VW Bora TDi (110, Sep 99) dipstick oil level

[funkyrobot]

Hello, bit of an odd question this but i'm having trouble reading the oil level on my dipstick.

When I have dipped the stick in and pull it out (eerrmm no pun intended) the oil level is past the braily bit on the stick, however, it doesn't completely cover the stick to that level. It seems to cover half of the stick. It looks like the stick has been stood up and some of the oil has drained down the stick, if you know what i mean???

Anyway does this still show the true level of my oil at this point, or is there less in the engine because it isn't fully covering the stick at that point?

Sorry this is confusing but i've never had a car which when the dipstick has been dipped doesn't fully cover the stick at a certain level.

Many thanks!

[kevinday]

Best bet is to wipe the dipstick clean and dip it again being very careful not to touch the sides and withdrawing it as soon as it is fully in. (Grandmother, eggs, suck )

Also it is best when the car has been standing overnight allowing the oil to drain down and not leave residue that may cause false readings. I would probably consider the level as being where the oil completely covers the dipstick, making the assumption that the rest is drain down dripping onto the stick.

[funkyrobot]

Thanks for that, I did wonder about the level because it looks like my residue bits are way up the stick, so I was worried that if I put anymore oil in it would overfill it.

It seems to completely cover the stick further down so I will double check tomorrow morning before I start the car.

Also, when I asked about oil checking etc at a vw garage a few months ago they said that you should check the level when the car is warm???? Never heard this before!!

Thanks again!

[TDI_MAN]

I bought an A4 110 Tdi from a garage (Non Audi) and wondered why it only took 2 minutes for it to reach normal operating temperature.

I found out a week later when I checked the oil level and had to add 2.5 litres for it to reach the max mark!