? on Reading Dipstick - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

xlr8nflorida · 02-08-2010

I recently changed my oil. The dipstick is alot more difficult then on the LS1 or LT1's.

When I pull the dipstick, I'm at the A level of ADD so I am thinking I need about a quart is that accurate?

The thing that has me concerned is sometimes I get alot of oil on the backside, (much higher oil level mark on the back then the front - shows full) only some times is the oil the same on both sides of the stick and at the add mark.

I'm inserting the dipstick in fast, making sure I get it all the way in and then pulling the dipstick out quickly, pulling towards the wheel weatherstrippng and trying not to bump into anything, all while holding the dipstick in the down position.

Maybe its because of the angle of the dipstick tube and also if you have headers etc.

Does that happen to others with all the oil on the backside, higher level then the front?

I just don't want to overfill it. Today I started it up and I am going check it in morning. I guess if its on the Add on the front of the dipstick, I'll put in a quart?

I always check it cold, so all the oil can drain down.

Thanks.

jonszr1 · 02-08-2010

i have ?s about the reading as well. i allway ck it before i go anywhere . sometimes it reads full and then othertimes it reads at the add level .i read it allways after sitting over night . does anyone know the cause ?/ could it be the oil cooler ? i also have the same problem of it looking like there is a higher level on the back of the dipstick. glad i am not the only one with this ?

xlr8nflorida · 02-09-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonszr1

i have ?s about the reading as well. i allway ck it before i go anywhere . sometimes it reads full and then othertimes it reads at the add level .i read it allways after sitting over night . does anyone know the cause ?/ could it be the oil cooler ? i also have the same problem of it looking like there is a higher level on the back of the dipstick. glad i am not the only one with this ?

Nice talking to ya Jon. I was underfilled. I put in a 1/2 quart and now I'm about 50% up the hatch marks towards full.

I'm just going ingore the back of the dipstick.

Paul Workman · 02-10-2010

BTDT...for years...and no particular engine either!

I'm convinced the "high" side of the dipstick is more related to oil being dragged up inside the tube if you first pull the dipstick out to wipe it off before dipping it for taking the reading. Then the oil on the side of the tube gets on the dipstick as it passes down and then up again.

I seem to get a better reading (before the engine has not run over night) by just making sure the stick is seated and then pull it for a reading w/o wiping it first and then dipping it for the reading.

FWIW, I usually DO wipe it and dip it again. What I usually find is the low side most often agrees with the initial reading - I disregard the high reading.

My reasoning is the dipstick is fairly thin and for it to read as much as a quart difference, the tip would have to be almost parallel with the surface of the oil. It isn't anything like that. At the angle of our (and most other) dipstick tubes there might be a couple or three mm difference, under normal circumstances, but not more than that.

If one must dip the oil after shutting the engine off, I always dip it several times and consider the lowest reading to be more indicative of the level. I don't get excited if the level on a just running engine indicates "ADD", as there is oil up in the valve covers/cam covers, etc. But, an engine that has been sitting for a few hours will always give the better reading, IMO, especially if you don't pull it to wipe it off first.

One other thing is expansion with heat. I'm NOT so familiar with the LT5's characteristics with AMO 10-40W, but like your power steering fluid dipstick alludes to, there is a difference with regard to acceptable level in relative to temperature. The level of a 12 quart capacity when hot vs. cold...is a GOOD question. But, I recon that is why there is an acceptable operating range, and as long as it is near the top after sitting all night, it be OK and I don't worry so much. Mebby Jeffvette can shine some expertise on this question, especially from a track perspective...Jeff??

Bottom line...With almost 12 quarts running around in there, if it is somewhere in the operating range, ± 1/2 quart, I don't get too excited.

P.

xlr8nflorida · 02-10-2010

Bottom line...With almost 12 quarts running around in there, if it is somewhere in the operating range, ± 1/2 quart, I don't get too excited.

P.[/QUOTE]

Agreed, I just spoke with an owner who has run his ZR-1 for 100,000 miles and he always keeps his oil at the bottom line of the hatch mark because he doesn't want the crank in the oil whipping it up. It makes sense. Then you have GM saying if you track your car go 1 quart over full which seems to much to me but I guess its better then engine starvation during track events.

