Should the short stick method...
Posting Guru
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I dont think they have changed the dipstick. Ford uses the dipstick as a guideline rather than an exact. On our trucks they want the oil level in that "range" but it isnt precise. Being over full is apparently OK to an extent as well since the short stick method is basically used to determine how overfull it is.
I just did the oil change on my wife's Taurus X this weekend and pulled the manual out to see the oil capacity. Right by the capacity was a picture of the dipstick so out of curiosity I wanted to see how it read compared to our trucks. Basically it said anywhere in the cross hatch area is fine. It said if the oil level is ANYWHERE in the cross hatch not to add oil. It also only called for 5.5 quarts which put the oil level on the bottom of the cross hatch. Another 1/2 quart put it in the middle. So does this mean Ford wants me to leave the oil a quart low?
Anyway, my point is that it appears Ford instructs us on ANY vehicle now to just be in the range, rather than on full. The short stick method IMO basically says its ok to be over full, just not too overfull.
I just did the oil change on my wife's Taurus X this weekend and pulled the manual out to see the oil capacity. Right by the capacity was a picture of the dipstick so out of curiosity I wanted to see how it read compared to our trucks. Basically it said anywhere in the cross hatch area is fine. It said if the oil level is ANYWHERE in the cross hatch not to add oil. It also only called for 5.5 quarts which put the oil level on the bottom of the cross hatch. Another 1/2 quart put it in the middle. So does this mean Ford wants me to leave the oil a quart low?
Anyway, my point is that it appears Ford instructs us on ANY vehicle now to just be in the range, rather than on full. The short stick method IMO basically says its ok to be over full, just not too overfull.
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What I do not understand is how the truck comes from the factory with the oil reading in the center of the "range" and when the dealer did the change, NOW I have to use this short stick nonsense. Do they put LESS oil in at the factory? This makes NO sense to me... Its the same nonsense with the infamous "tick". Why don't they tick all the tiome and not only after the first oil change? The logic defies description
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The "short stick method" is just a way for them to document how overfull the oil might be. It is not a method one would be using unless the crankcase level is rising.
Also keep in mind that oil expands when it gets hot, thats one of the reasons there is an operating range.
Also keep in mind that oil expands when it gets hot, thats one of the reasons there is an operating range.
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The "short stick method" is just a way for them to document how overfull the oil might be. It is not a method one would be using unless the crankcase level is rising.
Also keep in mind that oil expands when it gets hot, thats one of the reasons there is an operating range.
Also keep in mind that oil expands when it gets hot, thats one of the reasons there is an operating range.
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https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...3&postcount=32
Here is a link to a post with the bulletin regarding the short stick method and its purpose.
As you can see the correct oil level does not change, it just makes it easier to read how much overfull it is for diagnostic purposes.
Here is a link to a post with the bulletin regarding the short stick method and its purpose.
As you can see the correct oil level does not change, it just makes it easier to read how much overfull it is for diagnostic purposes.
Posting Guru
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From: California
I just use the regular way of checking my oil level. If the dealer wants to use the short method to determine fuel in the crankcase, so be it. I use oil analysis for my results from Blackstone.
Ford cracks me up w/ thier problem solvings on the Super Duties.
Ford cracks me up w/ thier problem solvings on the Super Duties.
Posting Guru
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Maybe Ford should of designed a fancy specially graduated dipstick for diagnostics purposes and charged the dealers an arm and a leg for it?
I certainly don't understand the uproar about them spelling out a method to use the OEM dipstick for determining how much overfull the crankcase might be.
I certainly don't understand the uproar about them spelling out a method to use the OEM dipstick for determining how much overfull the crankcase might be.
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Maybe Ford should of designed a fancy specially graduated dipstick for diagnostics purposes and charged the dealers an arm and a leg for it?
I certainly don't understand the uproar about them spelling out a method to use the OEM dipstick for determining how much overfull the crankcase might be.
I certainly don't understand the uproar about them spelling out a method to use the OEM dipstick for determining how much overfull the crankcase might be.
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Sadly some dealership "Quick Lane" personnel may not be anymore qualified than what you would find at a "Jiffy Lube".
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Assuming the dipstick is correct and you are parked on a level surface I would diagnose it as too much oil. If you are concerned thats its overfull maybe you should take it back.
Sadly some dealership "Quick Lane" personnel may not be anymore qualified than what you would find at a "Jiffy Lube".
Sadly some dealership "Quick Lane" personnel may not be anymore qualified than what you would find at a "Jiffy Lube".
