Oil Level... - Taurus Car Club of America : Ford Taurus Forum

Brizio · 11-21-2012, 09:18 AM

This looks a stupid question, but I don't understand the difference between what I see on the dipstick and Owner's Manual.
On the dipstick the oil level is little under the top hole, that is way on top of the Min/Max part.

On the Owner's Manual the top hole is very close to the Max level part.

So my question is, how I check the oil level on the dipstick? It need to be between the holes only? Or I need to consider only the part with all the stripes?

Here a picture with the comparison of the two.

Breeves002 · 11-21-2012, 09:22 AM

That's weird. In general, you wan't it in the crosshatched area, but if it is below the hole you should be okay. As long as it isn't above the hole or below the crosshatched area, you're fine. Just remember oil pan capacity is 5.5 qts.

Bull Geek · 11-21-2012, 09:55 AM

Duratecs can hold 6 qts and just be inside the max mark. Ask Spridget.

Breeves002 · 11-21-2012, 09:59 AM

I believe that. It just says 5.5. It's always sold in 5 gallon jugs, I just pick up two 5qt jugs... Then I slowly add more before I change the filter next since I am leaking oil out.

Brizio · 11-21-2012, 10:32 AM

Ok, good for the capacity, I will replace the oil in the next future, the oil is only 2000 miles old.

My concern now, is the difference between the dipstick and the draw on the Owver's Manual. You guys that have the same dipstick of mine what you do to check the oil?

Here a picture of the dipstick from the car.

SoNic67 · 11-21-2012, 10:48 AM

The hatched area is for NORMAL oil level, min and max, like in the manual. Is the level adequate for engine from horizontal to the maximum incline driving specified for the car.

The top hole is put there so it will "catch" oil if the level is way too high, it is signaling the HIGH ALARM level (when oil might start frothing because is touching the crank counter-weights. Is valid for car at horizontal level.
The bottom hole is there to catch the LOW ALARM level.

If your oil level is as shown, between the MAX and top hole, it might start frothing if you drive on steep inclines. On level driving is OK, might lead to slightly increased work on the pump.

Breeves002 · 11-21-2012, 10:50 AM

I agree with sonic. Don't worry about it, that level looks normal. I'm 800 miles away from my car right now or I would pull the stick and let you know what mine looks like, I honestly can't remember. Your level is fine as long as it is below the hole. Don't worry about it being overfilled.

behlinla · 11-21-2012, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoNic67

The hatched area is for NORMAL oil level, min and max, like in the manual. Is the level adequate for engine from horizontal to the maximum incline driving specified for the car.

The top hole is put there so it will "catch" oil if the level is way too high, it is signaling the HIGH ALARM level (when oil might start frothing because is touching the crank counter-weights. Is valid for car at horizontal level.
The bottom hole is there to catch the LOW ALARM level.

If your oil level is as shown, between the MAX and top hole, it might start frothing if you drive on steep inclines. On level driving is OK, might lead to slightly increased work on the pump.

^ This. As long as it's between the two holes you're okay.

04 SEL · 11-21-2012, 05:07 PM

Mine is just a touch over the max line when hot IIRC; over 5k on the oil so far, hasn't burnt or leaked any noticeable amount. That oil level should be fine.

fct · 11-21-2012, 05:48 PM

By the way, when is the best time to check oil level? Right after turning off the engine, or let it sit for a while?

11-21-2012, 09:18 AM	#1 (permalink)
Brizio Junior Member Member Number: 29356 Join Date: May 2010 Chapter: Pacific Northwest Drives: 2002 SEL Visit: My Garage Posts: 96 Trader Score: 0 reviews Rep Power: 0	Oil Level... This looks a stupid question, but I don't understand the difference between what I see on the dipstick and Owner's Manual. On the dipstick the oil level is little under the top hole, that is way on top of the Min/Max part. On the Owner's Manual the top hole is very close to the Max level part. So my question is, how I check the oil level on the dipstick? It need to be between the holes only? Or I need to consider only the part with all the stripes? Here a picture with the comparison of the two.

11-21-2012, 09:22 AM	#2 (permalink)
Breeves002 The Big Cheese Member Number: 49890 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: St. Louis, MO Chapter: Midwest Drives: 2008 Mercury Sable Premier Visit: My Garage Posts: 3,991 Trader Score: 6 reviews Rep Power: 10	That's weird. In general, you wan't it in the crosshatched area, but if it is below the hole you should be okay. As long as it isn't above the hole or below the crosshatched area, you're fine. Just remember oil pan capacity is 5.5 qts. __________________ Sam 2008 Mercury Sable Premier 2012 Kia Soul Base AT 1.6GDI Moved On: 2000 Sable LS Premium Duratec View what I have for sale: HERE ENTER NOW FOR May's WAGON ONLY CAR OF THE MONTH!! *CLICK HERE*

