Volvo TAMD63P Oil Level

[asteven221]

Things are sent to try us aren't they? Checking the oil level on my engines is simple enough but the dipstick shows two levels at the same time!!

The dipstick tubes are at an angle about 45 degrees. The dipstick is a flat affair, easy to read with the usual high/low marks. So I pull out the dipstick, clean it and stick it back. Pull it out to check the level. On one side it shows a level say in the middle, and at the same time on the other side it shows a different level say at high. WTF!

Anyone else have this strange phenomona? Anyone any idea what level am I supposed to take as the correct one?

BTW this is a repeatable situation - every time.

 

[spannerman]

Yep seen it every time on these engines, I insert the dipstick with the marks on the under side as at 45 degrees these will give the true level.

 

[asteven221]

Thanks Spannerman. Glad to read it's not me going crazy (crazier?) and you have seen it too. What a strange thing! Anyway your advice is appreciated which I will try the next time I am down at the boat.

 

[Nickcf]

Things are sent to try us aren't they? Checking the oil level on my engines is simple enough but the dipstick shows two levels at the same time!!

The dipstick tubes are at an angle about 45 degrees. The dipstick is a flat affair, easy to read with the usual high/low marks. So I pull out the dipstick, clean it and stick it back. Pull it out to check the level. On one side it shows a level say in the middle, and at the same time on the other side it shows a different level say at high. WTF!

Anyone else have this strange phenomona? Anyone any idea what level am I supposed to take as the correct one?

BTW this is a repeatable situation - every time.

I think this is usually caused by slight air pressure in the dipstick tube which seems to be greater on the underside of the dipstick (probably because the flat dipstick is resting against the tube). It's always the underside which reads a lower level. The cure is to leave the dipstick in for ten minutes for the oil level to stabilise- which is pretty boring when you are just checking the level......

 

[asteven221]

Thanks nickf I will try that as well.

 

[volvopaul]

The way I have always checked volvos is to remove the stick, wait say 30 seconds for the oil level to equalize from the sump pan up the tube, how many times have owners dipped the oil to find zero on the stick, then quickly poured oil in for it then to be an inch above max! then there on the phone to me wondering what the hell they have done wrong.

 

[Bandit]

The way I have always checked volvos is to remove the stick, wait say 30 seconds for the oil level to equalize from the sump pan up the tube, how many times have owners dipped the oil to find zero on the stick, then quickly poured oil in for it then to be an inch above max! then there on the phone to me wondering what the hell they have done wrong.

Now I have always wondered why when I draw the dip sticks out they are dry, but when you put them back in the read a normal level ! BTW mine burn no oil .