I feel like an idiot asking this question, I have rebuilt a Suzuki sidekick engine, done numerous repairs to it but I just bought a 2004 Pontiac Sunfire, today checking the oil I kept getting two different readings from the dip stick It would show the oil is full if I put the dip stick in and left it there for around 10 seconds but if I put the dipstick in and then pulled it out fast it would only read as half, now with the sidekick this would never happen I would put the dipstick in and then pull it out fast without any waiting and it would read as full. I am guessing the the oil is full in the Sunfire but what is with the two different readings.

I wait 3 seconds...then check. Always works for me.


Aaron


97 Cavalier Z24 @ 85k
00 Cavalier Base Coupe @ 152k...rollin on 14's!
97 Grand Cherokee 5.2L@ 260k

you most likely just forced the oil down pulling the dip stick out to fast.

A quick question along this same line,... shop manual for the Cavalier advises on oil changes to fill with 3 1/2 quarts of oil then check oil level and add as needed - I have had the same issues with two different readings on the dipstick. Do most people just put in 4 quarts of oil when doing an oil change?? this seems more standard - although I am sometimes getting a full reading after 3 1/2?


Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

JF

2005 Cavalier
2003 Mini S
1964 Greenbrier Sport Wagon
!961 Lakewood Wagon