truongsean

hi Everyone,
Happy Father's Day!!

I have a question about checking the oil with the dipstick. I have a 2002 LS430 with sport suspension. Anyhow, today I check my dipstick oil and one side is right between the 2 bump, when i turn it over its seem to be over filled. Here is the pictures. One is with the oil in the middle and the other with the oil way over.

So which one is correct? I let the car sit overnight before and check it this afternoon. I did it a couple time and same results

thanks,
Sean

AlexusAnja

Always go with which side is lower. The "overfill" side will always be a result of oil in the chamber and you're just getting carryover. If it's truly overfilled, one side would not show low like that. Another thing, try not to check right after the engine has ran. Check in morning when engine is cold, pull the stick out, wipe it with a non-linting cloth, then insert and check again, this will yield better results.

LS430inDE.

Another simple suggestion is when you're holding up the dipstick and observing the oil on it, keep the measuring end (with the oil on it) POINTING DOWN.

When you keep that end lower than the handle part of the dipstick, you're ensuring the oil doesn't "run" down (or up) the dipstick giving you an inaccurate reading!

I know it's simple...but MANY people will raise the measuring end UP to their eyes while their hand holding the handle of the dipstick is lower than their eyes. lol

truongsean

LS430inDE and AlexusAnja
thanks guys for replying... And yes I did wait overnight and dip the oil stick several times and the same result.
Funny thing is that I changed my own oil all the time and I don't ever remember it being different.

What change the result this time from last time? I did the major 100k major tune up, new timing belt, tensioner, waterpump, new coolant, atf fluid.

I'll check it more frequently just to make sure.

V8_Fan

The proper method to check oil level is when the engine is running and warm with the vehicle on flat ground, shut off the engine and wait 5 min. Remove dipstick once (keep tip pointed down, as the other post emphasizes), check level, wipe w/ rag, reinsert. Done.