Engine oil capacity to max or min dipstick?

[Conor]

Hey team,

As title asks really.

Just serviced my E class which is specified to take 8 litres of oil.

When I filled it up, with close to 8 litres, I noticed it was close to the min point on the dipstick. (On the max side of the indicator).

That leads me to the main question really. Does the specified oil quantity take you to the max or min point on the dipstick or some arbitrary point in between.

 

[LostKiwi]

No idea but it's moot anyway..I just add oil till is somewhere between min and max, start the engine, wait 5 mins and recheck then adjust as necessary.

 

[mioba]

I only use the capacity volumes as an indicator so I know what to expect when buying replacement fluid - to make sure I have enough. Obv I buy a bit more.

I would never refill based on capacity volume alone and think - job done.

Final work is in the dip stick reading - I always fill to about 4/5 from (min - max) mark for engine oil.

As a side capacity generally include a comment additioanly for oil filter - doesnt matter anyway - see above.

 

[Conor]

Ok, guys fair points above. I was just curious anyway..... I love asking questions.

What I usually do is fill it up using a little less than capacity then finalise using the dipstick.

Why do you need to start the engine and check after 5 minutes, is it to allow the filter to get filled?

 

[Blobcat]

Ok, guys fair points above. I was just curious anyway..... I love asking questions.

What I usually do is fill it up using a little less than capacity then finalise using the dipstick.

Why do you need to start the engine and check after 5 minutes, is it to allow the filter to get filled?

It gets it pumped around all the oil ways to where it should be. Could have been an airlock when first filling so the starting and letting it run around gives the correct reading

 

[mioba]

Why do you need to start the engine and check after 5 minutes, is it to allow the filter to get filled?

Also to check you tightened everything up properly and there are no leaks.

 

[Steve@Avantgarde]

I always set the level between the min and max to allow for thermal expansion of the oil.

 

[CowleyStJames]

I vacuum pump the oil out and put in the same amount plus small amount for the filter.
With my Sealey pump you can see how much oil has been extracted

 

[alexanderfoti]

Somewhere around 70-80% is where we aim. Most of the time the WIS capacity figure gets you there as well

 

[Blobcat]

Somewhere around 70-80% is where we aim. Most of the time the WIS capacity figure gets you there as well

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