I have a 98 Max, and I honestly give up on this dipstick because it won't properly read the oil level. No matter what I do, whether the engine is stone cold or settled after 10 - 30 minutes after running it will never read the oil. Anyone have a ghetto fix for this?

 

http://m.dummies.com/how-to/content/...oil-level.html

 

That doesn't help at all. The oil is smudged all over the marking as usual.

 

ive worked on many 4th and 5th gens, i know what hes talking about. sometimes the oil will smear above the full mark so you cant read the dipstick at ALL. stupid design

only thing ive found that helps is if you insert and remove the dipstick (thats what she said) really fast so theres not as much time for the oil to smear. or if you know youre not leaking or burning oil, just add however much oil it takes (4.25L IIRC) when you change your oil and dont bother checking the dipstick

 

A-Pull dipstick with engine hot.
B-Wipe dipstick and set aside for 15-20 minutes.
C-Insert and check level.

There are two things you need to keep in mind.
1- The dipstick runs down an oil return tube for the head, not a dedicated dipstick hole. So anytime the engine runs, the dipsticks entire length is covered in oil.

2- Every time you pull the dipstick, out you drag more oil up the wall of the "tube" and screw you reading up more.

 

Check the oil in the morning, before you start the engine. You won't even have to wipe it off, comes out clean with a very visible oil level indication.

 

wow, common sense #101, i thought everybody knew this

 

Your giving to much credit to the general public.

 

I actually did check it in the morning before I started it. It's always smeared. I placed it in 2 different ways and the other way never worked. I sometimes get the oil light turned on for a split second too when I start it up. No leaks or burning. Still runs fine to me.

I'll try setting the dipstick aside for 15 mins, never tried that method.

 

2 different ways?? care to explain what the other way was? was the car level??

 

sad, this thread title had such potential

 

you can still insert the dipstick if you turn it 180 degrees

 

Exactly. You can place it in with the measure markings facing toward you or facing out.

 

Suggestions above are fine. Pull, wipe , reinsert, pull.

I don't wait after wiping it though and still get a solid reading.

What is as annoying is determining how low you are. My best guess is a quart will fill the marked area. So halfway up marked area means half a quart needed.

 

Been doing this for over a decade on both my 4th gen and 5.5 gen.

Try and let it set overnight on level ground too.

 

These key points should have resolved this entire issue. If your oil is still smeared after sitting for 8 hours overnight, then your engine either has too much oil or you have so much sludge in your oil passages that it needs more time to return to the oil pan.

 

Thank you guys for the tips!