Inconsistent oil level N62 4.4 engine

[bcredliner]

There is no need to remove the oil fill cap. Check the oil temperature only when the oil temperature gauge needle is where it normally is when engine is up to normal operating temperature (the reason is that oil expands as it is heated--which means it will show there is more oil in the engine than when the engine is cold). And, only check the oil after the engine has been off for 5-10 minutes (this allows the oil time to run down to the pan from the top of the engine). Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean. Insert the dipstick and leave it for 15-20 seconds, remove it and check oil level (be sure the dipstick is fully seated). If the dipstick only shows oil on one side wipe it clean and insert it again and leave it longer before checking the oil level again.

[Doru]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

There is no need to remove the oil fill cap. Check the oil temperature only when the oil temperature gauge needle is where it normally is when engine is up to normal operating temperature (the reason is that oil expands as it is heated--which means it will show there is more oil in the engine than when the engine is cold). And, only check the oil after the engine has been off for 5-10 minutes (this allows the oil time to run down to the pan from the top of the engine). Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean. Insert the dipstick and leave it for 15-20 seconds, remove it and check oil level (be sure the dipstick is fully seated). If the dipstick only shows oil on one side wipe it clean and insert it again and leave it longer before checking the oil level again.

Could be. BUT:

Every time the oil check was done consistently after the car sat for a day or 2. I had instances, where an oil check was done after it sat 2 days - it showed low. Done oil check 2 more times: day 3 and 5 (the car did not move during this time). day 3 it showed low. Day 5 it showed above max.

I had other similar instances where after 2 - 3 low dipstick oil readings, I added oil, only to have the oil level showing a smidge over max a few readings later........

has nothing to do with engine temps. They were always cold. And my garage floor is as level as it gets. Still different readings....