I've owned my 350z for about 6 months now, and I'm starting to think it's impossible to gauge how much oil is actually in the engine using the dipstick. Has anyone else had this problem? I know my engine burns oil so I try to make sure to add oil whenever my oil pressure starts to drop below normal. Unfortunately, when I do this, I add about half a quart and the dipstick says its over full! I know that it isn't, but I have no way of making sure I'm not over filling.

w t f mate.

 

Gotta have it parked on flat level ground, then let it sit for a minute, pull the stick, wipe it off, stick it again, be careful when pulling it and look at the back side of where it has the markings.

 

Park it on a flat surface over night and check it in the morning and you'll get a 100% correct reading.

 

You have to wipe the stick and check it multiple times to get a proper reading, let the car sit for a few after it has benn running

 

You will get over full reading. You want a little to still be up in the block. When you're driving all of it doesn't stay in the pan.

 

How often do you change your oil, OP?

 

lol, i know the car has to be on level ground guys and yes, i know the oil doesnt just sit in the oil pan haha. i change my oil every 3000. maybe im not letting it sit along enough.

 

With my 03, I found that i got the most accurate results when i parked on level ground, popped the hood and immediately took out the dipstick. And then wait 30 minutes for the oil to drain down into the pan and drain out of the dipstick tube. Then check the oil. Taking the dip stick out lets the oil drain out of the dipstick tube itself and provide a more accurate reading

 

cool, thx for the tip

 

I've still always had the best luck reading the back side. Look at the checkered part to see where it should be then flip it over. The marked side always ends up dragging on something and messing up the line but the back always stays perfect.