Reading the dip stick

[DaJo]

On a more serious note, the correct way is always check only when engine is cold when MOST of it's oil has drained back into the pan. It's the most accurate way.

I ALWAYS fill up to the "FULL" mark, no more, no less. That way, I know if my engine is eating oil when I check it the following morning.

Good luck!

[Scrappydoo]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

WTF?

No.

Full is full and best. Any lower and the pump has to do more work.

Too full is a problem when it starts sloshing and getting whipped up.

Stick to the book, everyone. I can't believe some of the shit I'm reading here.

Is it on an even page in the book?

[DandoX]

Originally Posted by Subsonic

OK, I get it. You say without qualification that filling to between the 1/2 and 1/4 mark makes you feel better. No harm in that, unless you are actually recommending it to others. Carry on enjoying your car!

Subsonic

In the manual it just says keep between full and low and add oil if it gets too close or below the low mark, nothing about topping it off to the full mark.

Is there a reason to keep the oil at the full mark? Do you have info to back that up?

For me I've added oil to the full mark only to check it the next day after driving and see it is now above the full mark which I know can be harmful. That is why I don't fill to the full mark. Judging by everyone's reactions I may be wrong but it is a good opportunity to learn what is right and why. Can you or someone else please explain?

[bcj]

Never going to be a literary masterpiece.
Mine barely even has a plot and the protagonist seems to be a slimeball.
Ishmael's got nothing to worry about here.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

WTF?

No.

Full is full and best. Any lower and the pump has to do more work.

Too full is a problem when it starts sloshing and getting whipped up.

Stick to the book, everyone. I can't believe some of the shit I'm reading here.

Yep, I agree, the manufacturer is the one that knows best as to where to keep the oil level.

AND, the manufacturer is the one that made and calibrated the dip stick.

Now, what's to debate ....... ??




humfrz

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

WTF?

No.

Full is full and best. Any lower and the pump has to do more work.

Too full is a problem when it starts sloshing and getting whipped up.

Stick to the book, everyone. I can't believe some of the shit I'm reading here.

Yes yes everyone should re-read the manual:

When checking the oil, look at both sides of the dipstick and use the lower measurement to determine the level of oil (p. 242)

...

Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near the low level mark, add engine oil of the same type as already in the engine. (p. 243)

https://www.toyota.com/owners/resour...uals/fr-s/2013

Not up to the 'full' line, not 'above half' and certainly not 'a pint over'. They give you a minimum threshold and a maximum threshold and all they care about is staying above the minimum and below the maximum.

I won't argue beliefs and anecdotes and oil flow rate calculations, only that the manual does NOT tell you to "fill it all the way up". Personally I think filling it up to the full mark is no problem, engineers are smart and they know people don't read directions (which is why having it at or even below low isn't going to ruin it either). It also says check when warm and more than 5 minutes after you shut the car off.


Anecdote: just did my 60k mile service, never has it once been filled all the way to the "full" mark, even from the factory, you'll all hear about it if I blow an engine. I typically try to keep mine between 1/4 and 1/2, old racing habits die hard but it's never been below 'low'.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Scrappydoo

Is it on an even page in the book?

Depends on whether one is reading the US, or the Queen's version.

[Scrappydoo]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Yes yes everyone should re-read the manual:


https://www.toyota.com/owners/resour...uals/fr-s/2013

Not up to the 'full' line, not 'above half' and certainly not 'a pint over'. They give you a minimum threshold and a maximum threshold and all they care about is staying above the minimum and below the maximum.

I won't argue beliefs and anecdotes and oil flow rate calculations, only that the manual does NOT tell you to "fill it all the way up". Personally I think filling it up to the full mark is no problem, engineers are smart and they know people don't read directions (which is why having it at or even below low isn't going to ruin it either). It also says check when warm and more than 5 minutes after you shut the car off.


Anecdote: just did my 60k mile service, never has it once been filled all the way to the "full" mark, even from the factory, you'll all hear about it if I blow an engine. I typically try to keep mine between 1/4 and 1/2, old racing habits die hard but it's never been below 'low'.

Damn right. You can't be sure unless you fill it right up. Pour as much oil in there as possible and throw the rest on your lawn.

It's your birthright.

[Scrappydoo]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Depends on whether one is reading the US, or the Queen's version.

I don't think our Queen could be bothered with a Subaru.

There are a few queens on here, ask them

[Scrappydoo]

Originally Posted by Scrappydoo

I don't think our Queen could be bothered with a Subaru.

There are a few queens on here, ask them

Not Cole. She is a princess.

[wolffbite]

Originally Posted by DaJo

On a more serious note, the correct way is always check only when engine is cold when MOST of it's oil has drained back into the pan. It's the most accurate way.

I ALWAYS fill up to the "FULL" mark, no more, no less. That way, I know if my engine is eating oil when I check it the following morning.

Good luck!

Page 337 of 2017 manual says otherwise. This makes sense to me because your oil level at operating temperature is what should matter. The difference between hot and cold should be pretty small anyways, but I go by the manual.

Page 338 shows that the oil amount between low and full is 1.1 qt or 1 litre. I just keep a 1L in my trunk and top off to close to full as needed. Only had to do it once in my first 7k kms, maybe 250ml worth. I agree that staying closer to full is probably better, because if the difference is 1.1qt and the car takes 5.7qt, that's almost a 20% difference been low and full.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Yes yes everyone should re-read the manual:


https://www.toyota.com/owners/resour...uals/fr-s/2013

Not up to the 'full' line, not 'above half' and certainly not 'a pint over'. They give you a minimum threshold and a maximum threshold and all they care about is staying above the minimum and below the maximum.

Well, shit! I've read cover to cover and still missed the specifics. Must've skimmed over that.

See, everybody. We all need a good dope slap now and then.

I'll still keep checking mine cold and add 'til it's almost full. For the record, my rough calculation shows that 5 quarts of oil at 20*C will have expanded by about a cup at 80*C

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Scrappydoo

Not Cole. She is a princess.

lol

[Tcoat]

How to Read a Dipstick and What Oil Level Should You Maintain Thread #509,834,418,001.6