How to properly check oil level?

[ElDirtyChavez]

I have a 2013 Camaro SS M6 with the LS3. I typically have the dealership do my oil changes, but I like to check behind them in case they make a mistake. As silly as it sounds, I cannot for the life of me figure out how to check the oil on this car.


Long story short, the oil level shown on each side of the dipstick is different, so how do you know which side is correct, or more accurately, where the true oil level is? Is it the lower of the two sides? Also, it seems that which side shows the higher oil level is completely dependent on how I insert the dipstick. If one side is showing a higher oil level, all I have to do is flip the dipstick 180 degrees, and the other side will show the higher oil level.


I am thinking maybe I need to check the "lower" side of the dipstick, because the oil touches both edges of the dipstick. On the "higher" side of the dipstick, the oil only touches one edge.

[larry_g]

I would agree with basing it on the lower side with more contact, the other side may just be residual from the tube.



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[gtstorey]

I would like to see a picture of how much difference we are talking about. It shouldn't be enough to really matter.

[J35Y2]

I had the same issue with the dipstick touching the sides, but realized I just didn't have enough oil. I even updated to the revised oil dipstick (GM 12669528), which doesn't have the twisted section before the measuring section. If you have a 2013 or earlier Camaro SS, you most likely have oil dipstick GM part #12625478 (only spec'd for 12-15 ZL1 models now).

If someone knows the original dipstick part number for the L99/LS3 engines in the Camaro's, please chime in. Apparently P/N 12657038 and 12609018 were also used on some of the 12-15 SS models. I'm not sure if some folks might've replaced them with another "compatible" dipstick (same length/design). These other two parts numbers look like they're cross-compatible with Buick and Cadillac V6 engines.

[ElDirtyChavez]

Yes, my dipstick has the annoying twisted section. Would you recommend that I replace it?


Here is my attempt to upload photos. Hopefully it works. I apologize in advance, it was really hard to get the dipstick lined up for good lighting while holding it steady for a photo.


Photo 1 shows the smooth side of the dipstick. Notice the blob of oil between the first and second dimples.


Photo 2 shows the crosshatched side of the dipstick. Notice the diagonal line just below the first dimple. This is where the film of oil stops being continuous, which to me would be the accurate reading. However, that would mean I am low on oil, even though the dealer invoice shows 8 qts of oil.


For Photos 3 and 4, I switched the orientation of the dipstick by 180 degrees. You will notice the same patterns as Photos 1 and 2, but on the opposite sides of the dipstick.


Photo 3 shows the smooth side of the dipstick. It is hard to tell in the photo, but there is a diagonal line just beneath the first dimple, similar to Photo 2.


Photo 4 shows the crosshatched side of the dipstick. Similar to Photo 1, there is a blob of oil between the first and second dimples.

[Pkeen]

The crosshatched side is the only side to use,oil should be at top of crosshatched area. Bottom of crosshatched area is approx 1 qt low.

[chevy pilot]

Originally Posted by Pkeen

The crosshatched side is the only side to use,oil should be at top of crosshatched area. Bottom of crosshatched area is approx 1 qt low.

+1

[J35Y2]

Originally Posted by ElDirtyChavez

Yes, my dipstick has the annoying twisted section. Would you recommend that I replace it?


Here is my attempt to upload photos. Hopefully it works. I apologize in advance, it was really hard to get the dipstick lined up for good lighting while holding it steady for a photo.


Photo 1 shows the smooth side of the dipstick. Notice the blob of oil between the first and second dimples.


Photo 2 shows the crosshatched side of the dipstick. Notice the diagonal line just below the first dimple. This is where the film of oil stops being continuous, which to me would be the accurate reading. However, that would mean I am low on oil, even though the dealer invoice shows 8 qts of oil.


For Photos 3 and 4, I switched the orientation of the dipstick by 180 degrees. You will notice the same patterns as Photos 1 and 2, but on the opposite sides of the dipstick.


Photo 3 shows the smooth side of the dipstick. It is hard to tell in the photo, but there is a diagonal line just beneath the first dimple, similar to Photo 2.


Photo 4 shows the crosshatched side of the dipstick. Similar to Photo 1, there is a blob of oil between the first and second dimples.

Any update? I completely forgot to ask if you change your own oil, or if you did anything major, like upgrading the engine oil cooler system. I personally got rid of the factory water to oil cooler, and installed a custom air to oil cooler setup. I had a 25-row cooler that was mounting on the front end, which I guess, originally needed 9-9.5 qts or more, when I first installed it.

Chances are that you are actually low on oil, if you've been fine with checking your engine oil dipstick prior to that. It would be weird though, if you didn't do anything to the oil system and indeed filled up with 8 or more quarts of oil... I would get the newer, revised oil dipstick and see if that helps.

I have both styles of dipsticks and the older one with the twisted section still works perfectly fine, even when it contacts the dipstick tube coming up. Just orient the dipstick in a way where it contacts the dipstick as little as possible, and also doesn't hit things and leave oil on them, on the way out.

[ElDirtyChavez]

Originally Posted by Pkeen

The crosshatched side is the only side to use,oil should be at top of crosshatched area. Bottom of crosshatched area is approx 1 qt low.

I am aware. Please read my first two posts for clarification on the issue I am having.

[ElDirtyChavez]

Originally Posted by J35Y2

Any update? I completely forgot to ask if you change your own oil, or if you did anything major, like upgrading the engine oil cooler system. I personally got rid of the factory water to oil cooler, and installed a custom air to oil cooler setup. I had a 25-row cooler that was mounting on the front end, which I guess, originally needed 9-9.5 qts or more, when I first installed it.

Chances are that you are actually low on oil, if you've been fine with checking your engine oil dipstick prior to that. It would be weird though, if you didn't do anything to the oil system and indeed filled up with 8 or more quarts of oil... I would get the newer, revised oil dipstick and see if that helps.

I have both styles of dipsticks and the older one with the twisted section still works perfectly fine, even when it contacts the dipstick tube coming up. Just orient the dipstick in a way where it contacts the dipstick as little as possible, and also doesn't hit things and leave oil on them, on the way out.

I have not changed my own oil up to this point, and the oil level has always been difficult to gauge. However, I recently finished my garage, and I intend to do my own oil changes from here on out.

Hopefully, once I do the next oil change, I should be able to establish a "baseline" of what the oil SHOULD look like on the dip stick. If I do the oil change myself, then there will be no question on how much oil I used, which means I just have to figure out how to use the dipstick.

What do you think of the photos I posted?

[el ess A]

Whoever was looking for a 2010 Camaro SS V8 dipstick original number mine was built in Oct 09, has the twisty one with a p/n 12634547. L99 if it makes any difference. Shouldn't, but GM was always weird that way.

Whatever you do, be careful with the dipstick tube. It's GM p/n 12625031 (2nd design) and guess how much it lists for sticker price? 159.08!!!! For a friggin' metal tube. The dipsticks list for $46 and change.

Dipstick Tube seal is 24504091 superseded to 24504031. $17.88 list price. Man, they'll nickel and dime you to death on the dipstick parts.