Oil Level on Dip Stick

Anyone else having trouble getting an accurate oil level on the dipstick?

 

It's not just you.
General consensus is that there is some type of slick coating on the stick that makes it very difficult to read.
400/600 grit emery cloth across the stick (not inline) to roughen it up has helped many, myself included.

 

I took mine to L&K Trophy house in Murfreesboro Tn. and he has a laser etcher and got hash marks engraved with a F and add etched on the stick. He does good work.

 

No.
Some, like me, just dump 8qts of oil in her, and never look at it again.
I swear, I have never checked oil level on the dip stick in my Tundras (since 2017).

 

I'm the OCD guy that dumps in 7 quarts plus 22.4 ounces! LOL

I've attempted to read the dipstick the next morning after it has sat and there is oil all over the damn thing - impossible to get an accurate reading. I just put in what the manual calls for and drive. If I don't see oil puddles under it or smoke out the tailpipe, I know I'm good!

 

Scuff it up some as @BlackNBlu said, it will definitely help. I think where its so long, & residual oil gets pulled up the tube when checking it.

 

Yes!! It’s a PITA!! My best practice is to check it in the am before starting up so that any oil in the tube that screws up the reading has run down.

 

I'm in the dump a little less than 8 quarts in and shut the hood camp.

 

what he said, check it COLD

 

Pictures!

 

I would love to see their handywork

 

Working in a shop, it's not just a Toyota thing. I've noticed it on other vehicles being hard to gauge oil level without the smearing on the dipstick. I believe it's more the properties of some of the newer spec (GF-6A etc.) oils and their "wetting" additives used to penetrate and stick to internal parts of timing chains and other high shear components... Just a guess???

 

For accurate easy reading of the dipstick, engine needs to be warmed and then let sit for a few minutes off and then you pull and check the dipstick.

 

LOL, not with this engine you're not.

 

That’s a very very good point. We were always used to checking good old 30W oil and now we’re trying to read sticky water on a dip stick!! I think youve hit it right on the money!!

 

I mainly only ever check the dipstick after oil changes and sometimes whenever doing long harsh hauls and tows but it is quite easy to read once it sits for a few after operating temp. I always put the stick back in with the protrusions facing towards the engine like the manual says, might make a difference?

 

Sure enough. Pg 470 section 6-3. Never remember reading that point facing the engine. I’m gonna go check that out. Thanks!!

 

I’ve had a couple turbos in the past that have used a little oil regularly (passing the turbo seals) but after many more miles than this. So far no loss at all that I can tell. Even in the break in 1500 mi before my first change. Turbo engineering has changed dramatically since back then

 

I’ve heard this complaint on every car forum I’ve been a member of for 20 years…it’s not a unique problem but some are definitely worse than others. Tube path, oil viscosity/additives, stick material are all contributing variables.
The trick is to pull the stick and leave it out for several minutes, 10 min plus is ideal. You need to let all the oil you pulled up the tube drain back down and settle, that is the main issue. After the wait period you can put it back; pull it out and you will be able to get a decent reading.