can some one please tell me is better to check your oil when engine is cold or after it has warmed up and then let sit for a few minutes. also some one told me the dip stick should read half way on stick to alow for expantion

 

It's not going to matter, as long as your not checking it as soon as you shut off the engine. If it's low, it's low. If it's full it's full. Put in the 12 quarts, make sure the oil level is at the full mark and drive it.

 

A suggested rule of thumb is check it when it is cold, or after running 15 minutes for the oil to drain down. Oil does not expand to cause a change in oil level.

 

From the Owners Maual:

The best time to check
the oil level is before starting the engine after it has been
parked overnight. When checking oil after operating the
engine, first ensure the engine is at full operating temperature,
then wait at least 15 minutes after engine
shutdown to check the oil.


If you do both in the same day you can get a visual for how much the level changes from cold to warm.

 

I never really check it.. after changing, I pull the stick enough to see oil.... good enough..

 

Really,

 

I check it cold or if warm after about 5 minutes. If it is in the safe range I do not worry weather it is on the mark. If it appears low (never has been) then I will wait about 15 minutes and check it again for accruacy

 

Every fluid changes volume based on temp.

 

but with only 12 qts of fluid, the volume change will not be noticeable.

 

The distance from add to full is 2 qts, cold to hot will be enought to see.

A quick search shows that motor oil expands by about 5% with a 120* rise. In a 12qt system thats about .6 extra qts, or 25% higher on the dipstick.

Check your oil cold, then get the motor hot and let is sit for 15 minutes and recheck, its noticeably higher.

 

When I take mine in for a oil change, the idiots start the engine after filling it, check for leaks, shut it down and then pull the Dip Stick, put it back in and shut the hood. I know it's no where near the full mark so I don't know what the hech them DipSticks are doing.

I do count how many they put in.

My Super Bee don't use no oil.



Dave

 

Noticed that our trucks will siphon oil from the filter when shut down. When I change my oil it is siphoned down to where there is only about 1/3 of the filter full,, 2/3 empty. I have talked to several guys and suprise theirs do it too. I was constantly getting a overfill condition when I checked the oil per the manual. I will run 12 quarts like the manufacturer recommends and check it accordingly. I just don't know if the Cummins is being harmed from having to fill the filter at startup before it gets real oil pressure????
Something that may not be an issue,, but would like to know.
P.S. I did get an oil analysis and verified that I had no fuel or antifreeze in the oil. I think I will continue to get the analysis done on a regular interval due to the tons of info included on the health of the oil.
Thanks,
Andy

 

Andy, if you go to the "User CP" link up above, you can fill out your signature and tell us what vehicle you are referring to. I'm no expert, only working on my own truck with 215,000+ miles, but every oil change I've done to it, the filter is full to the brim as I spin it off. Filling the new filter with clean oil before reinstalling is what the book calls for.
Back to morning brew. . .

 

2006 Dodge 2500 Cummins Mega 4X4 126,000 miles.
I am using Fleetguard filters and have noticed on more than once that the oil is being siphoned out of the filter back into the crankcase.
Others please chime in on this maybe we can find out if this is normal or if I need to trouble shoot this thing more.
Thanks,
Andy

 

I am using the Fleetguard filter. When I change the oil I usually warm the engine to about 140* and change it within 5 minutes of shut down. The filter is always full and it runs over. I use a plastic bag around the filter to catch the oil.

However, when I start the engine cold it takes about 3 to 4 seconds for the actual oil pressure to show on the guage, not the in dash guage. I will have to watch the guage on a restart to see if there is a change in the time for pressure. Will let you know.