11-21-2012, 09:55 AM	#3 (permalink)
Bull Geek Technical Advisor Member Number: 1771 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Blythewood, SC 29016 Chapter: Southeast Drives: 87 GL Wagon, 97 SHO Sedan, 00 SEL Sedan Visit: My Garage Posts: 15,591 Trader Score: 6 reviews Rep Power: 10	Duratecs can hold 6 qts and just be inside the max mark. Ask Spridget. __________________ --Nick M. \| Blythewood, SC \| AAP/Atlanta Built Bulls --Silver MC 2000 Ford Taurus SEL \| DOHC/AX4N \| 184K --Toreador Red MC 1997 Ford Taurus SHO \| DOHC/AX4N \| 149K --Wood paneled 1991 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Colony Park wagon \| OHV/AOD \| 180K ish? Sold.... --Driftwood MC 1987 Ford Taurus GL Wagon \| OHV/AXOD \| 254K Scrapped... --Sand Beige 1987 Ford Taurus GL \|197K \| OHV/AXOD

11-21-2012, 09:59 AM	#4 (permalink)
Breeves002 The Big Cheese Member Number: 49890 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: St. Louis, MO Chapter: Midwest Drives: 2008 Mercury Sable Premier Visit: My Garage Posts: 3,991 Trader Score: 6 reviews Rep Power: 10	I believe that. It just says 5.5. It's always sold in 5 gallon jugs, I just pick up two 5qt jugs... Then I slowly add more before I change the filter next since I am leaking oil out. __________________ Sam 2008 Mercury Sable Premier 2012 Kia Soul Base AT 1.6GDI Moved On: 2000 Sable LS Premium Duratec View what I have for sale: HERE ENTER NOW FOR May's WAGON ONLY CAR OF THE MONTH!! *CLICK HERE*

11-21-2012, 10:48 AM	#6 (permalink)
SoNic67 Devoted Member Member Number: 35029 Join Date: Mar 2011 Chapter: Northeast Drives: 1996 Sable LS, 3.0L V6 24V Duratec Visit: My Garage Posts: 1,320 Trader Score: 0 reviews Rep Power: 5	The hatched area is for NORMAL oil level, min and max, like in the manual. Is the level adequate for engine from horizontal to the maximum incline driving specified for the car. The top hole is put there so it will "catch" oil if the level is way too high, it is signaling the HIGH ALARM level (when oil might start frothing because is touching the crank counter-weights. Is valid for car at horizontal level. The bottom hole is there to catch the LOW ALARM level. If your oil level is as shown, between the MAX and top hole, it might start frothing if you drive on steep inclines. On level driving is OK, might lead to slightly increased work on the pump. Last edited by SoNic67; 11-21-2012 at 10:58 AM.

11-21-2012, 10:32 AM	#5 (permalink)
Brizio Junior Member Member Number: 29356 Join Date: May 2010 Chapter: Pacific Northwest Drives: 2002 SEL Visit: My Garage Posts: 96 Trader Score: 0 reviews Rep Power: 0	Ok, good for the capacity, I will replace the oil in the next future, the oil is only 2000 miles old. My concern now, is the difference between the dipstick and the draw on the Owver's Manual. You guys that have the same dipstick of mine what you do to check the oil? Here a picture of the dipstick from the car.

11-21-2012, 10:50 AM	#7 (permalink)
Breeves002 The Big Cheese Member Number: 49890 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: St. Louis, MO Chapter: Midwest Drives: 2008 Mercury Sable Premier Visit: My Garage Posts: 3,991 Trader Score: 6 reviews Rep Power: 10	I agree with sonic. Don't worry about it, that level looks normal. I'm 800 miles away from my car right now or I would pull the stick and let you know what mine looks like, I honestly can't remember. Your level is fine as long as it is below the hole. Don't worry about it being overfilled. __________________ Sam 2008 Mercury Sable Premier 2012 Kia Soul Base AT 1.6GDI Moved On: 2000 Sable LS Premium Duratec View what I have for sale: HERE ENTER NOW FOR May's WAGON ONLY CAR OF THE MONTH!! *CLICK HERE*

11-21-2012, 05:07 PM	#9 (permalink)
04 SEL Taking Care of Business Member Number: 40467 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Western Massachusetts Chapter: Northeast Drives: 2004 SEL Duratec Visit: My Garage Posts: 1,585 Trader Score: 0 reviews Rep Power: 10	Mine is just a touch over the max line when hot IIRC; over 5k on the oil so far, hasn't burnt or leaked any noticeable amount. That oil level should be fine. __________________ Ben 2004 SEL, 60k miles, Vibrant White. 35% Tint, K&N Panel filter, Sylvania XtraVisions, Duralast CMAX, Remote Start, 4x Infinity Reference 6832cf, JVC KW-R800BT

11-21-2012, 05:48 PM	#10 (permalink)
fct Devoted Member Member Number: 10774 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: San Antonio, TX Chapter: Southern Drives: 1999 Duratec Visit: My Garage Posts: 1,491 Trader Score: 0 reviews Rep Power: 9	By the way, when is the best time to check oil level? Right after turning off the engine, or let it sit for a while?

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