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Thread: Oil Dipstick Help

  1. #1
    Regular Member Yohan's Avatar
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    Default Oil Dipstick Help

    Hello there everyone,
    Since ive had the car, about 2-3 months, there is one thing that seem to be a bit tricky, getting an accurate oil reading on the dipstick.

    the car was serviced oil change etc just before i bought it, so it should be fine.

    But.. it has to be one of the worst designs because the tolerance of high/low oil is so fine you cant really tell. (imo)

    when i pull the dipstick out, clean it, re insert it, and then check again, its covered with oil except for a patch at the back of the gauge, whats the deal with that?

    any ideas?
    hope ive explained myself well enough
    Last edited by Yohan; 7th April 2012 at 15:34.

  2. #2
    Dal5band
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    The range between max and min is about normal but it does seem to get smudged a lot. Danger is that you might overfill it. Try it after it's been standing for an hour or two and pull the dip stick straight out and read that - just an idea.

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    Regular Member Yohan's Avatar
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    yeah cheers, i know the range isnt too bad, but when i check the dipstick in a morning when the oil is thicker, the gauge is oily except for a wee patch at the back.

    i dunno, just stressing really as i like to make sure there is enough oil and no leaks etc, especially after some spirited driving!!

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    Regular Member m8internet's Avatar
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    You should be checking the oil then the engine is warm, not cold
    Try that and compare

    I usually get about 5 miles and that is enough to warm the engine enough, just before the needle starts to move
    Check the oil level, get back into the car and the needle has just moved

    edit :
    Checked your profile, but can't work out what engine is in your car
    Please advise

    On the Y30DT engine this has to be one of the best dipsticks around
    It is about 1.5 litres between MIN and MAX, so I tend to wait until it is just above the MIN and then add half a two litre bottle
    Usually only have to do this twice between services

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    VIP-Member Johnsdutton's Avatar
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    Vehicle : Signum

    Trim : Elite

    Engine : 3.2 v6

    Year : 2004

    Mileage : 140,000

    Default

    Oil should always be checked when the vehicle has been standing on level ground for approximately 30 mins or more. this allows the oil in the engine block to drain back down into the sump. When you remove the dipstick wipe it clean, reinsert and withdraw again. Check that the oil is within the markers, preferably nearer the full mark. If the level is below add a little oil, usually a cup full. Let it settle and recheck. If the level is higher than max by only a tiny amount that is fine, if it is over by a huge amount you would be well advised to drain some out.
    Stick to these guidelines and stop stressing.
    I have been driving cars and lorries for approaching 50 years and always use the above method. Never had a problem.
    Last edited by Johnsdutton; 7th April 2012 at 16:20.
    3.2 v6 Signum and loving it 😁

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    Regular Member Yohan's Avatar
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    thanks guys for good explanations etc. i have the 1.8vvt 2007/8 model. never had an issue before checking oil with my 10 years driving etc, but just seems the dipstick isnt performing the best. ill do as you say and leave it 30mins and check in a wee bit

  7. #7
    Regular Member m8internet's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Yohan View Post
    never had an issue before checking oil with my 10 years driving etc
    Agreed, but technology moves on and so old methods often become irrelevant
    The Vectra C is supposed to use long life oil, and has quite different properties between cold, warm, and hot
    The difference is very subtle visually but chemically it is very different from previous synthetic oils

    I too had my doubts on my first car that used long life oil, "Are they having a laugh with this water looking oil"

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    Regular Member Yohan's Avatar
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    cheers guys...

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    On the cdti, you have to have the engine warm and then wait 5 minutes before checking the oil. This is what the manual says! Stupid design me thinks!

  10. #10
    Regular Member rushy's Avatar
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    Same for petrols, there should be a sticker on the slam panel to tell you to any wait 5 mins. If thats how VX have said to check the oil then you'll be stupid to do it cold as you will always get the wrong reading.

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