High dipstick reading on P5?
 

Not quite sure if this should go in maintance or the P5 forum.

Anyway, has anybody else noticed that after changing the oil and filter on the P5, and filling again with factory recommended amount of oil, that the dipstick is completely unreadable. Basically the dipstick looks like its wet well beyond the full mark.

I've checked the oil level under all circumstances, after sitting for 10 minutes, all night, or checking right after I shut it off, and the dipstick doesnt read anywhere near where it should based on the amount of oil I put in. Basically I cant tell where the level is at because the dipstick is just all wet

After my first change, I even went back and drained probably a good half quart, and it was closer to (I think slightly below) the Full mark, but that would put me much lower that what the factory recommends for max oil quantity. And it also tells me that either the manual lists oil quantity wrong, or the dipstick is useless. I've been betting so far (3 oil changes) that the dipstick is off.

I know at least one other member complained about this in passing once. Does anyone else has this problem? What should I trust, the disptick, or what Mazda tells me to put in the car.

Does anybody think Mazda could correct this under warranty if they wanted to? It seems like it wouldn't be a quick fix.

Any feedback is appreciated.

Remember, when changing your oil you're not going to be able to drain all the oil out of the engine, so the oil capacity listed isn't always what you will be able to put back in. During my oil change I put in 3 2/3 quarts and it's right at the full line.

I do agree with you though, the dipstick does seem unusually hard to read for some reason. I think it's the finish of it. The chrome like dipstick on my Miata is much easier to read...

It's definately frustrating. The dipstick on my wife's miata is almost exactly the same, and it's very easy to read. On our cars for some reason, it's a complete pain in the rear.

I think for some reason that when you are filling your oil, some of it flows down the dipstick holder-tube-thingy somehow. Remember when you stick that thing in, it does a twist almost at the bottom. It is my feeling that when you do this twist, you're picking up oil off the side of the tube.

Just go crack a cold one and come back about 20 minutes later and it should be alright.

actually, 3 2/3 quarts is what the maunal reccomends for a filter and fluid change. i went to valvoline quik change the other day, and thier computer said 4.5 quarts. so they did that, and then had to drain some back out to get down to the full line. they said it only took a little over 3.5 quarts.

On thing I did when I was changing my oil this last time to verify the oil was not way too high (cause it's hard to tell above F) is not quite put the dipstick all the way in. I left it about 1/2 inch out, then checked. Sure enough, the oil level showed about half an inch low so I knew it was in the ballpark. It seems easier to read the level between the low and full mark than it does right at the full mark. Another thing you can do is take the dipstick and place it on a paper towel, and read where the wet spot stops on the towel...that seemed to work ok too.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 90&00 Protege
[B]Jesus...don't overfill your motor. Three full bottles (be they quarts or litres) and half of a fourth. Start the car and let the pressure come up, turn off, and check the oil level. Top off as required from there.

If you have over-filled it, don't drive it that way.




I guess thats my question... how do I know what overfilled is? I know I have put in less than what the manual called for (I usually do fill about a quarter quart less than specs call for), yet the dipstick isnt even in the ballpark. Even checking the dipstick with various backgrounds, waiting overnight, etc there is really no real clear break in the oil line to indicate where the level is.

I mean, if I fill it with a quarter quart less than what is called for (after a filter change and some drain time) and the dipstick reads high, its not overfilled is it? Id really rather have as much oil as permissable in a car, and draining away oil until I can get a reading would put me far below what the specs call for.

Also, are Mazda's oil spec capacities for a completely dry engine? Could it be possible that the specs take into account the oil left in the engine after a typical drain? Thats info more relavant to an owners manual.