Oil Capacity Mystery

[Steve CC]

Hi.

I've just done my 1st oil and filter change on my 2009 Avensis 1.8 Valvematic. I raised the front by only a few inches to drain oil. I refilled with 4 litres and when I checked dipstick the level was above the top line (capacity with filter is listed at 4.2 litres)? When I checked the amount of oil that came out, it was just 3.3 litres?

I was careful to ensure I caught all the oil from sump and filter housing. It's as though some got trapped somehere?

Am I missing something?

Thanks, Steve

[Mistermena]

I always found with my Avensis that to get a true oil level it had to be swiched off and left over night!

[alan333]

Where in relation to the sump pan is the drain plug? If it's towards the front (and assuming you had only the front of the car raised) then it's feasible there was some old oil left in it. Also you'd have "lost" some oil in the old filter, although probably nowhere near the litre or so you're looking for. And I'm sure you're aware but you should dip the oil again after the engine has been running, since new oil usually needs pumped into the new filter etc, which "loses" some.

[Steve CC]

Yes. I did check the oil when cold next day on level ground and it was still above top mark, although very difficult to judge level accurately as it smears up the dipstick. Best reading was simply removing after sitting overnight without wiping/replacing. The dipstick should be pushed all the way home shouldn't it?

I'll look very carefully in 9 or 10k miles time and maybe try and drain on the flat - although the sump seems to be shaped to get all the oil out.

Thanks

[alan333]

Yes push the dipstick all the way in to dip.

I'm a bit miffed like you, but if the oil on the dipstick looks clean and new, and the level is ok, then I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[Mistermena]

The Avensis dip stick has always been a bit of a mare! Mine always use to smear when I took it out! As long as its not to far over the Max level! Then don't worry! Believe me when I say the main dealers wouldn't worry about it to much!

[korat102]

Best bet is to take the dipstick out of the tube, wipe it off and leave it for a few minutes for the tube to drain (go and check tyre pressures or something useful) then just push it all the way in, leave it a few seconds then withdraw it to get the reading.