Engine Oil Dipstick Readings.........

gsbrockman · **Posted:** Fri Jul 07, 2006 2:19 pm

Over the past several weeks, I've noticed that several CRD owners have voiced their opinions as to "what's full" and "what's not full" regarding the proper engine oil amount per the dipstick.

I personally have always used the entire 7 quarts of oil during my oil changes......the first two oil changes utilizing 0W40 Mobil 1.....the last oil change, I switched to 5W40 Rotella-T in the gallon jugs. I have typically always changed the oil when the engine has been driven a minimum of 18--20 miles---on occasion, it was as much as a 57 mile trip or so, coupled with a long drain time-----45 minutes to an hour.

I'd like for other CRD members to try this.......and let me know your findings......When checking your oil level, re-insert the dipstick 180* and post your findings if your level is higher or lower.

My oil level reads differently if the dipstick is inserted with the words / crosshatch marks printed on the dipstick facing the radiator versus the words / crosshatch marks facing the firewall.

I discovered this phenomenon some time ago, but only recently decided to post about it.

Greg

oldnavy · **Posted:** Fri Jul 07, 2006 4:49 pm

Yup I mentioned it in one of my early posting shortly after joining, however it is not much of any difference 1/4" or less on miune. It also reads differently if you let it sit 1/2 hour vs 5 minutes or less.

Edit for comment: VW TDI was real bad about giving wrong fill reading. The VW TDI will not read correctly till it sits for several hours, it is supprising how few people that own TDI ever knew this fact. With those cars you did oil change then put in 3 qts (most would put in 4 to 4.5) start it up let it idle for a minute then come back couple hours later or next morning to finish filling as needed with about another 1/2 qt of oil. Most guy never knew that if you drained the factory fill (total is about 5.5 qt for first fill at factory) you can not get all the oil out of the engine no mattter how long it set. Most you could get from factory fill by gravity drain was about 3 to 3 1/4 qt's and if you used the siphon method you cold always get at least 3 3/4 qts out by siphoning out the oil cooler that is connected to bottom of oil filter housing. VW had a canister type filter sitting directly over the oil cooler. Go figure

Anyway I have a replacement dipstick and when I put in 6.4 qts (6qt & 12oz) it is always about 1/4 inch below the factory mark and I have marked another line for this reason. However I have never used and OEM filter before, and next oil change will be with OEM Italian made oil filter and will see if it makes a difference.

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Fri Jul 07, 2006 5:56 pm

Well maybe we need to measure our disposed oil and refill accordingly.

RFCRD · **Posted:** Sat Jul 08, 2006 12:23 pm

gsbrockman wrote:

I'd like for other CRD members to try this.......and let me know your findings......When checking your oil level, re-insert the dipstick 180* and post your findings if your level is higher or lower.

My oil level reads differently if the dipstick is inserted with the words / crosshatch marks printed on the dipstick facing the radiator versus the words / crosshatch marks facing the firewall.

I discovered this phenomenon some time ago, but only recently decided to post about it.

Greg

You noticed that too. I think there is something about the shape of the dipstick tube that screws with the readings. Have to check it several times before getting a reliable reading.

I also like to drop the oil immediately after running 10-15 miles and while it still hot. It may just be a myth, but supposed to prevent sludge build-up in the pan. Just an old habit from servicing old diesels. The Jeep CRD motor is so advanced it doesn't make sludge, right??? :-)r

gsbrockman · **Posted:** Sat Jul 08, 2006 5:00 pm

oldnavy wrote:

Anyway I have a replacement dipstick and when I put in 6.4 qts (6qt & 12oz) it is always about 1/4 inch below the factory mark and I have marked another line for this reason. However I have never used and OEM filter before, and next oil change will be with OEM Italian made oil filter and will see if it makes a difference.

It's been a while since I read the owner's manual in reference to capacities......as best I remember, the 6.4 qts mentioned in the manual did not include the filter capacity, to the best of my knowledge.

I've always used the OEM oil filters and have always allowed long drain times........and lengthy times after shut-down for proper checking of the oil level (on hot days in summer-----30 to 45 minutes or so-----overnight during cold times (CRD lives a happy life in the garage year round).

Greg

oldnavy · **Posted:** Sat Jul 08, 2006 6:38 pm

From FSM, lubrication & maintenance section, page 0-5, for oil & filter change 6.4 quarts.

The .4 qt is 12.8 oz for those who want to know.

gsbrockman · **Posted:** Sun Jul 09, 2006 9:22 am

oldnavy wrote:

From FSM, lubrication & maintenance section, page 0-5, for oil & filter change 6.4 quarts.

I stand corrected !

oldnavy · **Posted:** Sun Jul 09, 2006 5:26 pm

gsbrockman wrote:

oldnavy wrote:

From FSM, lubrication & maintenance section, page 0-5, for oil & filter change 6.4 quarts.

I stand corrected !

Don't stand I was an enlisted man. :lol:

jeepusa · **Posted:** Sun Jul 09, 2006 9:27 pm

OldNavy I’m just curious you seem to have a lot knowledge about diesels did you get your education and experience with diesels in the navy? Your profile indicates you are retired and Surface Warfare qualified but nothing more. I looked for an introduction post from you but didn’t see one (but could have missed it). Strange but it seems that there are a lot of former Navy personnel have bought CRD’s myself included.

hatchetman · **Posted:** Sun Jul 09, 2006 9:33 pm

My owners manual says 6.3 qts and 5w30 Mobil 1 for the 2.8 CRD. :evil:

oldnavy · **Posted:** Sun Jul 09, 2006 10:08 pm

hatchetman wrote:

My owners manual says 6.3 qts and 5w30 Mobil 1 for the 2.8 CRD. :evil:

That is only about 3.5 oz difference in amount from 6.4 qt from FSM. I don't normally measure that close. :roll:

RFCRD · **Posted:** Sun Jul 09, 2006 11:06 pm

oldnavy wrote:

hatchetman wrote:

My owners manual says 6.3 qts and 5w30 Mobil 1 for the 2.8 CRD. :evil:

That is only about 3.5 oz difference in amount from 6.4 qt from FSM. I don't normally measure that close. :roll:

The one thing that has puzzled me from early on is how did DC decide on 6.4 qts? Not an even measure, metric or SAE. One would think they would have engineered an even/standard capacity for the sump.

Cowpie1 · **Posted:** Sun Jul 09, 2006 11:44 pm

My '06 manual says to use 0w40 or 5w40 synthetic. Interesting how the manuals for the same motor, one can specity 5w30 and another 5w40.

This is in keeping with the differences in the '06 manuals regarding the warrenty on the diesel that was discussed in another thread.

One thing for certain, DC isn't watching who is typing up the manuals. I smell litigation in the air!

Cliff

Engine Oil Dipstick Readings.........

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