After changing my oil[95 cab] my level gauge stopped working.
Not to worried about that. My problem is trouble telling the level on the dipstick. Thanks to this forum and other sources, I understand how to check the level, just not sure where the level is. I understand the level should be, preferably, midway in the twisted part of the stick. When I check it I see a solid film at the round lower part of the stick, but in the twisted section along the twisted section I only see a spot that I'm assuming is the level. Should there be a solid film up to the level point? I don't want to overfill, just having hell telling what the level is.

Thanks for any help on this and thanks to rennlist for all the good info I've gotten.

 

Yes, you are correct. Midway point is what most people shoot for and should be continuous from the end of the stick to the midway point. It is best to use the dip-stick anyway. Make sure:

1. Car level.
2. Warmed up to the 8 o'clock point on the temp gauge.
3. Engine running.
4. You have plenty of light - daylight best. Then twist the stick left and right and you will see it.

By The Way (BTW) Welcome!

 

I know this is obvious, but wipe the dipstick completely before inserting it back into the oil tank. Wait a couple of seconds, pull it out, keep the end pointing down slightly and check the level.

If the oil is so clean and clear that it is difficult to see where the oil level is, slide your index finger down the dipstick from just above the twisted zone, till it picks up some oil.

 

better still use a colour paper tissue and put the stick against it...

 

Thanks for the good info. I appreciate it.

 

I'm wondering why the oil level gauge "quit" after changing your oil. How much oil did you put in?

 

I initially put in 9.5 qts. I have put about 4000 mi. on it and added approx. 1 qt. since the change. I followed the oil change instructions in Adrian Streathers 993 book. I followed the recommendations for oil brand/viscosity as stated in my owners manual, 10W40(Mobil 1). Car has 104k mi. now and I'm thinking I should have gone with 20W50.

 

I don't want you to overfill the car by mistake, but maybe you're not putting enough oil in it to register on the gauge. Have you let the car get up to temp? The measurement range of gauge is 1 qt from top to bottom.

 

The engine is definitely up to temp when I check the level. When I check the level on the dipstick, Ican see it on the end all the way to the twisted part of the stick. Onthe twisted section I don't see a solid film but just a spot.

 

10W40 is a bit too thin for 993, but it can be used temporarily. Better use 15W50 on your next oil change.

 

Add a half quart and check the dipstick again. I also think that you're low on oil as both the dipstick and the gauge indicate. After 4,000 miles, the oil level is easily seen on the dipstick and there will be a solid film on the twisted section if there is sufficient oil.

 

Actually it's probably not too thin

the Cups used 5w-40


That said I use M1 20w-50 in mine

The big bore engines are pushing a lot of oil misted air around in the crankcase, I'd put no more than 1/2 way up the dipstick if the engine sees high revs for extended periods.

 

You need more oil... Each time I needed at least 10.5-11.5 qts of oil. The oil gauge is about 1.25 qt high. I look thru the back window when filling the oil, and at some point the gauge will start to move. Watch it closely, and you will see that once it starts moving it will take another 1-1.25 qts more to get it to the top.

The first time I changed my oil, I too did not think the gauge worked, or even how to read it. I over filled the oil (it poured out of the fill hole). I thought about draining it down, but decided not too. Got in the car to drive it, and noticed the gauge was up at the very top. Thats a nice surprise, guess it works...

With the oil overflowing, the dipstick showed that it was at the very top of the twists, but not over them.

The car smoked a few times for a brief second durning startups for the next week or so, then all was fine.

I don't even bother with the dipstick, until the gauge gets down to 1/4 from the bottom.

The gauge is your friend.. get to know it.. and JUST drive the **** out it...

 

Thanks again for all the replies. I think I have a pretty good handle on the situation now. It reminds me of the "dance" required to get an accurate oil reading on my BMW RT1150

 

If you're not seeing oil on the measuring portion (twist) of the stick, it won't show on the gauge.