Notices
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners 2nd/3rd gen pickups, and 1st/2nd gen 4Runners with IFS

Dipstick: Level Engine or Level Vehicle

Old 07-04-2012, 03:42 PM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
BMcEL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Oregon, USA
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Dipstick: Level Engine or Level Vehicle

Let me first say I'm not an idiot when it comes to Yotas, as much as this question may make it seem.

When checking the engine oil level, I know the FSM says to have the vehicle level, but the engine obviously sits at an angle even on a stock truck.

So, question is, did Toyota engineer the dipstick to read the oil level as if the engine were truly level, or at the angle it would be sitting in a stock vehicle? Not that there's going to be that much of a difference in readings if the front or rear is up/down a few inches, but for some reason the thought crossed my mind today.

And happy independence day!
Old 07-04-2012, 04:15 PM
  #2  
Registered User
iTrader: (8)
 
arlindsay1992's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Southeast Virginia
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 0
Received 346 Likes on 215 Posts
I've always checked it with the vehicle level. I don't think any car manufacturer expects people to care that much about their vehicles.
Old 07-06-2012, 01:57 PM
  #3  
Registered User
 
hgill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
If you are really that concerned .. then perform two measurements .. one with vehicle level and the other with engine level. Check the difference ... if its not much .. then it doesnt really matter.
Old 07-06-2012, 02:03 PM
  #4  
Registered User
 
combatcarl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Springfield, Orygun
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Think with your dipstick, Jimmy!

I know mine is way off, parked on the street at home. Check it at work, vehicle level, gets a good reading.
Old 07-06-2012, 02:42 PM
  #5  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
BMcEL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Oregon, USA
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by hgill
If you are really that concerned
Just curious, not concerned.
Old 07-06-2012, 02:46 PM
  #6  
Registered User
 
huntsonora's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by BMcEL
So, question is, did Toyota engineer the dipstick to read the oil level as if the engine were truly level, or at the angle it would be sitting in a stock vehicle? Not that there's going to be that much of a difference in readings if the front or rear is up/down a few inches, but for some reason the thought crossed my mind today.

Check with the vehicle level. When I drain and refill my oil on any vehicle I check the oil level while the vehicle is level. This is my baseline reading and I check it every time I fill up at the service station as the pump pads are fairly level themselves
Old 07-07-2012, 12:44 AM
  #7  
Registered User
 
abecedarian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Temecula Valley, CA
Posts: 12,723
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
You should check all your fluid levels with the vehicle level.
If you don't, you run the risk of over filling the crankcase and that is not a good thing.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Colington
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
20
03-08-2020 09:51 AM
Seattle_Sign_Guy
95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners
0
07-12-2015 12:38 PM
Coreyr384
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
2
07-10-2015 11:13 AM
akaphilly
Axles - Suspensions - Tires - Wheels
0
07-09-2015 02:18 PM
wilbertd
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
2
07-06-2015 07:39 AM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: Dipstick: Level Engine or Level Vehicle



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 02:12 PM.