checking oil

asam9 · June 22, 2020, 08:30:06 PM

anyone else have a real hard time seeing the oil level on the zforce 800's dip stick. I can't read the level at all. But when I use another dip stick with similar lengths I can read it

NMKawierider · June 22, 2020, 08:55:59 PM

Quote from: asam9 on June 22, 2020, 08:30:06 PM
anyone else have a real hard time seeing the oil level on the zforce 800's dip stick. I can't read the level at all. But when I use another dip stick with similar lengths I can read it

Yeah it tough...and I have the old style I guess with the flat white plastic with cross hatches. I hear they use some kind of wire now that really makes it hard.

asam9 · June 22, 2020, 09:12:56 PM

Yeah its a skinny wire they use. I can't for the life of me get a accurate reading

NMKawierider · June 23, 2020, 08:15:04 AM

Quote from: asam9 on June 22, 2020, 09:12:56 PM
Yeah its a skinny wire they use. I can't for the life of me get a accurate reading

On my truck the steel dip stick was so long and smooth that by the time I got it out the oil had retreated off the end and I could never get a good reading. I used some sand paper to rough up the end and put lateral scuffs in the steel so it would hold the oil there longer. It worked. Holds the oil so I can see the current level and I can still see the high and low marks.

rlc · June 23, 2020, 12:17:31 PM

I don't know if this will make it any easier for you to see your oil, but when you check only put the dipstick in as far as the threads. Do not turn it in at all. If the oil shows as half way up the stick, the oil level is good.

asam9 · July 06, 2020, 06:13:15 AM

Its a little better now that the oil has some color to it now. But man these skinny wire dip sticks are terrible

paulp · July 06, 2020, 08:28:14 AM

wow, " NMKawierider" you 1are so right, I have a tacoma sport and its impossible for the oil to stay on the dipstick as its so long! Im going to try your saNDPAPER TRICK

NMKawierider · July 06, 2020, 08:51:22 AM

Quote from: paulp on July 06, 2020, 08:28:14 AM
wow, " NMKawierider" you 1are so right, I have a tacoma sport and its impossible for the oil to stay on the dipstick as its so long! Im going to try your saNDPAPER TRICK

It does work. Just go sideways not long ways with the scratches. You want to make little ridges to hold the oil on the stick, not give then tracks to run off....and it doesn't take much.