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Inconsistent dipstick readings

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Old May 18, 2004 | 10:35 PM
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Inconsistent dipstick readings

I am wondering if the extra long dipsticks in these full sized vans are prone to inconsistent readings? I have a 1990 E350 motorhome with a 460 v8 and sometimes it will read at the full mark, and then later about half an inch above that. I noticed sometimes if you dip the stick and pull it within 2 seconds it will read lower than if you leave it in longer. Looks like oil drips onto the stick right above the full mark. But also have gotten higher readings on the quick dip. Anyway, it seems to handle being half inch over without foaming or other problems. Just wondered if others have this problem.
 
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Old May 18, 2004 | 11:31 PM
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The dipstick on my 89 E150 302 is weird, too.
 
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Old May 18, 2004 | 11:39 PM
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My 1996 E150 had the dip stick housing lifting from the engine block which caused inconsistent readings.
 
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Old May 19, 2004 | 12:30 PM
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Originally Posted by TallPaul
I am wondering if the extra long dipsticks in these full sized vans are prone to inconsistent readings? I have a 1990 E350 motorhome with a 460 v8 and sometimes it will read at the full mark, and then later about half an inch above that. I noticed sometimes if you dip the stick and pull it within 2 seconds it will read lower than if you leave it in longer. Looks like oil drips onto the stick right above the full mark. But also have gotten higher readings on the quick dip. Anyway, it seems to handle being half inch over without foaming or other problems. Just wondered if others have this problem.
You're not alone, I have a 98 V-10 E-350 Clubwagon, and the only time I know my dipstick reading is correct is when it's sat overnight. I don't know what years were affected but some of the later E-series also had an incorrect length dipstick. My manual says 6 quarts with a filter, so after 1500 miles when I'd check the oil it would show half a quart low. And I couldn't check it immediately after the change because of errant readings. But come to find out, 6 1/2 quarts shows between full and add on my dipstick. And man oh man, that dipstick being 3 feet long and ultra flimsy doesn't make checking it all that easy. The auto trans dipstick is worse, it's nothing but a wire with a little plastic bob on the end. I just changed trans fluid and filter and never could get it to read anything, hope it's right.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2004 | 01:34 PM
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You gotta let the vehicle sit for a long time on LEVEL ground to get an accurate reading. Lot's of oil is in the upper engine and it takes a long time to completely drain down. Best time to check your oil is in the morning before you start it up after sitting all night.
 
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