checking oil

[peanutcrusher]

can anyone help me with this one.

i checked my oil the morning, when i looked at the dipstick it showed the level to be about 1/4 full. seeing this i decided to go and buy some oil to top it up.
i went to shops got some oil and came home left the van for about 20-30 mins came out to put the oil in but through i'd check the oil one more time to be sure what was in there so i could keep an eye on it when topping up. when i checked the dipstick it said the van was full of oil right up to the F on the dipstick. so which one do i go by the first read from cold or the secord after the engine has been run but left to stand for a while.

[Bongoplod]

On the 1st check mentioned,was the Bongo on a slope,and had it just been run so the oil hadnt drained to the bottom of the sump?

Brian

[bigdaddycain]

I'd check the level cold, on reasonably level ground. That saves you having to wipe your stick after you've dunked it the first time.

[peanutcrusher]

both times I parked in the same place which seems level to the naked eye

[nfn]

Sounds like there could be sludge in the oilways between the head and sump. Try buying a sludge remover (e.g., STP engine flush) and use it just before you next change the oil. With any luck this will speed the flow of oil down to the sump.

I know certain Toyotas are very prone to sludge build-up in the engine, but haven't heard of this in bongos.

[David Edwards]

Dont forget tho that even after a short journey the oil will heat up to an extent and therefore expand, I suppose it is best left for a few hours or overnight really, I always check mine in the morning before I go anywhere so it has overnight to drain down and give an accurate reading.