Here is a stupid question

[ExpeditionAndy]

I hate to ask this but it has been such a long time since I have had to add oil to a vehicle that I don't remember what to do. (I know how to add it)

When I check the oil and the engine is cold (overnight) the oil level is at the lower mark on the dipstick. When I check the oil level when the engine is warm, the oil is in between the marks but below the halfway point.

The question is, do I add the oil because it is at the low line when cold or do I let it go because it is in between the lines when warm.

This is where my confusion lies. I think I need to add oil but I don't want to over fill it.

 

[bedrck46]

I always check oil when the engine is cold and add according to the level on the dip stick Best bet in your case would be to check it warm and then top it off to the fill mark, based on your question that should put you at about halfway when cold

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Thanks Bedrck46 - that is along the lines of what I was thinking, but I wanted to hear/see it from someone else.

 

[FordandPolaris]

Yeah go with the cold mark. That's what we we're taught in auto class and how we measure all of our vehicles. A little overfill will not hurt the engine at all, but a little underfill can, so just go with the cold reading. Transmission fluid is different, we let that warm up and check while the engine is running to get an accurate reading.

 

[DetroitDarin]

My preference: Fill it to the FULL mark (not half-way) when the engine is about normal operating temp.

 

[toms89]

Cold or hot my oil level remains consistent but you have to wait a few minutes after shutdown for oil to drain to oil pan.

I like to keep mine full. Between the 2 marks usually equates to 1 quart of oil in my fords. 1/2 way - 1/2 quart etc.... makes it easy for me to add the correct amount.

Too full can be bad but think you would have to grossly overfill. If the crank and/or pistons start hitting the oil it can create extra drag and aerate the oil.

The oil obviously does not remain static and moves around in the oil pan based on g-forces applied to the vehicle. Baffling is almost non-existent with the stock pan. More oil equals more to slosh around is my point.

 

[metaldrgn]

Does the manual specify? It isn't that big of a deal as long as it's in that range. I've ran a few vehicles a couple times over 2 quarts low (in a 5-6 qt system) and never had a problem. Now if you are driving at extreme angles you probably want to make sure it's at least to the bottom of the dipstick, bare minimum.