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Mar 14, 2024 | 11:41 AM

#16

Shaboom

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Feb 2021

Posts: 1,529

Likes: 573

From: PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by YumpinYiminy

The best way to check if your burning oil is to always check it cold. Over 6 months you may see it drop a little but that's normal.

Yes, the actually exact spot of the oil level is a tad higher when cool and after sitting for a while than when still warm (after 10 minutes or so).

Mar 14, 2024 | 12:07 PM

#17

ESh

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 5,026

Likes: 1,630

From: MI

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikemu30

I never heard of this - a warm and cold reading for oil? Never makes a material difference when I've checked mine over the years. Coolant yes - has a hot and cold mark on the reservoir.

The oil expands just like metal or coolant so you need to check it when completely hot. The level of hot oil is always higher than cold.

Mar 14, 2024 | 12:11 PM

#18

Shaboom

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Feb 2021

Posts: 1,529

Likes: 573

From: PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by ESh

The oil expands just like metal or coolant so you need to check it when completely hot. The level of hot oil is always higher than cold.

But if it’s soon enough after engine shut down that the oil is still “completely hot,” I’d be afraid that it all the oil had not yet drained back and the reading wouldn’t be completely accurate for that reason.

Mar 14, 2024 | 12:48 PM

#19

ESh

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 5,026

Likes: 1,630

From: MI

The oil when hot, especially 0W8/16/20 drains in 3-5 mins.

Mar 15, 2024 | 05:38 AM

#20

mikemu30

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Jul 2017

Posts: 9,625

Likes: 3,422

From: NJ

I tested this theory yesterday - pulled the stick a few minutes after engine shut off. Pulled again three hours later. ZERO difference evident to the naked eye.