How to properly check oil

[ncnmra]

Realize this is a dumb question....BUT: what is the proper procedure to check the oil level? Preferably the boat should be in the water, and engine should be warm....

Now: do you screw the oil cap on fully, or check only by dipping it in, but not screwing down? The action of screwing it in obviously changes the measured level.

I have a lawnmower that specifically shoes NOT to screw the cap down when checking the oil level.

 

[haknslash]

Pull dip stick, wipe it down, screw it back in and then check oil level.

Page 50 http://www.yamaha-motor.com/assets/service/manuals/2008/LIT-18626-07-19_210models_1536.pdf

 

[ncnmra]

Perfect thanks

 

[Scottintexas]

 

[scokill]

What they said....I would add that there is a range between L and H that is acceptable. I've found this ranges is at least 1/2 Q or more. I periodically check on the water, get back home,and see where the oil is on the dipstick when on trailer and parked. It's on the dipstick, but below the L mark.

 

[Hannibal]

I checked mine cold on the trailer under the carport off the ball. Half way between low and high. I'm going to use that as my benchmark.

 

[2nazt]

@Hannibal this is more specific to MR-1 motors. But you should also be fine at mid level cold as long as motor was level also.

 

[tdonoughue]

I should add: your lawnmower is whack. Only engine I have ever heard of that did not require full seating of the dipstick to take a proper reading...

 

[Wayloncle]

I should add: your lawnmower is whack. Only engine I have ever heard of that did not require full seating of the dipstick to take a proper reading...

I had a dirtbike that you checked without screwing it in, that was the only thing I'd ever seen that wasn't supposed to be screwed all the way in.

 

[justason]

this is a curious line from the manual: 2.2" is greater than the span between high/low strikes.....

Adding 1 US qt. (0.95 lit) of oil will
raise the oil level on the dipstick by
approximately 2.2 in. (56 mm).

 

[Gym]

this is a curious line from the manual: 2.2" is greater than the span between high/low strikes.....

Adding 1 US qt. (0.95 lit) of oil will
raise the oil level on the dipstick by
approximately 2.2 in. (56 mm).

I guess what they are saying is if your oil level is right at the low mark and you want to raise it to the full mark, don't use a full quart as it will bring the level up 2.2 inches which is greater than the distance between the low and high marks. I think they could have simplified that message.

 

[ncnmra]

Ok, so what the heck??

I'm led to believe that cold, the oil will show LOWER than warm. When I check my engine completely cold, it looks like this:



When I check after running the engine for like 20 sec, it looks like this:


So which is correct????

 

[2nazt]

Are you actually warming up. Running for a bit then letting settle. And checking? If you crank and run for a 20 seconds it will not be warm and if you test right away the oil will not be settled.

 

[ncnmra]

Did both this morning:

First thing (cold):


After 6 minutes at idle on the hose (immediately after shutdown):


After letting it sit for 2 minutes:

It does look like its a little high, but still BELOW the F mark when warm.

So which am I supposed to trust? I'm tempted to remove a 1/4 quart to be safe.

 

[Matt Phillips]

As long as it's between the marks, you're good to go.

I only check mine on the water after its been running at greater than 7k and then idling for a few minutes. I also carry a spare quart in needed, but that's very rare.

 

[buckbuck]

That is strange @ncnmra
We have the same boat and I have never seen mine like that. When cold it is just barely on the dipstick.