Squirting Oil

**1D4LV** · June 29th, 2012 02:12 PM

Well I suggest not pulling out the dip stick with the engine running. There should be no reason to do it. You can't get an accurate oil level measurement with the engine running. The engine should be off, car on a level surface and having been turned off for a couple of minutes to allow the oil to drain back, otherwise you would likely get a false low level and you might end up over filling the oil which could damage the engine.

It would not be unusual for there to be some pressure in in that area with the engine running and it certainly could blow out a small amount of oil, which, of course, is a second good reason for not removing the dip stick with the engine running....

imho.

**jick.cejoco** · June 29th, 2012 02:19 PM

if every thing else fail, read the manual
that is why the u.s. air force require you to have the equipment technical manuals within reach even if you are only checking tire pressure regardless if you have been doing this for years.

**Retz** · June 29th, 2012 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by 1D4LV

Well I suggest not pulling out the dip stick with the engine running. There should be no reason to do it. You can't get an accurate oil level measurement with the engine running. The engine should be off, car on a level surface and having been turned off for a couple of minutes to allow the oil to drain back, otherwise you would likely get a false low level and you might end up over filling the oil which could damage the engine.

It would not be unusual for there to be some pressure in in that area with the engine running and it certainly could blow out a small amount of oil, which, of course, is a second good reason for not removing the dip stick with the engine running....

imho.

Thanks for the inputs sir.

**niky** · June 29th, 2012 02:56 PM

Like 1DLV/VLD1 says, it's not a good idea to check the oil while the engine is running.

The markings on the dipstick are calibrated for cold engine readings. The engine not only has to be off. It has to have been off for at least half an hour to an hour to allow all the excess circulating oil to go back to the oil sump. If you're checking while the engine is running, half your oil will be circulating through the oil filter, through the crankcase and through the cylinder head.