Oil Change Recurring theme

Coming from a 2000 Toyota Tundra, I think the dipstick oil level check isn't ideal. With my 2000 Tundra, I was able to drop in 5.5 qts of oil, wait 10 minutes, and verify via dipstick. The oil level was clear.

With the 4Runner, it seems like you gotta wipe the dipstick, insert dipstick but leave it out 4-5", fill with oil, then let the oil settle, then fully insert the dipstick, and withdraw to check. I say this cause it seems like the oil get's all over the dipstick near the gauge making it hard to discern level. Anybody else feel this way?

BTW, I use Eneos Synthetic and change the oil and filter every 5k.

 

Not sure why you need to pull it out 4 - 5" might as well just keep it out while filling.

 

so I don't have to lay it anywhere.

 

Yeah, plus one side of the stick always gets a smear no matter how I remove it.
What I do at oil change time is put in 5 quarts, do a reading, add 1/2 qt, do a reading, add 1/2 qt etc. until I start seeing where it hits the dipstick. Then top it off. It’s generally 6.5 qts for a full reading. Helps to calibrate your eyes.
It also helps to scuff up the dipstick really well and scribe a crosshatch pattern on it.

 

I'm not understanding the issue but I leave mine all the way in. Fill her up, run it, check for leaks wait a little bit, check dip stick.

No need to leave it out or half way out.

If you talking about the oil splashing etc making it hard to read on the dip stick it happens on all vehicles I've owned.

 

I buy oil in 5qt containers so I gotta use the dipstick. I suppose the gauge on side of container might work. I've always used the dipstick as a benchmark. I guess that's wired into me from my Navy mechanic days.

 

My 5qt has single qt measurements on the side...

 

Noted. The true oil level test is the dipstick and my contention is the dipstick method on the 4Runner seems to be not so clear when you yank the dipstick and look for a definitive oil mark. Give it a try next time you put fresh oil in your ride. I've seen this on my other 2019 and 2020 Toyotas in my family. Not a big deal. This is my opinion.

I've been changing oil in my rides since high school. My 2000 Tundra got to 287k miles before I sold it and I'm sure it could run for 100k+ more.

Back to OP thought/question. I try to avoid the dealership if I could. Just because someone wears a Toyota shirt, doesn't mean anything. Doesn't mean they do the job right or respect your property.

 

Take the dipstick out and leave it out for 5 minutes.

Insert dipstick and pull it back out and take your reading.

No splashing or oil creep up the dipstick.

 

If toyota will give me 2 oil changes for free then ..........I;m doing it.
I have a great mechanic for everything else.

 

That probably works too. Personally, i don't want to leave the dipstick out. Others may be willing. Leaving the withdrawn about 4-5" seems to work for me. To each their own.

My rig only has 6k miles on it so the oil is pretty clean visually. That might have something to do with it. In other words, it may be easier to tell as the engine wears in.

 

Think with your dipstick Jimmy!

 

Why don't you want to leave the dipstick out?

 

Cause you gotta deal with the potential mess plus the possibility of contaminants jumping on the dipstick and introducing them into your engine. The dipsticks home is its hole so I intend to leave it there unless actively checking oil level. That’s my take.

 

Contaminants jumping on a dip stick. Now I've heard it all.

You probably get more "contaminants" in your engine from just opening the oil cap.

 

If you can't fathom this, I question your mechanical experience.

Like I said, to each their own.

 

Name one engine that failed that was solely because shit got in through the dip stick tube on accident.

So the cloth/rag whatever you wipe your dip stick with is contaminant free I guess. it holds 0 dust/dirt/dye/etc.

To each is their own yes I do agree. But now questioning my mechanical experience I'm not even going to address. I'll admit I'm not certified mechanic just a DYIer with some common sense.

 

Then your common sense should tell you that anything left out can pick up shit from the environment from where it's laid. How do you like them apples?

Or is this a case of common sense becoming less common?

 

I'd argue taking a proper oil reading takes precedence over potentially introducing something through the dipstick hole. Here's a solution if you're worried about it:

Take the dipstick out.

Wipe it with a paper towel and set it down somewhere clean.

Place a plastic bag over the dipstick hole.

Wait 5 minutes.

Wipe the dipstick again with a clean paper towel before putting it back in.

Enjoy your accurate (and practically sterile) oil reading

 

Lest we forget about the big catch-all that is a/the funnel.

 

This is wrong. Your logic suggests that if your goal is to paint your home exterior (oil reading in this analogy), breaking all the windows to do it is ok (introducing something foreign in this analogy), just as long as there is fresh paint on the walls.

I have a method.

I'm done here. Dueces.

 

Wow!

Just trying to help.

 

Is oil sterilized before going into the containers, I’m just saying, i don’t think a oil change, or taking the dip stick out is a clean room situation. You may be over thinking it.

 

Who cares what somebody does with their dipstick while they add oil.

I'm pretty sure I have done the same thing on occasion. It's out of convenience more than anything.

 

+1

 

WOW! There is OCD and then there is real OCD (ahem... perfection). Do you run around the house to make sure all 3-way switches pointing to the same direction?

 

And we haven't even mentioned the proper "sterile" method of filling the gas tank! Baggie over the cap while off?

And what about that nasty ol' pump nozzle...?

jk

 

If I wired your house, they will all be set up where the light is off when both switches are down.
All 3 (or more) with a 4-way!

I am not generally OCD except when it comes to my work.

 

Electricians are magicians as far as I'm concerned. Electricity is a giant mystery to me.

 

I appreciate that! There's definitely stuff that's worth leaving to a professional. That's why I don't mess with plumbing, HVAC, etc!