amrit

When you change your oil and you check it, how should it read?
Should it pass the f mark, be just by the f mark or be below it?

pass the peas

It should between the F mark and the add mark. If it's a little over F, it probably won't hurt anything.

Anarchistchiken

When I change my oil, I plug everythign up and run the car for a minute to get the oil all through the system. If you check it after running the car, you are guarenteed that it's an accurate reading, and it should be right at or just below the full mark.

amrit

Are you sure that if you check it soon after running the car that you'd get an accurate reading?
Because last time I did this it was lower than the f mark and I had to pour in a little more.

Da P-Funk!

Check it cool and don't overfill much above 'full'. If you over-fill the crank it whips the oil into a froth - VERY BAD.

So - be reasonably accurate - it is not an exact science! You will be fine.

Dixie

When: When cold first thing in the morning or if after driving, wait 5-10 minutes to allow oil to drain out of the motor and back into the pan where it is measured.

Read: The diff between F and Add on most Mazdas is about .8 quart if I recall correctly. No need to panic if it's inbetween. As others have suggested, avoid overfill if possible by add some, wait, check, add some, wait, check.

goldstar

The FSM calls for a refill of 3.7 quarts with filter change. After draining, I add 3 qts and then run the engine for a few minutes to check for leaks. I then add ~ .7 qt (22 ounces) using a measuring cup. When I check the oil level, it always registers somewhat above the full mark. This has never been a problem or caused any ill effects. Since I'm using the specified OEM fill, I don't worry about the exact level appearing on the dipstick.

jonesboy35757

I am glad you guys have bought this up because Ihave had a few questions like this myself. I currently use Royal Purple and when I check the oil after it runs it seems to be higher insted of lower, I guess because it expands under heat and reads higher? I dont know. Anyone have insight on this?

KagyMP5

hot/cold oil thins out/thickens up thats why we have multi viscosities. hot oil will seem like its filled higher when in realality(sp) its the same amount

Da P-Funk!

Uhm, no. Viscosity is resistance to flow. The volume changes because it expands when hot. Countered by - a hot engine probably was just turned off - and not all the oil has migrated back to the pan....

Check cold.

hughes412

The easy way to answer this question I think is put 4qts in. Let your pan drain until it drips slow and put the full 4qts in. It's a 4qt system so you will never have to worry about it.

goldstar

We don't have 4 quart systems and using that much will overfill the sump, possibly leading to problems.

hughes412

Uh I put 4 in and let it set for a little while check it and its right at full. I also let it drain until it drips. I've only done this for 2 yrs so I guess a problem could happen. That was a sarcasm by the way.
I have done more oil changes on more cars then most of you will ever even think about. 4qts will not hurt you car. I did this for about 10yrs.

Da P-Funk!

^agree. No foam on the stick - it is 'good'. I am too lazy to measure a .7 qt. The .3 is a smidge on the dipstick.

eh. NO Problum, mon!