G_ROBB89

I recently changed the oil on my '04 EX 1.7L

I did not have the manual with me so I replenished with 4 quarts...later I saw the manual recommends 3.5 quarts.

I have not noticed any significant changes in the performance of my vehicle.

I have checked the oil when hot but each time I put the dipstick back into the engine and pull it out the oil reading is never accurate because on one side of the dipstick there is oil at certain level and on the other side the oil is at another level.

I DO NOT KNOW IF I SHOULD DRAIN SOME OIL OR IF I AM OKAY WITH IT WHERE IT IS. Like I said, the oil dipstick reading is not giving me an accurate idea of if I have too much oil in the engine or just right.

Ideas or recommendations anybody? Anybody have the same problem reading the oil dipstick with the '04, is there a certain way I should be placing the dipstick back into the engine?

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

Check the oil when the engine is cold, on level ground.

Dipstick only goes in one way.

mikey1

you should drain some out, 4 quarts is way too much,

when i change my oil and filter i normally put in about 3.2 liters, then i start it up for a few mins, shut it off and check it, with the 3.2 liters in there its normally pretty close to the full mark, if i have to add a bit more its not very much,

lowlife9

it doesn't really matter which way the dipstick goes in as long as the engine is cold and level. and definitely don't just wing it if you ever change your transmission fluid.

ezone

It's a whole lot easier to add a little to bring it up to proper level than it is to overfill and have to drain some out.

johndeerebones

Second that. It is important to note that the fill level is a range for a reason. It is far worse on an engine to be overfull than it is to be a tad under max fill. Like someone said that is too much oil.

Warminwisco

What should the dipstick read? I had a Honda oil change and asked the tech to show me the dipstick after the oil change when I picked it up. It was like 1/3 of an inch above the top hole? Sound correct?

Warminwisco

I got pictures off the net. Thanks I will check it again I have to pick it up at the dealer. If it again is above the top dot I will call the dealer.

ezone

I read the engine oil dipstick within a minute of shutting the engine off. Actually more like 15 seconds in the shop during an oil change.

If you let it sit too long before reading, the oil can drain out of the horizontally mounted oil filter and falsely elevate the indication on the dipstick.

mikey1

1/3 inch?....that sounds like its too high, overfilled

ezone

I wonder what it reads if he checks immediately after shutting the engine off.

Warminwisco

I will let ya know, I took it to the dealer and it was 1 1/2 quarts low at 4k miles with 63k miles so he suggested I pull the plugs put a capful of Marvel Oil in the plug holes and let it soak. They said it is something they do on more Accords than civics. Got a compression tester also so I need to check specs on compression. Thanks I will check it right after shut off. Great site!!!

kinakoes2

Does this apply on oil filters with anti-drainback valves? I use a NAPA Gold filter with one and never see any change during my tire fill-ups (check about 1 min after shutting down on a level surface), nor after it's sat all night on the curb (also level ground).

I thought most spin-ons nowadays had them, that's the issue they were designed to eliminate... then again, I've only used Bosch (meh), K&N (awesome), NAPA Gold/Platinum (default go-to), or OEM filters on my cars and bikes, and IIRC all of them had the little diaphragm valve or similar.

kinakoes2

Marvel Mystery Oil, huh... wonder what have convinced that dealer's techs that it's going to do anything, soaking cold in a head (moreso, if they don't rotate each piston to TDC when they put it in). Let us know if it actually does anything... obviously skeptical, but if results back it up, I'm not above turnabout...

The top hole on the dipstick is intended to show you what the max capacity of the crankcase should be -- 1/3" above that is way too much oil. Just enough to cover that hole is ideal... otherwise not only does the oiling system run on unfiltered bypass all the time, but crank windage will rob power and mpg.

mikey1

im not sure, however its always best to check your oil when its warm, as ezone suggested, right after you shut the engine off

kinakoes2

Very interesting. Will just monitor and note though, as I don't see a difference hot or cold, which is the purpose of anti-drainback filters.