Best way to check oil level?

WestCoastSVX · #1 10-05-2006, 07:05 PM

What's the recommended way to check the oil level on the SVX?

I grew up being taught that after changing the oil, to run the engine until it gets hot, because the true oil level is when it is at running temperature.

I've heard rumors that Subarus are meant to be measured when cold, or the tricky one of waiting for an engine to cool down 15 minutes after driving around.

What's best? Especially a couple months in to the oil change cycle - don't want to read something wrong and overfill it or not put enough in...

Bobb · #2 10-05-2006, 07:27 PM

Hi Troy, My first choice is to check fluids when the vehicle is cold. However sometimes this can't be done. On the SVX you have two marks on the full side. One for cold readings and a higher mark for hot readings. I try to check my cars once a week but when on a trip I like to check when I stop for gas. Hope this helps. Take care, BOBB

ItsPeteReally · #3 10-06-2006, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacGyver

What's the recommended way to check the oil level on the SVX?

Well, why not read the owners manual?

To paraphrase what it says:

Check the oil level whilst parked on a level surface. If the engine is hot then wait a few minutes to let the oil drain back into the oil pan before you check the level.

If the engine is cold then the oil level should be between the High and Low level markings on the dipstick - add oil if necessary.

If the engine is hot, then the level will be higher, due to thermal expansion of the oil. When hot, the level may be anywhere between the upper High Level line and the notch in the side of the dipstick.

msvx95 · #4 10-06-2006, 01:11 PM

MacGyver, you should be able to check the oil using a toothpic and a button.

svx_commuter · #5 10-07-2006, 05:35 PM

I have found through error that best way is check the oil level is when it's parked on level ground after the engine has been run for at least one hour and then parked for at least another hour.

I have added oil when it was not needed in the winter because the cold oil was stuck up sitting in the cylinders. This happened when I ran the engine for about 10 minutes and then shut it off and checked the oil about 10 minutes after stopping. The next time I checked level it was overfilled. gzzzzz