Reading dipstick

[Monk]

Ok........I've been wanting to ask this question
for a long time.

Why does my dipstick read differently (oil level) from
one side to the other?

One side it reads full......other side on Add.

Car is level.....running a Stef pan.....dipstick is a Lokar.

[SuperBuickGuy]

because the gravitational pull of earth's magnetic north changes the level of the oil by pulling harder from the north.

[Monk]

because the gravitational pull of earth's magnetic north changes the level of the oil by pulling harder from the north.

Translate counselor

[SuperBuickGuy]

Translate counselor

it could be the tilt of the earth's axis


or, and I mention this only because it's a possibility, your dip stick tube is pushed further into its receiver hole on one side.... I know, pretty far out, huh?

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the idea that you have two dipsticks in one car.... three if you include the driver

[Monk]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the idea that you have two dipsticks in one car.... three if you include the driver

I was waiting for that
You just couldn't resist could ya?

[Beagle]

The dipstick goes in at an angle and the oil is level?

[Monk]

The dipstick goes in at an angle and the oil is level?

That was my guess and the reading with the highest level would be correct.

[Barry Donovan]

one side of stick isn't touching oil.


I know, I am a genius.

[Beagle]

That was my guess and the reading with the highest level would be correct.

split the difference

[SuperBuickGuy]

I was waiting for that
You just couldn't resist could ya?

too easy and loose morals on my part

[Deaf Bob]

Switch dipsticks in holes and see if it changes...

[GFogg]

I'm with SuperBuick Guy.

[groucho]

I've seen what Monk talks about and the angle isn't enough for the bigger difference from side to side IMO. Stick a popsicle stick into a cup of water at a similar angle. I don't know the answer to the OG question, but thru the yrs I've convinced myself that one side somehow gets wiped on the way out

The dipstick goes in at an angle and the oil is level?

[Beagle]

okay, how's this.. take a pan and fill it with oil, put the stick in at the same angle, and see if there's a surface tension divot created by the stick?

[Dan Barlow]

Turn the car off and check it at idle.