Dip stick showing odd result

[wychwoodlu]

Hello All,

I hope this is an ok question to ask but it is puzzling me no end and after a bad oil experience already I'm nervous about making assumptions.

We have a 1982 Aircooled T25 (2.0 CU engine) and have just had a replacement engine (second hand, 30 years old) fitted by our garage and a new oil change etc and she's running brilliantly. We drove down to Devon at the weekend with no problems, but when I came to check the oil before coming back, it was showing oil at the the bottom line (dropping from just over half when we set off. There was also a showing of oil at the top twist too. We duly topped up a litre of oil but the dipstick level didn't change, and no oil seemed to be leaking anywhere. She then drove the 100 miles home no problem at all.

However, I've just been back out now and the same thing - oil at the bottom of the dipstick and at the top twist but nothing between the test lines. I topped up a little more and again, no movement of the bottom line (I haven't turned the engine on) but still oil on the top twist. I don't want to over-fill either so am a little stuck! There's only a small oil patch underneath so I don't think it's leaking out.

1) How much is a reasonable amount of oil to get through on a 100 mile trip?
2) Has anyone else experienced this random dipstick behaviour?

Our mechanic is away on holiday at the moment so I thought I'd ask on here to see if anyone has any bright ideas - any knowledge will be greatly appreciated!!!

Thank you!

Lucy

[wychwoodlu]

To clarify, the replacement engine is a 1980 secondhand 2.0 CU engine (Aircooled) from another T25.

[tforturton]

May be a silly question, but are you sure the dipstick is going all the way in?

[Ralf85]

Is it the correct dipstick for the engine?

[wychwoodlu]

Thanks for replying - it's definitely going all the way in, and our mechanic seemed happy with it when he handed the van back to us so I'm assuming so (and the oil level was perfect when he dropped her off).

[petethefeet]

I think the design of the sump on the CU (may be others as well), it is critical to get the van flat before checking the oil otherwise it will give the wrong reading. I have had similar probs when checking the oil level.

[paperhouselad]

Is there some detergent or something similar on the flat area from which the oil wont stick when dipped? Just a thought.

[Mojoh]

Simple. Drain the oil out!......and start again.

The CU Engine, without oil filter takes 4.5 litres, or an English Gallon. Mineral Oil, 15w/40 or 20w/50.
The dipstick on the CU Engine is long indeed. But it's not rocket science at all.
With that amount of fresh oil in the engine, it must show on your dipstick somewhere between low and high.

[kevtherev]

Is the right answer....
Don't assume.

[Ralf85]

So having followed the advice given, what is the latest? Any success?

[bigherb]

So having followed the advice given, what is the latest?

It would be overfilled with oil.

Simple. Drain the oil out!......and start again.

The CU Engine, without oil filter takes 4.5 litres, or an English Gallon.

[dsmith1974]

I've got a DG but did notice that the first 3.5 litres barely register on the dip stick at all. It's the last litre that goes from min to max on the dip stick. So you could just be low on oil.

I think our's is burning around 250ml per 500 miles. Obviously the less it burns the better, but I don't think it's a big problem until you spew out black smoke in the exhaust or can't pass an emissions test.

If your engine is worn then a thicker oil may last longer.

[Mojoh]

so here we all are trying to help. And where is the autor?.... no reply.

Thanks