Oil Level question???

[samzx12]

This is my 1st post here and I have been visiting this site after purchasing my 2000 F250. I have a question concerning the dip stick reading on my 5.4L. I checked the oil this evening and it shows a different level on each side of the dip stick. One side shows low and the other side more. Is this normal and which side is right? I have owned many cars and trucks but never had trouble reading a damn dip stick...LOL

Sam

[bajarunner]

Hi samzx12 and welcome to the site.

I don't have a 5.4, but can speculate on what you are getting there. I'll bet the dipstick doesn't go straight down into the oil but more at an angle. To visualize, hold a pen or pencil at an angle in front of you. If you lowered that pencil into the oil, the "top" of the pencil would get a mark of oil as would the "bottom" of the pencil. The angle makes these marks diferent relative to the end of the pencil. The "top" mark is the "low" level and the "bottom" is your "high" reading. In a nutshell, whatever is the average or middle or difference (chose your word) is your "true" reading. HTH, and it is just my thought. Others with 5.4's will probably jump in. Hope I didn't ramble [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Rob