20. I've already tried searching the forums and I see others have had this same issue where it only shows on the edge of the stick but I haven't seen any way to get a proper reading.

It's embarrassing to not be able to check my own oil level. lol. HALP!

It has to be checked warm. So run the car, wait 5 minutes, check. Flat surface. Check both sides of the stick. This is very important. The lowest reading is the true reading.

If there's no oil in the drilled through holes, You're running way low.
The curve in the tube at the bottom puts it in at an angle. Won't be level across the width of the stick.
Should be readable if there's actually oil in it.
There will always be oil on the tube walls that will scrape out on the edges.
Unless it's reeeel empty.

I have ran into the same situation myself when I first changed the oil on my FRS lol.

I did the same exact procedures you have done and still can't accurately read where my oil level is. I had at least 2 other people with me to double check my oil level to give me peace of mind.

Add little by little, to see if there is any difference on the dip stick rather than adding too much and have to drain the oil again. I recommend having a fumoto oil drain valve for this situation and for easy oil changes.


I think following the owner's manual on how much oil should be put in should help. There is also a dipstick that ft86sf offers that they say would give the "most accurate" reading if that is what you want.

Hope this halps! :thumbsup:

Looks to me that the dip stick is not "dipping" into the oil in the pan which means you're either not on a level surface or you are running very low. Do that oil change ASAP and measure how much oil you actually drain out.

That's what I'm afraid of. I just don't see how I can be so critically low. My last oil change was maybe 5k miles ago, I have no leaks and I'm not burning oil. I'm tempted to just flush and fill tonight but the oil filter is still on its way. Would changing the filter post-fill be okay? I'm trying to avoid oil starvation and the dreaded spun rod bearing.

One of these might help? http://www.ft86speedfactory.com/supe...2013-ft86.html

bcj is right on, no oil in the hole at the bottom - you are very low.
It sounds like you do not check on a regular basis, if you wait for the light it is almost too late.

None that you know of....

I almost bought that drain valve but I wasn't sure if it was magnetic. I like to see how much metal has built up, so I have a magnetic drain plug (no valve).

As far as FT86SF's dip stick, from what I can tell it just has a button that relieves the pressure caused by the O-Ring. I think unscrewing the oil fill cap has the same effect, but I'm no expert. It also seemed a bit overpriced for a dip stick, so I didn't give into it.

Allright, you guys scared me enough. haha. Will be draining it tonight and the filter will just have to get replaced when it comes tomorrow. I don't want to wait any longer in case it really is that low. Will post with an update.

I would add oil right away asap. Check the oil level and ensure your at the right level. Then do an oil change. If you can't or don't want to waste oil then buy a 5q jug of oil and a single quart bottle. Drain completely then refill with the entire 5q jug and about half the quart. Manual calls for 5.7quarts I believe. Then run car and sit for 5 and re check, get in the habit of checking your oil weekly or by weekly.
My personal tip is Walmart online seems to have great prices on oil, I always buy from there.

True, if the full 5.7 qt doesn't drain out, I'll look around a bit more.

I feel like it would have to be dripping from the drain plug for me to not notice and I did torque it to spec when I did the last change. I checked the common leak spots for the 2013s. Don't know the name of the part, but one is here: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...t=26197&page=2

And the other is the base of the dip stick holder itself. If there are any other common leak areas for 2013s, someone please let me know so I can inspect those as well.

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