checking oil
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 193
Likes: 16
From: Vegas NV
checking oil
Hello, this might sound like a stupid question but does anyone else have a hard time reading the oil level on the dip stick? doesnt seem to be very easy to tell where the heck the oil level is,, Thank Mike
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,472
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From: Scottsdale AZ
Funny - - if your oil is dirty, it's much easier to read on any car . . .but yeah - - clean oil can sometimes be hard to see the level - - light/angle has to be right.
It sure hasn't gotten easier as I've grown older !
It sure hasn't gotten easier as I've grown older !
cesssna10
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Big Canoe Ga
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: South East TN
I have heard some people have drilled a very small hole at the upper and lower range limits of the dipstick. The oil will cover the hole if it's up to that level making it easier to see. I wouldn't do it to my car though cause I'd be afarid it might break off in the engine.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Northern Illinois
Oldtimer
I have a really hard time reading mine as well, even with a paper towel. My oil never gets really dirty, so it's kind of a pain in the butt. 
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But if you take the tip of your finger and move it down the dipstick until you touch oil, it makes it easier.
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
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Take some sandpaper and sand the area up to, and maybe a little above the full mark. I laid the dipstick on a flat surface and used some 120 grit wet or dry in a sanding block. Not trying to remove metal here, just roughen the surface.
The roughness allows the oil to be more easily seen against the "flat" non-reflective surface.
The roughness allows the oil to be more easily seen against the "flat" non-reflective surface.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: West Branch, MI
I have heard some people have drilled a very small hole at the upper and lower range limits of the dipstick. The oil will cover the hole if it's up to that level making it easier to see. I wouldn't do it to my car though cause I'd be afarid it might break off in the engine.
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
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