Feels like a daft question, but....

[Speedtrip]

I don't check the oil level in my 2.0 Duratec very often and I'm unsure of the correct process. The manual states run to normal operating temperature and switch off, then wipe the dipstick, reinsert and leave of thirty seconds before reading.

When I follow this process the stick registers minimum. However leave it five minutes and read again and it's full. Obviously the extra time allows the oil to settle.

So, what's the correct procedure please?

Its only around 1000 miles or so since its service and the cars now done 2400 miles in total, so I wouldn't have thought it would be burning/using any oil.

 

[Jim 123]

Not a daft question and hopefully a Duratec owner will comment.  Meantime..... 

If I check my Sigma engine when hot after 30 secs from switch off the oil level reads low.  However after a blat, by the time I switch off, climb out, realign my ageing spine, have a pee, remove the bonnet etc. etc. my hot oil reading tends to be OK. Between switch off and getting to the dipstick the process probably takes me at least 5 mins. 

I have a preference to check my oil before I start up and set off. After an oil and filter change, with a short start up and cool down you can mark your dipstick to indicate your cold oil level.  I remain surprised how much the full dipstick readings on my car vary between hot and cold.

[AdamQ]

This is going to be of limited help I'm afraid.  Mine is a Duratec conversion (wet sump) as opposed to a factory car, but does use the same sump I believe, i.e. a Raceline one, and it uses a standard Ford dipstick 'grafted' on.  When I did the conversion, the instructions from Raceline were simply to stick five litres of oil in, let the oil settle and file a notch into the dipstick at the resulting level - all cold.

For 11 years I've always checked the oil cold using the notch created as above and have never had any problems.

FWIW ...

Adam

[Speedtrip]

Thanks guys,

Checking the oil cold would seem to be the simplest and best way to do it. There does appear to be a huge variance when warm.

In 34 years of driving I've never found checking the oil a problem!

[gulf 1]

Hi 

I had the same problem checking the oil level,the answer is to remove the small o ring from the top of the dipstick then check the oil level in the normal way.replace the o ring when you have finished.With the o ring fitted the dipstick acts like a syringe plunger and pushes the oil down the dipstick tube.

Dave

[Mirrorl]

Hi yes I had exactly the same problem 

removing the o ring allowed me to get a reading no probs

​

[Speedtrip]

Thanks guys,

with the O ring removed do you check the oil warm and immediately after switching off i.e. as per the handbook or do you leave to to settle for a few minutes?

[gulf 1]

Hi 

I check the oil warm after letting the oil settle for 30 seconds after switching off the engine.

[Speedtrip]

Thanks, I'll give it a go without the O ring.

[alcal]

Very interesting. I've always run my Sigma with the oil at max on the dipstick but on removing the O ring the level is well above this, as Gulf 1 says. I'd guess by about 0.5 litre. CC isn't much help - my handbook says capacity is 4 litres whereas the build manual says 4.5 litres. Anyone know which is correct?

[Jim 123]

An initial fill is usually larger than a service fill.  I guess 4.5 litres for first fill and start up.  4 litres thereafter for oil and filter service as per Ford spec.

[alcal]

Thanks Jim

I've just changed the oil and put 4 litres in. The level now is just below the max. notch with the O ring in place. I guess that's about right.