Reading the dipstick in the 2.3L, is there a better way?

[Lil Red Broncette]

Just did my third oil change, and I really find the dipstick harder to read than any other vehicle I have had.

It seems like the dipstick goes down thru a passage that brings oil from the top of the head to the bottom of the engine. And since it is right there next to the main fill, oil immediately runs down the dip stick passage. Then thru capillary action or surface tension some oil just sits in the passage to coat the dipstick up the length well above the fill mark even when I know I haven't put enough oil in yet.

I can sort-of, sometimes tell the difference between complete coverage at the bottom verses oil along the edge of the dipstick, but sometimes there seems to be enough in the passage to cover the full width. It always takes me multiple times inserting and cleaning off to even get to that sort of tell point.

Is there some secret trick to making this easier to read? I feel like it be easier ramming something to clean out the excess oil like cleaning the barrel of a muzzle loading cannon. Getting tired of having to insert it a dozen times before getting a reading I am confident in.

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[Boreal]

My Process:

Change oil. Do the Flat Foot/No Spark crank. Turn it over, Let it idle for a minute. Kill the engine. Clean up all the consumables from the change - about five minutes will elapse by the time you are done a wash up/clean up.

THEN check the oil level.

Everything takes a few minutes to drain to the pan for an accurate reading anyways

 

[615_Bronco]

Just did my third oil change, and I really find the dipstick harder to read than any other vehicle I have had.

It seems like the dipstick goes down thru a passage that brings oil from the top of the head to the bottom of the engine. And since it is right there next to the main fill, oil immediately runs down the dip stick passage. Then thru capillary action or surface tension some oil just sits in the passage to coat the dipstick up the length well above the fill mark even when I know I haven't put enough oil in yet.

I can sort-of, sometimes tell the difference between complete coverage at the bottom verses oil along the edge of the dipstick, but sometimes there seems to be enough in the passage to cover the full width. It always takes me multiple times inserting and cleaning off to even get to that sort of tell point.

Is there some secret trick to making this easier to read? I feel like it be easier ramming something to clean out the excess oil like cleaning the barrel of a muzzle loading cannon. Getting tired of having to insert it a dozen times before getting a reading I am confident in.

I pour the recommended amount and ride. I’ll check the next morning when its cold.

 

[Lil Red Broncette]

My Process:

Change oil. Do the Flat Foot/No Spark crank. Turn it over, Let it idle for a minute. Kill the engine. Clean up all the consumables from the change - about five minutes will elapse by the time you are done a wash up/clean up.

THEN check the oil level.

Everything takes a few minutes to drain to the pan for an accurate reading anyways

I do start it for a minute to get it off the ramps after the initial fill. Maybe I am checking too early.

 

[Lil Red Broncette]

I pour the recommended amount and ride. I’ll check the next morning when its cold.

What amount do you put in? And when you check does it need more? I know I've seen the amount but never trust it till I've prove it repeatable.

Part of the problem I suppose is I am new to doing changes on the Bronco. On my explorer I know that I can count on 6 quarts putting me just on the low side of mid range on the dip stick. I put an extra third which puts it at the top. I usually don't even check the dipstick after a change. Just every 500 miles or couple weeks.

 

[redone17]

I hear ya. I thought I was going crazy at first. I also cold crank and then drive it a bit and check it in the morning. But, I’ve just been pouring in the full 5L bottle and then leaving a tad bit behind in the 1L bottle and it’s been spot on every time.

 

[Tricky Mike]

It is super hard to read when clean. I just check it about 5 times and hope for the best.

 

[Mkass]

me: I go to the dealer

 

[Lil Red Broncette]

me: I go to the dealer

I am old enough to realize it is a recipe eventually to get burnt.

 

[615_Bronco]

What amount do you put in? And when you check does it need more? I know I've seen the amount but never trust it till I've prove it repeatable.

Part of the problem I suppose is I am new to doing changes on the Bronco. On my explorer I know that I can count on 6 quarts putting me just on the low side of mid range on the dip stick. I put an extra third which puts it at the top. I usually don't even check the dipstick after a change. Just every 500 miles or couple weeks.

I always do 6.2 quarts of Motorcraft synthetic.
My problem is that it always shows too much oil unless I let it sit for a few hours after.

 

[Mkass]

I am old enough to realize it is a recipe eventually to get burnt.

I’m smart enough not to get burnt

 

[5150]

Just did my third oil change, and I really find the dipstick harder to read than any other vehicle I have had.

It seems like the dipstick goes down thru a passage that brings oil from the top of the head to the bottom of the engine. And since it is right there next to the main fill, oil immediately runs down the dip stick passage. Then thru capillary action or surface tension some oil just sits in the passage to coat the dipstick up the length well above the fill mark even when I know I haven't put enough oil in yet.

I can sort-of, sometimes tell the difference between complete coverage at the bottom verses oil along the edge of the dipstick, but sometimes there seems to be enough in the passage to cover the full width. It always takes me multiple times inserting and cleaning off to even get to that sort of tell point.

Is there some secret trick to making this easier to read? I feel like it be easier ramming something to clean out the excess oil like cleaning the barrel of a muzzle loading cannon. Getting tired of having to insert it a dozen times before getting a reading I am confident in.

Pull your dip stick out and leave it out for a few minutes then put it back in and measure your oil,. I also sand papered the end of the dip stick to make it easier to read.

 

[l88m22vette]

Has anyone else noticed one side is smooth and the other side is cross-hatched?

 

[RHeinz]

I’m smart enough not to get burnt

Respectfully, I would never be that confident. It’s not a matter of being smart. An oil change anywhere is not getting the “top“ mechanic/technician at any facility.

Worst experience? My wife’s company Subaru had the oil changed at one of the major oil change outlets. The “Tech” drained the transmission by mistake then added the full oil fill volume to the already full engine. You want to talk about smoke?????

There have been other “experiences” at national name brand facilities. Shit happens…. Good luck.

 

[Brian_B]

I run my finger along the stick - it's not surefire, but if you're willing to get your hands dirty it helps figure out where the level actually is when you have clean oil.

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