Must wipe dipstick when checking oil?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Jdm5jdm5, May 30, 2020.

  1. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    Check the oil? That's done under the hood right? Does DM have to authorize it?????
     
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  2. lovesthedrive

    lovesthedrive R.I.P.

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    I have had good luck getting jeans from Grand River on Amazon. Tho I get the stretchable cotton. They fit with seat and leg room.
     
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  3. lovesthedrive

    lovesthedrive R.I.P.

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    The problem with doing it cold is that the oil has drained from all the delivery ports in the engine. An engine should be run to the point when it has its normal oil pressure. Then checked. An auto engine will have a quart in the oil galleys. Yet a class 8 truck can hold as much as a gallon of oil.
     
  4. Ffx95

    Ffx95 Road Train Member

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    Make sure truck engine has been off for a good 20+ mins to get a good reading. Pull out dipstick wipe off and put it back in all the way. When you pull the dipstick make sure to keep the side you use to check the levels aiming down obviously if you put it up the oil will roll up and give you an inaccurate read.

    Oil above marked lines means too much oil. Oil below means she might need a few quarts. No oil means you’re way too low on oil should check for any large leaks or possibly burning a lot of oil.
     
  5. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    I’m sure a DPF wouldn’t tolerate that either.
     
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  6. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I was always taught that it's better to check the oil at operating temps. Shut the truck off and after a minute or two check it. If you check it cold after all the oil has drained down and you find it is low, it's probably lower that you think.
     
  7. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    But how can that be if all the oil is in the pan as opposed to having just been circulating through the engine?
     
  8. tarmadilo

    tarmadilo Road Train Member

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    The full and add marks on a dipstick are calibrated for a cold engine, generally.
     
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  9. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    Also bear in mind oil expands as it heats. So checking it warm could change the results
     
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