Dipstick reading

Mud Plugger 6 9 · Oct 21, 2021

Morning,

08 Freelander 2 TD4 HSE 125k

Feel a bit of a dipstick posting this so hopefully an easy one for someone to shed light on. I checked my oil level yesterday and got a clear reading right on minimum. It's done about 12k since last service so figured entirely plausible an engine of this age and wear has used some. I put half a liter and then another half. And since then I'm unable to get a clear reading on the dipstick with oil smeared up the stick. I've checked it first thing in the morning completely cold and same issue. Is this being caused by overfilling?

Cheers

saxavordian · Oct 21, 2021

The old service method have the vehicle on a flat land. Then remove the dipstick clean once return fully in withdraw again read the level clean then do a second reading to confirm.
Freelander are pretty good with the oil use I find

kermit_rr · Oct 21, 2021

A litre sounds like a lot to add from the minimum mark.
Suggest you take the dipstick out, clean and put to one side.
Go make a brew.
Drink brew.
Clean dipstick again and refit and check level.

GrumpyGel · Oct 21, 2021

I did an oil change on a tractor on Monday. First time I've done one, didn't have a clue how much to put in. The guvnor said to put 5 liters in and check the dipstick. I did and told him it was right on the mimumim mark. He said to put another 5 liters in. I thought that was way to much to take it from min to max, so ignored him and put in another 1 to 2 liters. Checked the dip stick and it was just over max. He said that was OK cos the extra will fill the new filter.

Arctic2 · Oct 21, 2021

The best way to do an oil change is if the car says 6.5ltrs then add 6ltrs, start the engine leave it to run for about 5 minutes, turn off then have your coffee and a couple of biscuits, remove the dip stick wipe clean, reinsert dip stick remove after counting 10 read what it says then drop in the other 500ml or half of litre let it settle again for about 10 minutes while you do the washing up for your wife, then check again.

The OP looks like he as added the right amount according to his statement above. FL2 only takes 5.9ltrs including the oil filter, difference between the max & min mark is 1.3ltrs so i would say do a double check on dipping, try and do it after you have been for a run, or just got home from work shops etc, leave car for 15 minutes on level ground then go out remove dip stick wipe clean, reinsert count ten quick or just remove right away and see what it's saying.

Mud Plugger 6 9 · Oct 22, 2021

Arctic2 said:
The best way to do an oil change is if the car says 6.5ltrs then add 6ltrs, start the engine leave it to run for about 5 minutes, turn off then have your coffee and a couple of biscuits, remove the dip stick wipe clean, reinsert dip stick remove after counting 10 read what it says then drop in the other 500ml or half of litre let it settle again for about 10 minutes while you do the washing up for your wife, then check again.

The OP looks like he as added the right amount according to his statement above. FL2 only takes 5.9ltrs including the oil filter, difference between the max & min mark is 1.3ltrs so i would say do a double check on dipping, try and do it after you have been for a run, or just got home from work shops etc, leave car for 15 minutes on level ground then go out remove dip stick wipe clean, reinsert count ten quick or just remove right away and see what it's saying.

Thanks for the reply. To clarify it's on level ground, been left overnight, engine run etc. I've taken multiple readings with a spotless stick but there is oil smeared up the dipstick everytime so the reading is not clear, I suspect I've overfilled.

GrumpyGel · Oct 22, 2021

I wonder if the dip stick wasn't fully pushed in when you took the reading that said it was on min?

If it was on min a liter may over fill it, but not to the level that it looks your may be.

saxavordian · Oct 22, 2021

If you have the engine running, one the oil expands from cold and as the pressure builds the affect of returning to the sump will slop around. All oils and fuels expand when heated. Reading from cold will be more accurate because your filling from a cold container. Your dipstick only reads the sump level.

Dipstick reading

Mud Plugger 6 9

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saxavordian

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kermit_rr

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GrumpyGel

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Arctic2

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Mud Plugger 6 9

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GrumpyGel

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saxavordian

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