oil low
#3
Rennlist Member
You are talking about your oil level gauge and not your oil pressure gauge....Correct?
If your oil level gauge is moving off the bottom mark when your engine is hot and running at idling and the car at is on a level surface, then you are less than a quart below full. If that is the case, you really don't have a problem. Just wait until you can find the correct oil to top up. As mentioned above, if you haven't already done so, it would be a good idea to confirm your gauge reading with the dipstick.
If your oil level gauge is moving off the bottom mark when your engine is hot and running at idling and the car at is on a level surface, then you are less than a quart below full. If that is the case, you really don't have a problem. Just wait until you can find the correct oil to top up. As mentioned above, if you haven't already done so, it would be a good idea to confirm your gauge reading with the dipstick.
#4
Drifting
My dash gauge (oil level) hasn't worked since the day I bought the car and I don't intend to fix it anytime soon. Nothing beats the accuracy of regular dipstick checks using the method described above.
#6
RL Technical Advisor
The best advice I can give you is to never, ever believe the oil level gauge as the "gospel" on oil level. The dipstick, which is challenging to read, is the ONLY 100% reliable way to determine proper oil level and only when the engine is at full operating temperature when idling on a level surface.
You would never believe how many cars I've seen in 38+ years with overfilled systems due to their owners using the gauge, instead of the dipstick. Its in the hundreds and some of them suffered bent rods.
Drain some oil from the tank and then check the system with the dipstick after its completely warmed up and idling on a perfectly level surface. Follow this advice and you will never have this problem ever again.
You would never believe how many cars I've seen in 38+ years with overfilled systems due to their owners using the gauge, instead of the dipstick. Its in the hundreds and some of them suffered bent rods.
Drain some oil from the tank and then check the system with the dipstick after its completely warmed up and idling on a perfectly level surface. Follow this advice and you will never have this problem ever again.
#7
Addicted Specialist
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Wow, Steve ...bent rods from overfill?!! Shall I guess increased crankcase pressure? And they must have been grossly overfilled to displace that much free air, yes? Yowzers!!
Edward
Edward
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#9
RL Technical Advisor
I've seen many people just add more and more oil until the gauge is mid-point, resulting in an engine FULL of oil.
Nobody reads the owner's manual anymore.
#10
Advanced
Thread Starter
Thanks everyone. Used turkey baster and removed little over 1/2 qt, now guage back on bottom. Can I still use baster for my turkey l Big thanks to all. Will not do that again
#13
Agent Orange
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Do not use some run of the mill 0W-40 or 10W-30 oil. They are the wrong weight to begin with. Mobil 1 and the likes are generally not good for these cars (except Mobil 1's V-Twin formula). Get some 20W-50 (unless you run the car in really, really cold temps) that has the proper amount of ZDDP to protect your air-cooled the engine.
Where in NY are you and do you have a mechanic who works on your car?
Where in NY are you and do you have a mechanic who works on your car?
#14
Rennlist Member
But did you check it with the dipstick? As stated several times, don't go off the gauge unless it is calibrated with the dipstick.
#15
Addicted Specialist
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Thanks for the confirmation, Steve. As always, you're a real asset to us here, sir!
And WRT those not reading the owner's manual, a kindly memorial salute to RayCalvo
Edward
And WRT those not reading the owner's manual, a kindly memorial salute to RayCalvo
Edward