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Olds Alero innacurate oil level readings
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ez50nj
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Nov 5, 2011, 7:23 AM
Post #1 of 6
(1966 views)
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Olds Alero innacurate oil level readings
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When I check the oil level the stick will read near low on one dip, then full on the next. After 10-12 checks it seems like half the readings are low and half of them are full. Should I just assume that when I get a "FULL" read that it's the read that is accurate? It's a 4 cylinder engine and the stick has weird indentations or channels on the end of the stick where the readings are found- almost like one indentation per quart low. I also notice that the dipstick does not go down and up very smoothly. Could that be what's giving me false readings? Should I buy a new aftermarket stick.
It's a 2002 with 130K and I want to check the oil at least once weekly.
Thanks
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 5, 2011, 7:42 AM
Post #2 of 6
(1962 views)
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Re: Olds Alero innacurate oil level readings
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Which engine?
Are you checking the oil right after you shut off the engine each time or are you checking it after you shut the engine off and it let it sit for 10 minutes?
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Nov 5, 2011, 7:44 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 5, 2011, 8:52 AM
Post #3 of 6
(1951 views)
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Re: Olds Alero innacurate oil level readings
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Don't go aftermarket. Ones I've seen weren't so special. Exact engine from a working smoothly one from salvage yard or OE new.
Double check it when (if you change your own oil) and purposely put exactly 1 qt too low in. If you don't do your own then bring the part and let a real mechanic make sure it's right. Wait - go get coffee, check that it's on the add a qt line. Then fill to exact known full mark, level ground of course and wait again.
Didn't know these cars had goofy dipsticks but a whole line from another company sure did. I was grinding off marks on sticks and just putting a notch to indicate low one qt or full.
Dang thing must seal also as it's part of the crankcase pressure of the engine. Seems stupid but the thing is important!
T
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ez50nj
User
Nov 5, 2011, 12:09 PM
Post #4 of 6
(1941 views)
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Re: Olds Alero innacurate oil level readings
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yeah. when you put the stick in it's like digging into concrete with a plastic straw--really a 'snake' twist going down and up. perhaps when I get the 1-2 qt reading the oil is scraping off the tip on the way back up. I did wait 20 minutes before schecking.
thanks for the feedback guys! I'll let you know after drain/test/fill
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ez50nj
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Nov 5, 2011, 5:07 PM
Post #5 of 6
(1931 views)
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Re: Olds Alero innacurate oil level readings
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Eco-tech 4 cyl. stick fights in and back up. Just go with the reading of full when I see it and ignore the 1-2 quart reading or just get a new stick?
Thanks
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 5, 2011, 6:13 PM
Post #6 of 6
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Re: Olds Alero innacurate oil level readings
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This isn't rocket science. It's a stick dipped in oil. Check it before the car has been driven, wipe it once first, make sure you fully insert it and then withdraw it and hold it flat. If you can't read one side, flip it over. If the oil is too clear, look for the shine of the wet oil.
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