02-08-2010	#1
xlr8nflorida Join Date: May 2008 Location: USA Posts: 1,096	? on Reading Dipstick I recently changed my oil. The dipstick is alot more difficult then on the LS1 or LT1's. When I pull the dipstick, I'm at the A level of ADD so I am thinking I need about a quart is that accurate? The thing that has me concerned is sometimes I get alot of oil on the backside, (much higher oil level mark on the back then the front - shows full) only some times is the oil the same on both sides of the stick and at the add mark. I'm inserting the dipstick in fast, making sure I get it all the way in and then pulling the dipstick out quickly, pulling towards the wheel weatherstrippng and trying not to bump into anything, all while holding the dipstick in the down position. Maybe its because of the angle of the dipstick tube and also if you have headers etc. Does that happen to others with all the oil on the backside, higher level then the front? I just don't want to overfill it. Today I started it up and I am going check it in morning. I guess if its on the Add on the front of the dipstick, I'll put in a quart? I always check it cold, so all the oil can drain down. Thanks. Last edited by xlr8nflorida; 02-08-2010 at 02:27 PM.

02-08-2010	#2
jonszr1 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: lone pine and mammoth lakes Posts: 1,407	Re: ? on Reading Dipstick i have ?s about the reading as well. i allway ck it before i go anywhere . sometimes it reads full and then othertimes it reads at the add level .i read it allways after sitting over night . does anyone know the cause ?/ could it be the oil cooler ? i also have the same problem of it looking like there is a higher level on the back of the dipstick. glad i am not the only one with this ?

02-10-2010	#4
Paul Workman Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Squires (near Ava MO in the Mark Twain N'tl Forest) - Missouri Posts: 6,493	Reading Dipstick BTDT...for years...and no particular engine either! I'm convinced the "high" side of the dipstick is more related to oil being dragged up inside the tube if you first pull the dipstick out to wipe it off before dipping it for taking the reading. Then the oil on the side of the tube gets on the dipstick as it passes down and then up again. I seem to get a better reading (before the engine has not run over night) by just making sure the stick is seated and then pull it for a reading w/o wiping it first and then dipping it for the reading. FWIW, I usually DO wipe it and dip it again. What I usually find is the low side most often agrees with the initial reading - I disregard the high reading. My reasoning is the dipstick is fairly thin and for it to read as much as a quart difference, the tip would have to be almost parallel with the surface of the oil. It isn't anything like that. At the angle of our (and most other) dipstick tubes there might be a couple or three mm difference, under normal circumstances, but not more than that. If one must dip the oil after shutting the engine off, I always dip it several times and consider the lowest reading to be more indicative of the level. I don't get excited if the level on a just running engine indicates "ADD", as there is oil up in the valve covers/cam covers, etc. But, an engine that has been sitting for a few hours will always give the better reading, IMO, especially if you don't pull it to wipe it off first. One other thing is expansion with heat. I'm NOT so familiar with the LT5's characteristics with AMO 10-40W, but like your power steering fluid dipstick alludes to, there is a difference with regard to acceptable level in relative to temperature. The level of a 12 quart capacity when hot vs. cold...is a GOOD question. But, I recon that is why there is an acceptable operating range, and as long as it is near the top after sitting all night, it be OK and I don't worry so much. Mebby Jeffvette can shine some expertise on this question, especially from a track perspective...Jeff?? Bottom line...With almost 12 quarts running around in there, if it is somewhere in the operating range, ± 1/2 quart, I don't get too excited. P. __________________ Good carz, good food, good friendz = the best of timez! 90 #1202 "FBI" top end ported & relieved Cam timing by "Pete the Greek" Sans secondaries Chip & dyno tuning by Haibeck Automotive SW headers, X-pipe, MF muffs Former Secretary, ZR-1 Net Registry

02-10-2010	#5
xlr8nflorida Join Date: May 2008 Location: USA Posts: 1,096	Re: Reading Dipstick Bottom line...With almost 12 quarts running around in there, if it is somewhere in the operating range, ± 1/2 quart, I don't get too excited. P.[/QUOTE] Agreed, I just spoke with an owner who has run his ZR-1 for 100,000 miles and he always keeps his oil at the bottom line of the hatch mark because he doesn't want the crank in the oil whipping it up. It makes sense. Then you have GM saying if you track your car go 1 quart over full which seems to much to me but I guess its better then engine starvation during track events.