Honda Car Forum

Frank Boettcher <fboettcher@comcast.net> wrote in
news:ckk2s1t05v7c7pdfcp15hsee6jmgctq952@4ax.com:


>
> question:
>
> How long should you wait to get a reasonably accurate reading on a
> fully warm engine after turning it off?



Safest and most accurate time to check: Cold. After sitting overnight.

The car must be sitting in the same attitude (angle of tilt) for each
check.

Oil expands with heat. And it will drain back at a different rate depending
on how hot it is. A winter's drive of fifteen minutes may only heat the oil
up to 120º. An hour's drive may see it go up to 210º. This will make a
difference in the expansion rate and thus the report the stick gives.

Also: if the oil has lots of water and fuel in it when you check, and you
then drive a long distance, that contamination will burn off, giving a low
reading the next time the oil is checked.


>
> Is a half quart too much a problem. Should he drain it back to
> protect the seals?


Nope. Just leave it. If there's really that much in there, that is, that
is.



--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

were you on a hill when you checked it? i just dont see how letting it
cool could change it so much since at oil change shops and what not
they check it right when u pull in, how hot your engine is shouldnt
effect your oil level, you were prob just sittin on a small hill when u
checked it the first time, then when he stoped he was on level or a
hill goin the other way.