oil level question

[delirium]

I changed my oil by myself, but I want to check to see if my oil level is ok. This is what I see:

Oil is cold: on electronic meter, all bars are filled.

2 minutes after pulling into garage: on electronic meter, 3 top bars are empty

10 minutes after pulling into garage: on electronic meter, 2 top bars are empty.

On dipstick, the oil is right below the top (max) notch. The notch itself does not have any oil on it, just right below it on the bar.

So, my oil is a bit on the full side, but is not beyond max (all bars filled) when at operating temps or higher.

Is this acceptable? Should I drain some? (I have a fluid extractor)

[Loren]

Looks fine to me.

[nick49]

As discussed many times on different forums, the oil level is most accurately determined by the dip stick. Less accurate is the dash oil level gauge and is usually used to alert that a dip stick reading may be needed.

[delirium]

I know its on the full side, but not over filled as it does not surpass the max line on the dipstick.. however I have read that some people insist to measure the oil when the car is cold which would mean my car may be over filled. The owners manual says to measure at operating temps... which is right & why do some insist to measure cold?

[geza]

Oil expands when it gets hot - and therefore takes up more space within the confines of the engine sump or oil reservoir than when it is cold.

Since oil level in an engine is usually critical, the only effective measurement is when the oil is at operating temperature - fully expanded in its confined area.

Cold readings are false. Full at cold means overfull when hot. Since the engine is hot when you are out enjoying the car the oil must be measured as such - and is described this way in the owners manual.

[delirium]

Oil expands when it gets hot - and therefore takes up more space within the confines of the engine sump or oil reservoir than when it is cold.

Since oil level in an engine is usually critical, the only effective measurement is when the oil is at operating temperature - fully expanded in its confined area.

Cold readings are false. Full at cold means overfull when hot. Since the engine is hot when you are out enjoying the car the oil must be measured as such - and is described this way in the owners manual.

My engine oil is lower when the car is at operating temps.. I have been told that this is becuase the oil has been pumped into the various part of the engine. When the engine is cold, all the oil is drained back into the oil pan & so the measurement is much higher... so although the oil expands at high temps, there is less oil in the pan because it is in the other parts of the car.... this is also why they start the engine up for a few seconds when filling the oil, so that you can get a reading of the oil that is left in the pan.

your measurements are more full when your car is at operating temps?

[geza]

Wait 10 minutes for all the oil to drain back into the sump - then check it.