how to check oil level and best time to do it.
x type 2.2 diesel 2009

 

Really? Seriously? Smfh!!!

 

Sorry said it wrong. When I try to check oil level the oil seems to be all over the dipstick and I don’t know where the level is. I leave it to settle after running engine and still no proper reading.
I

 

Let it sit overnight, check then.

 

mgbgtred74, letting the car sit for a few minutes after running will help ensure you get a good reading. Seems like you know where the dipstick is. Just grab yourself a paper towel or rag and pull the dipstick, wipe is clean, then insert it into the engine and then immediately pull back out. You may see a little run of oil on the side of the stick. Do not worry about that. Look at where the oil crosses all the way across the etched section telling you where the good oil level band is. You can then figure out where the level is in the engine. Doing this with the engine running will result in oil all over the dipstick and figuring it out is not possible.

 

I know what this guy is on about. I suffer from the same problem. Dipstick tube coats the dipstick and reading is difficult.
Only way I know and its a pain is -- Park on level ground with engine warm obviously. TAKE DIPSTICK OUT OF TUBE and leave overnight. Tube is then drained of oil. Now dip as usual.

DONT FORGET TO REPLACE DIPSTICK.

 

.DONT FORGET TO REPLACE DIPSTICK.

Ha, done that before!

 

Thank you Thermo and Dunks.
Tried this morning but as you say dipstick is still coated with oil.
There is no hatched section in my dipstick so harder to read.
Ill bring it for a run then leave dipstick out for it to settle and try again.
I changed the oil last month and put in 6.5 litres so I’m anxious after a two week trip in UK to make sure there is enough oil in it.

 

And sorry Dell. Thank you too and and sorry about the misleading question.

 

I am only guessing that you have a clean dipstick, and not coated with a build-up of sludge and varnishes from years of abuse. Pull the stick and give it a really good clean in a good solvent, maybe even try a very fine wet&dry sandpaper, then dry it properly and try dipping again.

 

Yeah, that's a little known trick I've used since a youth in buying older cars (Vets, Mustangs, Firebirds, BMWs, Austin Healeys, etc.). If the dipstick is all dark and dull instead of bright and shiney, it's a positive indicator the previous owner(s) didn't do regular maintenance. My current X is nice and bright.

 

Having read the problem (which I didn't know about) and the erudite replies concerning residual oil in the X-Type dipstick tube, I recommend the best time is during a full moon when gravitational force is at its highest. This ensures the fastest drainage from the dipstick tube and settlement of oil in the sump to achieve an accurate reading.

I enjoyed the "misleading question" and the consequent replies so have resisted the temptation to edit your thread title.

Graham

 

Thank you all for your replies and solutions.
I have left the car sitting since yesterday morning and checked again now.
The dipstick is clean and shiny with no gunk or coating on it.
The level seems to be about 6 mm higher than the max mark and on reflection and checking the container of oil I used I put about 6.5 litres into the engine.
Is this too much and would it account for the high level?
I’ve always brought the car onto the motorway when the DPF warning came on.

 

Seems a bit high to me. . I do oil and filter "really good long drain" Then put 6 litres in "that's what the book says" and it brings the oil on the dipstick dead on full
Why did you put in more.

 

I mistakenly put in more because I was using the 5 litre can and it was hard to measure how much I was putting in.
I’ll use a smaller container next time.
I used an oil extraction pump just now and took .75 litre out to get the level just below the max mark.
Now that I know how to get proper levels I’ll keep an eye on it.
Thank you all for your input on this.
A great forum for the x Type!