Weird issues with dipstick

[coach ben]

So I'm sure you guys are all familiar with how much our dipsticks suck with the 3.8, and I do feel stupid for asking this, but does anyone else have trouble checking their oil level? Every time I check mine it seems I get a different reading; sometimes there's random oil all over the stick and other times there's hardly any at all. I just had a new 3.8 put in a few months ago with only 4,000 miles, but I had the same problem a few times with the old engine as well. This is making me insane.

[tkoforpresident]

Re: Weird issues with dipstick

So I'm sure you guys are all familiar with how much our dipsticks suck with the 3.8, and I do feel stupid for asking this, but does anyone else have trouble checking their oil level? Every time I check mine it seems I get a different reading; sometimes there's random oil all over the stick and other times there's hardly any at all. I just had a new 3.8 put in a few months ago with only 4,000 miles, but I had the same problem a few times with the old engine as well. This is making me insane.

yes u are insane.

you are wiping off the dipstick before taking a reading right?:omg:

[GinsuGuy585]

Re: Weird issues with dipstick

I'm guessing some oil is getting splashed up into the dipstick tube and when you put in a clean dipstick some of the oil in the tube is getting on the dipstick higher up than normal. Although it should be fairly obvious where the oil line is.

A pic of the dipstick would help.

[coach ben]

Re: Weird issues with dipstick

That's what I would guess, but for some reason there is no distinct line. I will try and have some pics this weekend. It's the same result even when I check it first thing in the morning after it sitting all night, and yes I always wipe off the dipstick. It has my dad confused, and our mechanic asked us about it as well. I'm still not in favor of the twisted design.

[HeadyFirebird'00]

Re: Weird issues with dipstick

my sh!ts fine. no problems here

[tkoforpresident]

Re: Weird issues with dipstick

what if you put too much oil in? wouldnt it go up into the dipstick

[GinsuGuy585]

Re: Weird issues with dipstick

If you put in enough to go up the dipstick tube you would be leaving a smoke cloud behind you. Most engines (GM at least) love burning off oil when overfilled. A buddy of mine clogged up his cat because he put in an extra quart (after I told him not to :P) and it looked like it had a blown headgasket until it burned off.

[tkoforpresident]

Re: Weird issues with dipstick

just a thought.. lol

[GinsuGuy585]

Re: Weird issues with dipstick

Ya the best knowledge is gained through watching friends f* up. :slap:

[cam98aro]

Re: Weird issues with dipstick

If you put in enough to go up the dipstick tube you would be leaving a smoke cloud behind you. Most engines (GM at least) love burning off oil when overfilled. A buddy of mine clogged up his cat because he put in an extra quart (after I told him not to :P) and it looked like it had a blown headgasket until it burned off.

its because the oil pressure is so high, the oil is creeping up past the rings