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Checking oil dry sump sysytem

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Old Nov 8, 2011 | 01:08 PM
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Default Checking oil dry sump sysytem

I have a new GS with 800 miles on it, 6 speed, dry sump. First oil check it was just below the hash marks. Checked it a few times trying to make sure. After driving it I let it set for 5-10 minutes, then check it. I pull out the dipstick, wipe it off and put it back in and check it,,, just below the hash marks,,,, If i put the dip stick in and let it stay for a minute or so it will be in the hash marks. Wipe it off again and re check it, it is just below the hash marks. Sometimes it will show more oil on one side of the stick then the other. What do you guys think about my situation? Would you add 1/2 qt or so? I don't want to get it to full either of course.
Thanks
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 06:11 AM
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Well, the procedure for checking dry sump oil is very specific and I would follow that exactly and see where you are. For the Z06 its:

1. To obtain an accurate engine oil level reading,
warm up the engine to at least 175°F (80°C).
Cold oil will not give a correct oil level reading.

2. Once the engine is warm, turn off the engine.
Checking the oil while the engine is running
will result in an incorrect oil level reading.

3. Wait at least five minutes (but not more than
20 minutes) to allow oil to drain and settle in
the engine.

4. Remove the dipstick from the external engine oil
tank and clean it with a lint-free paper towel or a
cloth. Re-insert the dipstick into the external oil tank,
pushing it all the way in until it stops.

5. Remove the dipstick from the oil tank and read the
level on the cross-hatched area. Oil levels that fall
in the cross-hatched area are normal.

I assume your GS has similar instructions in the Owners Manual. I would find your instructions and proceed from there.
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 11:46 PM
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Originally Posted by foremaw
Well, the procedure for checking dry sump oil is very specific and I would follow that exactly and see where you are. For the Z06 its:

1. To obtain an accurate engine oil level reading,
warm up the engine to at least 175°F (80°C).
Cold oil will not give a correct oil level reading.

2. Once the engine is warm, turn off the engine.
Checking the oil while the engine is running
will result in an incorrect oil level reading.

3. Wait at least five minutes (but not more than
20 minutes) to allow oil to drain and settle in
the engine.

4. Remove the dipstick from the external engine oil
tank and clean it with a lint-free paper towel or a
cloth. Re-insert the dipstick into the external oil tank,
pushing it all the way in until it stops.

5. Remove the dipstick from the oil tank and read the
level on the cross-hatched area. Oil levels that fall
in the cross-hatched area are normal.

I assume your GS has similar instructions in the Owners Manual. I would find your instructions and proceed from there.
yes my owners manual has the same instructions. I just keep getting different indications depending on if I put the dipstick in and pull it right back out or put it in and leave it for a few seconds. Sometimes it will show more oil on one side of the dipstick then it does on the other side
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Old Nov 10, 2011 | 10:02 AM
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Originally Posted by v1 rot8
yes my owners manual has the same instructions. I just keep getting different indications depending on if I put the dipstick in and pull it right back out or put it in and leave it for a few seconds. Sometimes it will show more oil on one side of the dipstick then it does on the other side
My 06 Z06 is the same way. I change my own oil (8 quarts) and check the oil exactly 5 minutes after shutdown. It falls at about 2/3 of the way up the cross-hatched area of the dipstick. This is full for my vehicle. There is slight disparity from one side of the dipstick to the other. That's normal.
Wherever your correct oil capacity brings that level on your dipstick is basically the full mark. I would not add to bring it to the top of the crosshatch area.
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Old Nov 10, 2011 | 10:36 AM
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When I bought my GS, (2011) it was almost a quart low right off the lot. I followed the directions for letting the vehicle get up to operating temperature and waited the five minutes to check it. I got the same result every time. I added oil and re-checked it and from that point on until I had the oil changed the level was good!
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Old Nov 10, 2011 | 10:38 AM
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Originally Posted by capevettes
My 06 Z06 is the same way. I change my own oil (8 quarts) and check the oil exactly 5 minutes after shutdown. It falls at about 2/3 of the way up the cross-hatched area of the dipstick. This is full for my vehicle. There is slight disparity from one side of the dipstick to the other. That's normal.
Wherever your correct oil capacity brings that level on your dipstick is basically the full mark. I would not add to bring it to the top of the crosshatch area.
My C5 is like that, change the oil and filter and replace with correct amount of oil and it always show just slightly over filled. I always raised up the rear end to drain that last little amount to. My 2011 GS dry sump engine has only 800 miles on it. If I push the dipstick in and right back out again it shows below hash marks, if I wait 5-10 seconds before pulling it out, it shows in the upper half of the hash marks. Plus then I have one side of the dipstick showing plenty of oil and the other side shows low, that just happens every now and then. I don't want to drive it a qt low and I don't want to overfill it either. Just not sure what to do about it. Never had this situation with a car before
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Old Nov 10, 2011 | 10:45 AM
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Originally Posted by bbudman
When I bought my GS, (2011) it was almost a quart low right off the lot. I followed the directions for letting the vehicle get up to operating temperature and waited the five minutes to check it. I got the same result every time. I added oil and re-checked it and from that point on until I had the oil changed the level was good!
I wish I had checked mine right away now to see where it was. I just assumed it was full. Do you push your dipstick in and right back out to check it or do you hesitate for a few seconds before pulling it out? That 5-10 seconds makes a difference in how mine checks, No hesitation and it shows below a qt low, if I hesitate 5-10 seconds it shows good. Checking oil has always been such a simply thing to do and this car is changing all that for me.
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