The oil should look smooth and glossy and somewhat transparent. So, let’s take a close look at the oil on the dipstick. If not changed in time, your oil will wither and fail to protect your engine. Instead, it ages at a rate that is influenced by driving conditions, fuel quality, engine age, motor oil quality and climate. Oil is not like a fine wine that gets better over time. It starves the engine and critical lubricated surfaces. This can lead to overheated motor oil, oxidation and a loss of oil pressure. As the crankshaft rotates it will churn the oil, causing aeration and eventually sustained foam may form. Note: accidental overfilling oil into your engine can cause problems too. Whatever the cause of the high oil level, the condition needs to be quickly corrected. In this case, an oil and filter change may be merited.Ĭoolant leak is a serious problem relating to high oil level. Read more about using the crackle test.īrand new automobiles imported from Japan may have a high oil level due to short-run engine starts (as many as 50) required when the vehicle is transported from the assembly plant, across the ocean, and finally to the dealer’s lot. Beware that there is some risk that the drop of oil may catch fire. If it crackles (sounds like bacon frying) this is an indication of water contamination. Most of the water goes out the tailpipe, but if the engine is cool, much of it may condense in the crankcase.Ī simple way to detect water in used motor oil is to put a drop of oil from the dipstick on a hot exhaust manifold. It is important to remember that combustion produces water in your engine - more water than the fuel consumed. For short-trip drivers, water condensation may be more acute if your engine has the flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) option and you are burning an alcohol-gasoline fuel blend. The odor of diesel fuel can often be detected right from the dipstick.įree and emulsified water is harmful to the oil and the engine. This could be due to condensed water (from combustion), condensed fuel or a coolant leak - all are causes for concern.įuel-diluted motor oil (from blow-by or leakage) can substantially reduce oil viscosity and thin additive concentration. In certain cases, the oil level may have risen since the last time you checked or there is too much oil on the dipstick. Is it OK to be a quart low? The sidebar at the bottom of this article can answer this question. It’s time to plan an overhaul if the problem advances to one quart every 500 miles (800 kilometers). Real concern begins at about one quart for every 1,000 miles (0.95 liters for every 1,600 kilometers). The dipstick is your gauge for abnormally high oil consumption. The amount of make-up oil you would expect to add will vary depending on the age of your car, type of engine, total mileage and driving conditions. If the dipstick is not showing an oil level, you need to add oil immediately. If the oil doesn’t reach inside the markings or holes on the dipstick, you need to add at least one quart of oil. Sometimes there are holes instead of marks. There are markings that indicate the level the oil should reach. How much oil should be on the dipstick? Examine the end of the dipstick and notice where the oil ends. Wait a few seconds and pull out the dipstick again. Wipe the oil-wet straight end of the dipstick and push it back into the stalk you pulled it out of. With a rag or thick paper towel in one hand, pull on the metal loop or grip and remove the dipstick with the other. If you can’t find it, your owner’s manual should help. Open the hood and find the dipstick on the engine - a metal loop or grip sticking out of the end of a metal stalk. Wait a couple minutes for the oil to return to the oil pan. With the engine hot, park on level ground and shut off the engine. Sit tight for five easy lessons on reading your oil dipstick. There’s only one problem - figuring out what the oil on the dipstick really means. Not to mention it’s also cheap and quick. Dipstick oil analysis may sound a little goofy, but it works.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |