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When my engine is off the dipstick shows that there is just about no oil in the system. When the engine is running the dipstick shows that it is full and then some. What would cause this? And is it normal for wisps of white smoke to come out of the dipstick tube when checking the oil? (With the engine on.)

Also, when getting the oil changed it was jet black in color and fairly sticky. What would cause this?

Because it was black and sticky they said there is some sort of "engine flush" that can be done. Legitimate service or just another way to take money?

Reply to
Privacy, please
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Always check the oil when NOT running.

You are dangerously low on oil. Probably 2 quarts low would be my guess. Add a quart, let it sit for 3 minutes without running it. Check again. Repeat as needed and with smaller amounts until you show full.

Joe - V#8013 - '86 VN750 - joe @ yunx .com Ask me about "The Ride" on July 31, '04:

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Reply to
Joe Dufu

When the engine is running, oil is being thrown all around the inside the crankcase. Some of it lands on the dip stick, some of which id high up the stick. This runs down the stick. When you pull it out, it looks like the oil level is hight - it isn't. You should check your oil with the engine off, after enough time has elasped to allow most of the oil to drain back into the sump. The white stuff coming out of the dip stick tube is likely to be water vapor and is probably normal. However, checking the oil with the engine running is not normal - don't do it.

Instead of paying for an engine flush, just use good quality oil and change it more often. If the oil is really dirty, I suggest doing a couple of 1000 mile oil changes.

Ed

Reply to
C. E. White

Privacy, please wrote: > When my engine is off the dipstick shows that there is just about > no oil in the system. When the engine is running the dipstick > shows that it is full and then some. What would cause this? And > is it normal for wisps of white smoke to come out of the dipstick > tube when checking the oil? (With the engine on.) >

The oil should be checked with the engine off (and after it has set for 2-3 minutes to "drain down"). Make sure the car is level. When the engine is running the oil is splashing around and cannot be measured accurately.

The whisps of white smoke are "blowby" exhaust. A little is OK, but lots indicates bad rings.

Oil will normally be dark (though not jet black) even after 100 miles or so. It should not be particularly "sticky" or "gooey", though -- it should flow about as freely as when new. Jet black would suggest combustion products are ending up in the oil (bad rings or valve seals). Sticky would suggest either lots of combustion products or a coolant leak.

Reply to
Dan Hicks

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