A newbie question: how do you guys level the engine oil when pouring into the engine? So far I have been just pouring 7.5 liters and checking the dipstick which was always okay, but this time I didn’t remember the level of bottle where I started pouring from, so tried pour-and-check approach. Here comes a problem:

1. After pouring a good mount of new oil, I checked the level with the dipstick. It was still at “low” gauge.
2. Poured more oil enough to increase the level. Waited for a few minutes and checked. The dipstick was still at “low”.
3. ?!
4. Poured more more oil. The dipstick was at 2/3 of max and I was satisfied.
5. Drove for 30 miles for running errands and came back to home.
6. Re-checked after 30min dipstick and it was 2-3mm over the max.
7. ?!

Apparently, I am missing some step after pouring the oil to make sure the engine oil settle and level. Any advice? Thanks in advance!

 

Even at 2-3 mm over, you're most likely fine. I would perhaps check it in the morning after sitting overnight. By then, most of the oil should be in the sump. If it's WAY overfilled, you could always suction a few mL out.

 

I do this really strange and unique trick. I read the Owner's Manual for our specific vehicle.

For our 2014 GLK Base, on page 304, as is related to oil dipstick levels, one bullet point is:

• If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark on the oil dipstick, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 l) of engine oil.

They even have a photo of the "dipstick level component", with markings 1 2 3 and describe the meaning of each number. The Manual also mentions things such as, "if engine is cold", or "if vehicle has just been driven", and so on.

My own experience with vehicles (cars and motorcycles for 50+ years), I check the engine oil in the morning before a start up (as per the Manual 👍 )

 

On my 350 first check morning it shows 1 qt low, I put stick in again and it’s normal, must be surface tension or whatever. Normal is not normal on my 350, its 1/4-1/2 overfilled when I put in what is specified, I thought it was sludge in pan or bad dipstick, removed pan it is clean , new dipstick from FCP is worse ! Go figure that out!