Engine - Oil Level Checking Procedure

85ford25

Article No. 85-25-20

OIL DIPSTICK - ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECKING PROCEDURE - GASOLINE ENGINES

LIGHT TRUCK 1986 AND PRIOR

MEDIUM/HEAVY TRUCK 1986 AND PRIOR

Figure 17 - Dipstick:

To correctly check the engine oil level, the vehicle must be parked on a level surface. Allow a few minutes after shutting the engine off for oil to drain down before checking. For consistent oil level readings, insert the dipstick with the loop of the handle as shown in Figure 17.

Figure 18 - Dipstick - Calibration:

Figure 19 - Dipstick - Calibration:

Dipsticks in Ford vehicles do not incorporate a Full mark. Instead, the dipstick will have marks indicating a Safe range and an Add range as shown in Figure 18 or 19. When the correct amount of oil is in the engine, the oil level indication will be in the Safe range or above the Minimum mark, but not necessarily at the top of the Safe range or at the Maximum mark.

When the indicated oil level is in the Add range put one quart of oil in the engine. Recheck the oil level to determine if the oil level is now in the Safe range or above the Minimum mark.

Add and recheck oil level one quart at a time until the oil level indicator moves into the Safe range or above the Minimum mark. Do not add additional oil to bring the level to the top of the Safe range or to the Maximum mark since this may result in overfill and increased oil consumption.
If the accuracy of the engine oil dipstick is in doubt, it may be verified in the following manner:

^ Drain the oil and install a new filter.

^ Put in the specified amount of oil for an oil and filter change. (See owner guide)

^ Start the engine and operate a few minutes.

^ Shut off the engine and allow a few minutes for the oil to drain down.

^ Check the oil level with the dipstick.

^ If the oil level does not indicate in the Safe range or above the Minimum mark, rework or replace the dipstick.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: "INFORMATION ONLY"