Reading the Dipstick...

[-=Rob=-]

Is it just me (Could be )

But does anyone find getting a decent reading off the dipstick for the oil level difficult. Every time I check I end of taking a stack of readings, because oil seems to be all up the stick and not very clear where the exact level is.

Today my level appeared to go from 1/2 way to above max

And I am not a novice, reading the wife's Altea is spot on every time, it's as if the stick drags up the tube and clears / wipes the level out...

Is there a knack?!

 

[zondaff]

Make sure you take it out, wipe the stick clean; dip back in and pull out again should get a decent reading.

 

[-=Rob=-]

Make sure you take it out, wipe the stick clean; dip back in and pull out again should get a decent reading.

Yeah I do that. Still struggle with the Cupra

 

[zondaff]

Yeah I do that. Still struggle with the Cupra

Hmm, not sure mate sorry. Dealer ring? Lol

 

[smurf123]

yes i have found the same i withdraw the stick wipe it clean dip again and the oil is everywhere on stick impossible to get a true reading

 

[Seastormer]

Make sure you take it out, wipe the stick clean; dip back in and pull out again should get a decent reading.

I do this and perfect reading every time.

 

[LeonFRTDi]

Why couldn't they spend the extra £2 and just fit a steel flat Dipstick instead of that totally
shite Plastic thing....

Its not that bad to getting a reading from, providing you wipe it clean but id say if your over rough with it you might snap it !

Give me a Tractor Engined Steel Dipstick anyday over this.....

The 1.9 TDI 150hp in the mk1 was Steel & much easier to read & stronger.

 

[jimiC]

Give me a Tractor Engined Steel Dipstick anyday over this

just been out to check mine and to my surprise the only plastic part of the dipstick is the handle, the marked level indicating area being a shaped section of metal

 

[LeonFRTDi]

well it certainly isn't on the 2lt FR TDI that I have....
Its as cheap as china crap that's my honest opinion...

And how much money did they save my binning the Bonnet Strut over a Bonnet Metal Stay eh!!! I had a look under the same reg/year 2104 Golf with the same engine the other day & hey presto its got the strut.....

Penny Pinchers....


The Side of the drivers side top spring mounting is where its bolted to but the metal part that is welded off the side of this doesn't even exist on the Mk3 Leon...

 

[Aardvark]

Getting a reading with clean or new oil can be hard to see.

I always follow my old Dad's advice as he was motor trade all his working life.

1. Engine hot
2. park on flat ground
3. engine off
4. wait 5 mins for oil to drain back to sump from top of engine
5. remove dipstick, wipe and place back in to position for a count of 2
6. remove stick slowly and read immediately whilst holding it horizontal
7. wipe stick and replace

 

[LeonFRTDi]

well your dad may be right but since I could drive some 28yrs ago ive always been shown to check engine
oil when the engine is cold IE first thing in the morning...

Cant see the point in it when its HOT as it will always read diff.

Each to there own...

My Old method has served me well

 

[guari]

well your dad may be right but since I could drive some 28yrs ago ive always been shown to check engine
oil when the engine is cold IE first thing in the morning...

Cant see the point in it when its HOT as it will always read diff.

Each to there own...

My Old method has served me well

I used to check when cold too but then the seat manual says hot after letting it rest for a few minutes.

 

[LeonFRTDi]

what would happen if lets say you drove 600miles one day & then thought the next morning id better dip the oil?
It will be cold & what if you didn't dip it then? & it was below the minimum & the engine went wrong...
It wouldn't be such a bad idea to check its cold now then would it....

we have always done this with Tractors & Combines since they could have been working 20hrs the day before & flatout most of the day.....

 

[guari]

what would happen if lets say you drove 600miles one day & then thought the next morning id better dip the oil?
It will be cold & what if you didn't dip it then? & it was below the minimum & the engine went wrong...
It wouldn't be such a bad idea to check its cold now then would it....

we have always done this with Tractors & Combines since they could have been working 20hrs the day before & flatout most of the day.....

Not disagreeing with you, I also used to do the same.

However, your car manual states otherwise. No harm done either way.

 

[jimiC]

some vehicles require a cold check other's require a check at operating temperature. the SEAT manual says check at operating temperature so i do what the manual says

 

[jimiC]

And how much money did they save my binning the Bonnet Strut over a Bonnet Metal Stay eh!!! I had a look under the same reg/year 2104 Golf with the same engine the other day & hey presto its got the strut.....

yea i was hoping to retrofit a Golf strut (somehow) but the mounting points on the chassis and bonnet aren't there.

 

[LeonFRTDi]

yea i was hoping to retrofit a Golf strut (somehow) but the mounting points on the chassis and bonnet aren't there.

It would be possible to do this I have some pics of the golf on my iphone...

But considering the Mk1 Leon based on mk4 Golf had it I expected the Mk3 to have the same.... huh !!

 

[LeonFRTDi]

Not disagreeing with you, I also used to do the same.

However, your car manual states otherwise. No harm done either way.

I know what you mean.

For the low miles I'll do in mine on a weekly basis i'll just check it COLD. once a week.

Upto 6000miles & nowt used yet, mind ive only had it since 4500miles !!!

Done 520miles tho on brim full tank & two led bars still lit up !!

Once I remove that poxy plastic Filler guide thing it will be easier to brim it


Iam used to doing 600m plus easily with previous diesel car, it did hold ni on 60litres tho....