Dipstick readings..how can I get them accuratly??

[jackyaudi]

Am tired of that oil dipstick. I mean am trying to get very accurate oil consumption readings for the engine, and that dipstick gives me a different reading each time I check it! Even within 15 seconds intervals. That just adds more confusion that I really dont need, specially when I have to argue with the dealer.

First of all, sometimes the oil is too concentrated toward the middle and end of the dipstick and if I hold the dipstick the opposite way, it almost fills up to the top.

I let it sit for one hour, oil level was at half of the dipstick.

Then I try the next day after 12 hours, its almost to the top.

I try again next day and its half way between the top and the middle. Also, if the car is a very slight slope, readings wont be accurate.

Now am not sure how to get accurate readings with that thing, which means am not sure if my engine is actually consuming more oil or not.

[dirtybrd]

Just check it the sametime everyday. Like only first thing in the morning.

[cjonesgo]

you are supposed to check oil level while the engine is cold.

this gives all the fluids a chance to settle to the bottom. make sure you are parked on a level surface, or if not that, then at least in the same spot every time (ideally both) like your driveway if you have one.

your best bet is to check first thing in the morning, before you drive the car. keep a notebook in you car to remind you and keep accurate track.



all of this is contrary to coolant which you want to check with the engine at operating temp (thermostat open) so coolant is actively moving through the system. in case anyone cares.




not sure 100% when you are supposed to check headlight fluid, but i'm pretty sure it is at operating temp as well.

[dirtybrd]

You never check the coolant level by opening at operating temp, you will burn all your skin off. You should only inspect the level in the tank visually by the marks on the outside, never open it hot.

[Capt. Obvious]

all of this is contrary to coolant which you want to check with the engine at operating temp (thermostat open) so coolant is actively moving through the system.

Correct, and be sure to open the cap as fast as possible and crouch down very close to the cap so you can listen and watch as you open it...

[dirtybrd]

That's just mean.

[cjonesgo]

You never check the coolant level by opening at operating temp, you will burn all your skin off. You should only inspect the level in the tank visually by the marks on the outside, never open it hot.

^^ YES

didn't make that clear in above post.

[Capt. Obvious]

That's just mean.

Hey, I'm just doing my part. Humans have managed to outsmart Darwinism, so I feel it is my duty to help the laws of nature a little.

[ThatGuyAlex]

Hey, I'm just doing my part. Humans have managed to outsmart Darwinism, so I feel it is my duty to help the laws of nature a little.

Your posts are never boring.

To bad you dont live in the bayarea. If you and i were out on the street no one would be safe. haha

[Maverick]

be careful when you put back that dipstick. you can snap it in half easily

and Audi stealership will want $20 from you!

[jackyaudi]

I checked again this morning, same place I parked last week when I had about about 60 miles less.

My dipstick shows oil level missing about 2 lines from the top of the oil dipstick. I dont see how can it lose "2 lines" worth of oil in a week!

Either the engine is eating oil again or that dipstick reading is not accurate...either way its making me pissed off.

[dirtybrd]

What was repaired/replaced?

[dirtybrd]

PM'd

[diagnosticator]

Trying to determine oil consumption by examining the short term dipstick level is difficult due to the variation of absolute oil level with changes in oil temp, engine temp, and time since the engine was last running, as well as the trim/level where parked. As a practical matter, the only thing that must be observed is that the oil level is within the bounds of minimum and maximum limits marked on the dipstick. Over the test duration interval, when/if the oil level with a cold engine after being parked overnight in the same parking spot, reaches the low or minimum limit, add a liter of make up oil and record the mileage/date at that time. Rechecking the oil level each morning, the level is OK as long as it is above the minimum level mark on the stick. When the level at morning pre start again is at or below the low mark add another liter of makeup oil and record the mileage/date. At the conclusion of the test, the number of liters of makeup oil added, divided by the total test mileage (number of thousands,) will establish the specific rate "n X (liter/1000 km/miles)" of lube oil consumption per thousand kms/miles as the case may be. You don't need to fuss over the variation of the oil lever within the "level OK" range observed as above minimum and below maximum.

[jackyaudi]

^^ Thanks dirtybird and diagnosticator :)

[B6driver]

what are you measuring that you need such precise measurements? the dipstick is in no way suppose to be accurate. the way i see it, it has 3 measurements: low, med, and full. don't rely on it for accurate measurements