Checking oil level on small engines

Den · Jul 1, 2000

All of us probably own a variety of equipment powered by small gasoline engines. Many of these engines commonly have the screw-in type dipstick which doubles as the oil filler cap. I have always checked the oil level by unscrewing the cap/stick, wiping it off, and then reinserting the stick by screwing it down. I would then pull it out and take my reading. A friend recently told me that this procedure was incorrect and that I should not screw down the stick, but only put it in until the cap touches the top of the oil filler tube and then use this reading. Although the difference between the two methods might only reflect a fraction of an inch, those small engines don't hold a lot of oil, so I would appreciate advice from the group.

RickM · Jul 1, 2000

Den,
I must admit I don't know which is the "right" way, but if it helps I have always used the same method as you. I screw it all the way down then back out. I don't know if I read to do that somewhere long ago or if its just my habit. It's sad getting old. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif I try to keep the oil level sort of in the middle. I have read that overfilling can be as damaging as underfilling.

Anonymous Poster · Jul 2, 2000

It's not correct or incorrect, each manufacturer has it's own way. The manufacturer's with "think-ahead" support the consumer engineering departments have this controversy stamped in the dipstick itself (if it's got a flat stick) I've also seen it on caps, either "screw in all the way" or "check level without screwing cap on" something like that. How this ever got so there's two methods is bizarre. Manufacturers love to go their own way. Why follow the pack when you can make someone's life miserable? Remember the Chrysler products of the 50s and 60's...the lug nuts on each side of the car were reverse threaded from each other, so the wheels wouldn't fall off. Hmmm, does anyone remember a rash of Chevy's and Fords loosing there wheels? I don't

Best to try to get ahold of original literature or someone in the know for the particular piece of equipment.

I have a "grease" board in my garage that I doodle my oil change hours/miles on with a colored pen that I also add notes to like size of wrench for each vehicle's oil plug, how much oil it REALLY takes to make the level right letting it drip for a couple hours etc. Of course maybe you're not like me, maybe you've still got a mind left and can remember all those figures/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I used to!

Bird · Jul 2, 2000

Like del, I've seen them labelled both ways. You just need a manual for that particular engine to see which is the "correct" way.

Bird

_RaT_ · Jul 4, 2000

Den, the correct way is indeed to screw the plug back in. I quzzed Honda about this which uses that type set up in most all of their small engines and the response was that you screw it in and then recheck. That being said, many small engines can't be overfilled today since the oil fill hole acts as a auto level. The top of the oil hole is the height (upper limit of the oil). The old B&S (my least favorite engine) were this way. I have a 14Hp Kohler that has a fill spout. The correct way to get an accurate level is to let the engine sit for several minutes if its been running, unscrew the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert it screwing all the way down and then removeing it checking that it is BETWEEN the hash marks. I know more people who think it must be at the top hash mark all the time. Engines are not that sensitive. Remember, oil that is slightly low is better then oil that is to high. Rat...

Billc · Jul 6, 2000

I've always called the engine manufacturer to find out how to check the oil level. Everyone is different.

Over-filling is very bad on an engine. If you over-fill the oil it will end up going through your carb, and then through your air filter, you will also foul the plug. Once that happens, your engine won't start until you clean out the carb and put in a new air filter and spark plug. When you finally do get the engine restarted (you may foul another plug or two when trying to restart the engine) you will see lots and lots of blue smoke for about 3 minutes. After that, everything is usually o.k.

One other thought, when you turn over your walk behind mower to ck the blade ALWAYS turn the mower over on its side with the air filter side up! You'll notice on any small 4 cycle engine the oil fill plug is on one side and the air filter is on the opposite side. If you turn the mower on its side with the airfilter side down, it's just like over filling the oil...same results and remedy.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 23, 2001

I've had a Snapper lawnmower for many years and have often wondered if I was following the correct procedure by screwing in the dipstick before checking the oil on the 12.5 HP Briggs and Stratton engine. After reading this discussion, I went to BriggsandStratton.com and after some digging came up with the following general statement under the heading Change Your Oil: "9. Check the oil level by screwing in and removing the dipstick (if so equipped), looking for the oil level to be within 1/8" (2-3mm) of the full line. 10. If the engine is not equipped with a dipstick assembly, fill the engine crankcase with oil until the oil level is visible through the oil fill/drain hole. The engine is considered full when 1 or 2 threads on the inside of the oil fill/drain hole are left uncovered by the engine oil." Now, my only question is: "Why didn't I do this simple search years ago?"