Hi,

A basic question, but valid I guess.. when checking the dip stick for the engine oil level do you push the dip stick fully home (where it is normally - it sorts of turns and clicks in) to check the level, or do you just push the dip stick in until it touches without turning and clicking home.

PS - can you tell the condition of the oil by what it looks like on the dip stick? My oil was only changed last Oct but it does look very black.. is this normal ? I have never run a diesel engine before.. my petrol engine oil seems clearer.

thanks

Stephen..

When checking the oil taking dip stick out and give it a wipe with a clean cloth, and then put the dipstick back in fully home. When you take it out agian it will tell you the level of the oil.

I would say push it fully in, and oil in a diesel goes black instantly.

All good answers.

Sounds like you could do with a copy of the owner's manual. Check out the 'pinned' entries at the top of the forum's page.

As long as its not white or has metal flakes on it then all is good :sun:

Yes its perfectly normal for diesel engines to have black oil. Its a question I also asked when I bought my first diesel (this is my third).

The main thing is to change it regularly - even more often than strictly necessary, 8 - 10,000 miles and certainly at least once per year.

thanks Guys.. I really appreciate your time in replying..