Checking oil: Hot or Cold

[nfpgasmask]

OK, dumb question: When is the BEST time to check your oil? When the VX is cold (first thing in the morning) or when the VX is hot (after a drive)?

I'm just curious because I notice when my VX is cold, the oil will be lower on the dipstick. I want to make sure I am not over/under filling (which seems to happen almost as much as I get gas).

Bart

[tom4bren]

I always check it cold. Reason: consistency. The vehicle should sit for a while to allow all of the oil that was circulated through the engine to settle back into the pan. (I know ... not all of the oil goes back into the pan but the majority does). This should give you the most consistent reading.

[WILLY]

I have been told to run the engin till warm and cut it off,wait 5 minutes then check.

[etlsport]

i always check at the gas station.. i wait until im finished fillin her up so its been sitting for 3-4 minutes.. i notice a big difference between when i check as i pull in and after refueling

slightly off topic..


i was thinking about this the other day.. i wonder how much oil i lose just from checking the oil every 250-300 miles because i always pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and check it again.. and usually just out of habit wipe it clean again

[tom4bren]

"i wonder how much oil i lose just from checking the oil every 250-300 miles because i always pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and check it again"

Prolly only a table spoon or 2 between oil changes. Try wiping with your fingers sometime. Not as much on the stick as you might think (only 1-2 drops).

[nfpgasmask]

Yeah, checking cold in the morning today, there was barely any oil on the stick.

I added a half quart or so.

Bart