Bongo Fury

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.