Checking oil level
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 392
Likes: 3
From: Palm Coast Florida
Checking oil level
This will probably open up a can of worms, but what is the proper way to check the oil level. I've been told cold, hot, after 5 mins all by GM customer service. The Dealer really doesn't know either. When I do my first oil change myself, then and only then will I be sure. Wow! I guess I really an ****.
Capt bob
Capt bob
Last edited by v8capt; Sep 2, 2010 at 09:09 PM. Reason: spelling
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
If it's dry sump, then the oil has to be warm.
From the owner's manual:
From the owner's manual:
...the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
These vehicles have a racetrack-ready dry sump engine
lubrication system. This high-performance system
operates differently than a standard engine lubrication
system and requires a special procedure when checking
the engine oil level. Follow this procedure closely
when checking the engine oil level.
The engine oil level must be checked when the engine
is warm. Cold oil level in the dry sump tank may not
indicate the actual amount of oil in the system.
With this system, engine oil is contained in an
external tank, separate from the engine. Under normal
operating conditions, the oil pan under the engine
does not store any oil. If the vehicle has been parked
for an extended period without the engine being started,
some oil will seep back into the oil pan, reducing the
amount of oil held in the dry sump tank and there
could be no engine oil at all showing on the dipstick.
This is normal since the dipstick is designed to
read engine oil level only after the engine has run
long enough to reach normal operating temperature.
These vehicles have a racetrack-ready dry sump engine
lubrication system. This high-performance system
operates differently than a standard engine lubrication
system and requires a special procedure when checking
the engine oil level. Follow this procedure closely
when checking the engine oil level.
The engine oil level must be checked when the engine
is warm. Cold oil level in the dry sump tank may not
indicate the actual amount of oil in the system.
With this system, engine oil is contained in an
external tank, separate from the engine. Under normal
operating conditions, the oil pan under the engine
does not store any oil. If the vehicle has been parked
for an extended period without the engine being started,
some oil will seep back into the oil pan, reducing the
amount of oil held in the dry sump tank and there
could be no engine oil at all showing on the dipstick.
This is normal since the dipstick is designed to
read engine oil level only after the engine has run
long enough to reach normal operating temperature.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 78
From: Miami FL
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Captain,
If you have the manual transmission in your GS coupe, then Rick has given you the answer that is also in your owner's manual. If you are changing it yourself, be SURE to follow the instructions for BOTH drain plugs.
If you have the automatic, then check it after it drains down for 10 to 15 minutes, but still warm.
If you have the manual transmission in your GS coupe, then Rick has given you the answer that is also in your owner's manual. If you are changing it yourself, be SURE to follow the instructions for BOTH drain plugs.
If you have the automatic, then check it after it drains down for 10 to 15 minutes, but still warm.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 392
Likes: 3
From: Palm Coast Florida
I have a GS auto trans. Again, noboby agrees on the correct way to check the oil. I feel I have too much oil from the frctory. Too much oil is worst than being a little low. Does someone really know for sure.
Capt Bob.
Capt Bob.
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From: Henderson Nevada
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: Cochrane Alberta
I recently changed my own oil, and added exactly 5.7 litres as per the manual. The only time the dipstick reads accurately is about 5 minutes after pulling into the garage after a drive. A cold check makes it look like there's about an extra litre in the crankcase.....
If some of you are taking reads when cold, and the dipstick is at the full mark, you may be low on oil if your dipstick reads like mine does.....
Paul
If some of you are taking reads when cold, and the dipstick is at the full mark, you may be low on oil if your dipstick reads like mine does.....
Paul
