1995 850T Checking oil level crazy

Klausc · Post by **Klausc** » 26 Oct 2015, 13:00

After changing the oil, I checked the level and it was spot on. I took it for a drive and checked the oil after an hour at 60mph after I tanked up. The dipstick showed 1 quart down! I'm cheap, so I didn't buy a quart of synthetic at the gas station and drove home. I checked the oil in the garage and it was down 3/4 quart??

Without topping it off, I checked again the next morning and the oil was again at the full level. It seems that when the engine has been run and still warm, the oil level is low and after sitting overnight the oil comes back on.

I do have a RMS leak, plus a couple of other minor leaks. Is this due to a clogged engine port or a bad oil cooler solenoid that is always open? When should I really check the oil level?

This engine has just under 180K and was not very well maintained by the PO.

Post by **scot850** » 26 Oct 2015, 13:49

When to measure a vehicle liquid depends what it is you are checking. The engine should always be checked when cold as the oil needs to drain back to give you a consistence level to measure from.

Power steering can be checked warm or cold in many cases as can some auto transmissions. Some argue auto trans should be measured when warm. Either way, if the dip stick has both options then either should be correct. Everything else check when cold (also safer!!).

Others may have differing opinions, and there are sometimes variations, if in doubt, check the handbook.

Neil.

Post by **rspi** » 26 Oct 2015, 15:59

Klausc wrote: When should I really check the oil level?

Best after sitting for 4 hours.

Klausc · Post by **Klausc** » 26 Oct 2015, 16:11

Thanks guys,
So checking the oil while traveling is a no-no? Live and learn.

I was initially concerned with my 'new' project car as I didn't know how bad the oil leak is. There is a RMS leak that I am trying to cure with a bottle of seal rejuvinator. I guess I also need to look under the car for the turbo drain seal. I just hate sliding under cars.

Sommerfeldt · Post by **Sommerfeldt** » 26 Oct 2015, 18:03

While a 4 hour wait to check the oil is pretty crazy, you should wait at least 15 minutes before taking a reading. Ideally, the engine should be cold, but every mechanic I've ever known says ~15 minutes after shutdown is fine.

Don't check engine oil while engine is running.
Always check transmission oil while engine is running (and warm).
Always check coolant level while it's hot - refill or drain when cold (so you don't burn yourself).

- S

Post by **RussB** » 26 Oct 2015, 18:24

rspi wrote:
Klausc wrote: When should I really check the oil level?
Best after sitting for 4 hours.

It's only an hour and a half on the east coast of the US

Post by **cuhfs** » 26 Oct 2015, 19:05

and the place parked level.

Post by **cn90** » 26 Oct 2015, 19:33

- About 2-3 minutes is good enough. This is for midwest.
- Yes to checking oil on a flat surface, i.e., avoid sloped driveway.

Klausc · Post by **Klausc** » 26 Oct 2015, 22:01

It would be nice to have a 10,000 ft peak a few miles west of here. The garage floor is completely flat. And 2-3 minutes is not long enough when overnight makes 3/4 of a quart difference. The oil is 10W30, so it should be runny enough when the engine is still hot.

Central Time is so much better than Eastern time. We're a bit slower out here, plenty of time to smell the roses and wait for the oil to settle.

Post by **abscate** » 27 Oct 2015, 04:19

One hour on the east coast. It's a three hour time difference.

Dipsticks in the Midwest say what they mean....