Reading Oil Level question

[meegwell]

When I pull the dip sticks (1.8L '18 240x) it seems as if there is only a little oil along the side edge of the the stick. Is this because it's cold? Should there be a clear level of oil on the stick? Sorry for the dumb question getting prepared for my first round of maintenance.

 

[HangOutdoors]

I would warm the engine on the hose. You don't want to change it cold. Then let it settle for a minute or two, then take a clean reading. I like to pull the stick out and lay it on a white paper towel which shows you exactly what the level is. Sometimes it is hard to read.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

Place a small level on top of the engine and then adjust the trailer so that the bubble is in the middle of the level then open the fill cap to allow air in and let the oil settle then take a reading on the stick. Measure the exact amount of oil you are removing and change the oil filter making sure you either run grease around the base of the filter where the crimp line is " I cover it with aluminum tape " . Remember to add 1/2 quart for the filter. I lay rags below it when removing it to catch the oil that spills. now when you refill the oil, only place in what you removed, I Have a way to get nearly every bit out but most people will be at least a quart less than what there was in the engine . in any event bring oil with you and when you put the boat in the water let it sit and idle for a bit, then check the stick and add what you need leaving it between the 2 marks on the stick, run the boat and at the end of the day recheck the oil with the boat in the water.

 

[meegwell]

Place a small level on top of the engine and then adjust the trailer so that the bubble is in the middle of the level then open the fill cap to allow air in and let the oil settle then take a reading on the stick. Measure the exact amount of oil you are removing and change the oil filter making sure you either run grease around the base of the filter where the crimp line is " I cover it with aluminum tape " . Remember to add 1/2 quart for the filter. I lay rags below it when removing it to catch the oil that spills. now when you refill the oil, only place in what you removed, I Have a way to get nearly every bit out but most people will be at least a quart less than what there was in the engine . in any event bring oil with you and when you put the boat in the water let it sit and idle for a bit, then check the stick and add what you need leaving it between the 2 marks on the stick, run the boat and at the end of the day recheck the oil with the boat in the water.

Details are appreciated. Thank You.