waaaaaaay off topic, opinions required

[Dean]

Hi gents

Simple question, with engine oil should you take the level when warm or cold?
I was going to take the L200 away tomorrow but its covered 2.5k since the last oil change and its over full by about 1/4" above the X mark again when warm (drove 7 miles home and checked after car sitting for 1 hour).
Before I left though the stone cold oil level was a smidge above the Max mark (Max "fill to level")

Now I'm wondering if the x is the marker that means oil level should NEVER exceed, or if it shouldn't exceed when cold.
The manual spends half a page talking about how dangerous it can be working under the open bonnet but not much about the oil other than when the oil reaches the Max limit the car should be taken to a service centre immediately.

It's booked in but they can't do it until Tuesday which is a pain in the arse, do I wheel the XM out for active duty for the long run or chance the L200 with its dirty diesel oil mix............

This link should lead to the only dipstic illustration the internet has to offer for the dpf L200
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=mitsu ... p8Te_mM%3A" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[raynoon]

I was always under the impression that engine oil should be checked when cold, as it measures the amount of oil in the sump.
A warm engine has the oil circulated around, therefor a reliable reading can't be done.

[jamescarruthers]

I always thought you should check it cold and on a level surface, without exception

However, I was realy caught out with my fiancé 's new Mini which says to check *hot*, after a five minute rest.

I think this could be because it has a hydraulic tensioner for the timing chain which has to be full up with oil to get an accurate reading in the sump.

So... information about Mini's isn't helpful, but ‎the chain drive and hydraulic tensioner could maybe lead you the right direction? 

My gut would be that unless directed in the manual otherwise, you should check when it is cold and rested on a level surface.‎

[Dean]

Yeah well that's the direction I was leaning in gents thanks, its just that the oil level is way higher when warm or hot, a good 1/4" higher bearing in mind this is nearly the distance between the main and Max fill marks its all rather confusing, the XM for instance doesn't differ at all hot or cold but the transmission fluid does but that has a 40c and 80c scale.

Hell, I will chance it, I bet the oil has to be much higher than the warning mark to runaway.

D

[jamescarruthers]

Yes, but don't watch any Youtube videos on the subject before you go!

[Dean]

I've already enjoyed plenty of them, its manual so I will be fine anyway.

D

[jamescarruthers]

The horror!

I looked recently as I was warned that the XM was a candidate due to a fair bit of oil in the pipe from the turbo.

Trying to ignore/monitor that for the minute and will rely on it being a manual too.

I bet it's shit your pants scary if it does happen!

[Dean]

I bet its kick the cat annoying if its your own car!!!!!!!!
Jees I would put my own leg into the intake to throttle it down (please don't try that at home kids) if it was my car, scary or not.

D

[White Exec]

I don't think hot or cold makes much difference to the volume of oil contained, but it does, indirectly, make a difference to whereabouts in the engine the oil is.
When hot, all the working parts will be full of oil.
By allowing 5 mins or so before reading, splash and run-off will return to the sump.

Probably the best thing is just to go by the manufacturer's handbook, because recommendations will vary between makes/models.