Checking the oil! Why so irrregular?

cab83_750 · 09-27-2010, 01:00 AM

I have read the manual and I always check my Z's oil level twice a week. Yes, it may be too much; but after my first engine's oil consumption issue, you can't blame me.

I check the oil level a minimum of 1 hour after shutting it down. So the question is...... how come sometimes it is at the level I expect it to be, and sometimes it is about 1/8 of an inch lower . It is not my imagination as when it is 1/8" lower, I insert and reinsert that diptstick about 5 times to ensure I am not dreaming.

Anyone else noticed this, or is it just my luck with these engines? Is it menopausal?

Yes! Checking the engine oil level is supposed to be a no-brainer. Yes, I am 40+ year-old and I know how to check to oil

My hobby is rebuilding cars (suspension, engine, etc.) I am adding this last paragraph so no one flames me and to establish my semi-credibilitty/qualifications.

Push370zzz · 09-27-2010, 01:17 AM

You need to relax! Everything is going to be fine.

cab83_750 · 09-27-2010, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smashwebs

You need to relax! Everything is going to be fine.

Believe it or not, I am relax knowing I have warranty. I remember AK encountering this issue once, but I am unsure if his experience was a one-time thingy.

After the replacement of my initial engine, the mental scar will always be there.

cab83_750 · 09-27-2010, 02:09 PM

Hello Houston,

Am I the only menopausal? No big deal, 95% of the time, I get consistent reading. I am just wondering if there is a hidden pocket inside the engine where the oil may or may not drain down to the pan.

wishihadnav · 09-27-2010, 04:17 PM

seems like the very slight difference in oil level may be due to the oil temp (expands) when checked..

6MT · 09-27-2010, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smashwebs

You need to relax! Everything is going to be fine.

I really don't get it. I get the same reading every time.

jaycz · 09-27-2010, 06:59 PM

Careful! The more you check it, the more it will burn.

Nice forum guys!

Zaggeron · 09-27-2010, 07:16 PM

based on the thread title I deduce that your car needs more bran

Seriously, an 1/8 of an inch difference in dipstick level is well within the normal margin of error for a dipstick -- there could be a bit more oil clinging to the engine than there was the last time you checked the oil, etc.

6MT · 09-28-2010, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zaggeron

based on the thread title I deduce that your car needs more bran

Seriously, an 1/8 of an inch difference in dipstick level is well within the normal margin of error for a dipstick -- there could be a bit more oil clinging to the engine than there was the last time you checked the oil, etc.

Just think of what you're using as an instrument to check your level. It's a mechanical device with quite a large range of "normal" parameters.

cab83_750 · 09-28-2010, 11:38 AM

I fully agree with everyone. However, mechanical or not, this is the only car I know (out of 20+ cars I have worked on) where the reading varies.

I guess I will need to adjust and update my knowledge-base.

fritz · 09-28-2010, 11:51 AM

Various Benz have a plastic ended dip-stick. If you "dip" it you get a pretty low reading. If you leave the stick in there for a half minute or so the fluid "meniscus" has got level with the oil and the reading is probably true.

(Possible rejection by M-B of warranty claims caused by "over-filling" the engine with oil?)

Zaggeron · 09-28-2010, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cab83_750

I fully agree with everyone. However, mechanical or not, this is the only car I know (out of 20+ cars I have worked on) where the reading varies.

I guess I will need to adjust and update my knowledge-base.

You should also take into consideration that your experience with your current car's engine may lead you to pay more attention. Previous cars that you have had no problems with may have exhibited the same phenomenon but passed under your radar.

09-27-2010, 01:00 AM	#1 (permalink)
cab83_750 Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: CA Posts: 887 Drives: 09 NISSAN 370Z Rep Power: 417	Checking the oil! Why so irrregular? I have read the manual and I always check my Z's oil level twice a week. Yes, it may be too much; but after my first engine's oil consumption issue, you can't blame me. I check the oil level a minimum of 1 hour after shutting it down. So the question is...... how come sometimes it is at the level I expect it to be, and sometimes it is about 1/8 of an inch lower . It is not my imagination as when it is 1/8" lower, I insert and reinsert that diptstick about 5 times to ensure I am not dreaming. Anyone else noticed this, or is it just my luck with these engines? Is it menopausal? Yes! Checking the engine oil level is supposed to be a no-brainer. Yes, I am 40+ year-old and I know how to check to oil My hobby is rebuilding cars (suspension, engine, etc.) I am adding this last paragraph so no one flames me and to establish my semi-credibilitty/qualifications.

09-27-2010, 01:17 AM	#2 (permalink)
Push370zzz Track Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NE Age: 39 Posts: 649 Drives: cars Rep Power: 16	You need to relax! Everything is going to be fine. __________________ Range Rover Sport Supercharged Nissan 370z Touring + Sport

09-27-2010, 07:16 PM	#8 (permalink)
Zaggeron A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,951 Drives: '10 370ZR '13 BRZ Rep Power: 18	based on the thread title I deduce that your car needs more bran Seriously, an 1/8 of an inch difference in dipstick level is well within the normal margin of error for a dipstick -- there could be a bit more oil clinging to the engine than there was the last time you checked the oil, etc. __________________ 2010 Platinum Graphite 370z Roadster:Touring/Sport 2013 Subaru BRZ Limited

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09-27-2010, 02:09 PM	#4 (permalink)
cab83_750 Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: CA Posts: 887 Drives: 09 NISSAN 370Z Rep Power: 417	Hello Houston, Am I the only menopausal? No big deal, 95% of the time, I get consistent reading. I am just wondering if there is a hidden pocket inside the engine where the oil may or may not drain down to the pan.

09-27-2010, 04:17 PM	#5 (permalink)
wishihadnav A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: 90090 Posts: 1,851 Drives: Force Fed Nismo Rep Power: 183	seems like the very slight difference in oil level may be due to the oil temp (expands) when checked..

09-27-2010, 06:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
jaycz Base Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 189 Drives: 09 370z Tour Red 6MT Rep Power: 14	Careful! The more you check it, the more it will burn. Nice forum guys!

09-28-2010, 11:38 AM	#10 (permalink)
cab83_750 Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: CA Posts: 887 Drives: 09 NISSAN 370Z Rep Power: 417	I fully agree with everyone. However, mechanical or not, this is the only car I know (out of 20+ cars I have worked on) where the reading varies. I guess I will need to adjust and update my knowledge-base.

09-28-2010, 11:51 AM	#11 (permalink)
fritz Base Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Andorre Posts: 90 Drives: 2010 370Z M6 Rep Power: 15	Various Benz have a plastic ended dip-stick. If you "dip" it you get a pretty low reading. If you leave the stick in there for a half minute or so the fluid "meniscus" has got level with the oil and the reading is probably true. (Possible rejection by M-B of warranty claims caused by "over-filling" the engine with oil?)