Reading the dipstick - finally a way with no quesswork
10-24-2015, 05:45 PM
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Reading the dipstick - finally a way with no quesswork
If you're one of those "gauge only" guys then just skip this.
I’ve figured out a conclusive way to check the oil level on the dipstick without guessing or hoping you’re reading it correctly. This is my third air cooled 911 but first 993 and I must say the older dipsticks were much easier to read. The tricky part is reading the twisty portion – what part is oily film and where does the wet “dipped” portion begin? It usually all blends together.
The problem is that when you remove the wet dipstick you’re now coating the inside of the dipstick tube with oil as you’re drawing out the stick and re-inserting the dry dipstick back into a wet tube. You’re just making the entire twisty portion wet all over again before you’ve even taken a reading.
First, remove the dipstick and set it aside. Cover or plug the dipstick hole securely, you don't want your plug/cover falling off with the engine running. Wait a few hours before you go for a drive. Overnight would be fine as well. You want the dipstick tube to be "drip dry".
Now go for a drive and let the engine get up to temperature like you normally would. With the engine hot and idling, remove your plug from the dipstick hole, insert your clean, dry dipstick into the tank and then remove like always. You're inserting the dipstick into a dry tube, when you remove it to get a reading only the portion that was dipped in the oil will be wet on the twisty portion. The rest of the stick should be nice and dry.
Now, if you happen to have a really full tank and it’s already near the top of the twisty portion anyway, it might be a little more difficult to ascertain. But if you’re half full or less it’s a piece of cake.
I’ve figured out a conclusive way to check the oil level on the dipstick without guessing or hoping you’re reading it correctly. This is my third air cooled 911 but first 993 and I must say the older dipsticks were much easier to read. The tricky part is reading the twisty portion – what part is oily film and where does the wet “dipped” portion begin? It usually all blends together.
The problem is that when you remove the wet dipstick you’re now coating the inside of the dipstick tube with oil as you’re drawing out the stick and re-inserting the dry dipstick back into a wet tube. You’re just making the entire twisty portion wet all over again before you’ve even taken a reading.
First, remove the dipstick and set it aside. Cover or plug the dipstick hole securely, you don't want your plug/cover falling off with the engine running. Wait a few hours before you go for a drive. Overnight would be fine as well. You want the dipstick tube to be "drip dry".
Now go for a drive and let the engine get up to temperature like you normally would. With the engine hot and idling, remove your plug from the dipstick hole, insert your clean, dry dipstick into the tank and then remove like always. You're inserting the dipstick into a dry tube, when you remove it to get a reading only the portion that was dipped in the oil will be wet on the twisty portion. The rest of the stick should be nice and dry.
Now, if you happen to have a really full tank and it’s already near the top of the twisty portion anyway, it might be a little more difficult to ascertain. But if you’re half full or less it’s a piece of cake.
Last edited by KNS; 02-21-2016 at 12:11 PM. Reason: Edited for simplicity.
10-24-2015, 06:52 PM
#5
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
As I stated, this not a routine way to check one's oil. I've read countless posts here of 964/993 owners frustrated with getting an accurate reading off the dipstick. Just do a quick search on reading the dipstick. When it comes in handy is if you've got a question about your exact oil level (for whatever reason) and the entire dipstick is wet with oil.
This answers that question quickly and without any mystery or guesswork. I'm sure there are a few here who are running overfull and knowing conclusively, they can correct it.
I had this problem when I added an extra oil cooler and lines and needed to know exactly how much new oil to add to the system.
This answers that question quickly and without any mystery or guesswork. I'm sure there are a few here who are running overfull and knowing conclusively, they can correct it.
I had this problem when I added an extra oil cooler and lines and needed to know exactly how much new oil to add to the system.
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silverlock (09-25-2022)
10-24-2015, 06:58 PM
#6
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
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10-24-2015, 11:05 PM
#8
Seared
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Unless my 993 is leaving puddles or blowing a smoke screen, I do not worry about my oil between 3,000-mile annual oil changes. Ever.
Andreas
10-24-2015, 11:14 PM
#9
Drifting
^ same here. My wife's '05 Boxster S takes 5 bloody minutes on average to give me an electronic reading that frankly I don't trust. 
10-25-2015, 12:29 AM
#10
To the OP, great tips, I personally go by miles, dipstick and if it seems to be running hotter than my gut tells me I add a quart.
But at the end of the day I treated my 993 worse than a Clinton intern. Surprised they didn't find a banana in her tailpipe and a cigar in the manifold during the rebuild. That being said, lube is cheap compared to repair bills.
But at the end of the day I treated my 993 worse than a Clinton intern. Surprised they didn't find a banana in her tailpipe and a cigar in the manifold during the rebuild. That being said, lube is cheap compared to repair bills.
10-25-2015, 01:29 PM
#14
10-25-2015, 03:18 PM
#15
Drifting
