Checking oil

[eye30Chris]

This is something that I have done with all of my cars every time I get gas. Since I have owned this car I can never get a good reading on the dipstick. There is just oil all over it. It is about time for an oil change but I have been debating seafoaming the car to help clean up some of the gunk I saw when I cleaned the IACV. Any ideas to why there is so much oil coming up the dipstick tube?

[chasreina]

I have the same problem with my i35 and I dont know why either.
Mechanics have told me that my dipstick is a bit hard to read but yea same here, theres usually just oil all over it.
Does anyone know why?

[RSG]

Not sure if I understand the issue here, there will be some oil on the dip stick (on the back side) when you pull it out, but the reading should be fine between the H and L mark. I usually pull the dip stick out, wipe clean, insert, pull, check level, wipe clean, insert and done.

[eye30Chris]

You are correct but there is oil from the top of the dipstick all the way down..I wipe it clean insert again and the reading is still messed up. It would appear the car has about 3 extra quarts in it.

[tigersharkdude]

the problem you are encountering seems to be with every VQ30 ive ever checked the oil in. Its common

[the converted]

I flipped mine over, reads much better.

[PalmerWMD]

Not sure if I understand the issue here, there will be some oil on the dip stick (on the back side) when you pull it out, but the reading should be fine between the H and L mark. I usually pull the dip stick out, wipe clean, insert, pull, check level, wipe clean, insert and done.

What RSG said, this is how you do it.
Yes if the motors been recently running there will still be oil stiukcing higher but thats because some of it is still tuck higher in the engine passages.

So what you want to measure is whats collected in the oilpan and do do that you do it as quoted above.

BTW there is also a concensus that the VQ is an engine that usually needs a couple more time off before you get a accurate reading.

[Markc]

To get a truly accurate reading, you need to let the engine rest for 1/2 an hour. Pull the stick, wipe it clean, re-insert, remove quickly and check level. This will give you the correct level.

[RSG]

Mark is right, you must wait at least 10 minutes after the engine has been turned off before checking the oil level. It is even stated in your owner's manual.

Oil consumption on our VQ35DE engine is pretty common; I recently switched to German Castrol 0w30 and it seems the engine loves it. I need to put on a few more hundred miles before I will know the result.

[mr0x]

Also, obvious, but sometimes missed is that it needs to be a level ground. Slight angle and the readings are messed up.

[morphemes]

Sorry for resurrecting such an old thread, but when searching the terms 1999 maxima dipstick this is the first result on the internet & I suppose it's up to me if anyone want the answer.

It isn't really a "problem" that the oil gets all over the dip stick... But here is how to fix it.

Reason: The Engine isn't cold & the oil needs time to settle.
Solution: Park the car on level ground & wait 30 minutes to an hour or more.

[PalmerWMD]

Morph:

Thanks for contributing to this thread even if its older.