SLOW96MAX

My quiestion is after changing the oil should the dipstick be checked to see if it is full when the engine is cold or after warming up?

dwapenyi

iTrader: (3)

Since you just changed the oil, make a benchmark. Fill the car with the required 4 1/4 quarts. Wait a bit, then look at the measurement on the dipstick. From now on, you have a guide on what to aim for to measure exactly 4 1/4 quarts on your cold car

DW

Chunger

iTrader: (1)

It should be at the H[igh] mark.

Temperature independent, except check it after the engine sits for at least 5 minutes after shutdown.

SLOW96MAX

I actually used 4 quarts exactly and it is right on the full mark when the engine is cold.

2002 Maxima SE

iTrader: (3)

Then you didn't drain it all out. Possible causes would be changing the oil right after you have driven the car or changing oil on an inclined surface (back up front down).

dwapenyi

iTrader: (3)

OK. I guess I assumed you change the filter with the oil. If you change the oil and the oil filter, then you would fill 4 1/4 quarts. Without the filter change, it's 3 7/8, or just about 4 quarts. Either way, you have a benchmark to be your guide now.

DW

SLOW96MAX

No it was changed completely with oil filter and not on an incline.

dwapenyi

iTrader: (3)

Ok, then next time, put 4 1/4 quarts and eyeball that on your dipstick to use as a reference from then on. No biggie.

DW

SLOW96MAX

But why would I do that when using 4 quarts shows as right on the full mark?

dwapenyi

iTrader: (3)

Ahhh, good question. Well, I happen to have the Nissan Bible, in other words the FSM for a 98 Maxima. It says 4 1/4 quarts. There are those who say that a dipstick varies from car to car in how it measures full. I don't really understand that, but in case it's true, benchmarking your own car eliminates that uncertainty. That's why I suggested benchmarking the level on your car.

DW

SLOW96MAX

I hear you but I have a 96 maxima. I don't know maybe you ar right. But maybe there is a difference from 96-98 in the size of the oil pan?

dwapenyi

iTrader: (3)

We have the same VQ30DE engine. Whilst the engine did go through some minor changes from 95-99, like the 99s having 4 O2 sensors whereas the rest have 3, I think it highly doubtful that the oil pan would changed by only 1/4 of a quart.

DW

Dave Holmes

A '96 compared to a '98? Well, there you have it. The dipstick of the '96 is older, and more worn out, giving false readings (j/k).

Actually, when I change my oil, I do it while the engine is warm, and let it drain for over an hour. I will inevitably still have drops coming out. I really don't think it is possible to get every bit of the oil drained out of all of the oil galleys, etc...

I put 4 qts back in mine, then check the level after a drive (and sitting for 10-20 minutes). It's always right at the full mark. As long as the level is comfortably in the cross-hatch area, it's fine. That's why there is a cross-hatch area, and not just a line that says you "must fill to here". The engineers designed a fudge-factor for oil level, so changing conditions and different people checking their oil would all be covered and have the proper amount of oil.

DW is right on about getting a baseline for your car. It is handy for me to know that mine takes exactly 4 qts after an oil and filter change. Just one of those things I mentally keep track of (and clutters my brain).

Dave

maxNYC

iTrader: (1)

i usually let the oil flow out, plug it, go fill in 4 quarts... run the car for 30 seconds (to get oil back into the filter) then check the dipstick.

All in all i put in 4.5 quarts per oil change.

hoodedmunkee

would it make a difference if the front is up and the back is down coz thats how i did mine;changed my oil off a ramp.

chinaonnitrous1

iTrader: (12)

remember to put oil into the oil filter before replacing.

dwapenyi

iTrader: (3)

This makes me wonder, how does the oil travel through the motor? You start the car, and the oil pump sucks up the oil from the oil pan, then what? does it then distribute it to all the lube spots throughout the motor and then come back through the filter and then back into the pan? It's confusing because there's all the pressure to think about, like forcing the oil through the filter etc.

DW

dwapenyi

iTrader: (3)

OK, I was able to answer my own question . I have the service manual for a 98. I looked up the lubrication section. The oil pump does indeed suck up the oil from the pan through a strainer, then immediately shoves it throught the oil filter, and then the oil travels through all these galleys to all these lube spot in the motor, such as the chain tensioner, cylinder head etc. From all those spots they make their way back to the oil pan, and the round trip is complete

DW

SLOW96MAX

Well I put 4 quarts in and it reads full. So I am not going to put more in. It ias not good to over fill.

dwapenyi

iTrader: (3)

I see what you're saying, I just go by the book rather than trust the dipstick. If the dipstick reads full at 4 quarts, but the service manual says 4.5 quarts with an oil and filter change, which one is the correct one I tend to go with the book.

DW