Oil - silly question....

[Irish]

OK, in all my motoring years I have seen many different views on when the best time is to dip oil in the block.

 

10 minutes after a run, immediately, half and hour, 1 hour, when cold etc etc.

 

So, when is the best time to dip the oil in a block?

 

I told you it was silly........

 

Edited by - Irish on 11 Jan 2013 09:06:26

[Jason Plato]

😬 *wink*Before you run out

[Stationary M25 Traveller]

Depends on your engine and set up.

 

I have a k-series and Apollo tank ...... level is checked hot with engine running.

[pugwash]

I have always worked on the principle for a wet sump you need to measure it when the oil is in it and not still around the engine. So either cold or after the engine has been switched off and their has been sufficient time for the oil to drain back down into it, which for me is normally 15 -30 mins. Given a dipstick is not the most scientific of instruments this always has seemed to work. Not much experience of dry sumps but I think there are different ways of doing it depending on the set up so refer to manufacturers instructions.

 

 

[john milner]

It varies. For example a VVC has to be done with the engine running.

[Drifter]

I have often wondered this - I have a K with Apollo and been told different things. I try to do it hot when running, however the level does seem to vary depending on how hot it is..

 

Also was recently told by a certain Caterham race team that it is best to dip it one minute after switching off the engine (in which case the reading is higher than above).

 

Told by another Caterham specialist that "anywhere on the hatching is fine" (with the engine running).

 

God only knows what is the best way but luckily my car doesn't use any oil! 😬

[patneale]

Mine a 1.8 k series 140 Xpower has a label on the cambelt cover. Check oil level with the engine running when hot. It is way over the mark if you dip cold before starting. All this is to prevent oil pressure drop when cornering fast. So a higher than normal level and that rather nasty foam baffle in the sump of the wet sump models was to try and get away from fitting a dry sump, which is really essential for track racing. I think I am right in saying that all older (not K series) engines should be filled to the mark cold. Over filling on older engines could burst gaskets and you don't want the crank hitting the oil in an overfilled sump as it would beat it to foam and cause other problems.