Fluctuating Oil Level

[Shel_B]

Over the past week or so, I've noticed that the oil level varies a bit when I check it first thing in the morning, after sitting all night. I'm not concerned about it, just curious. For example, yesterday the level was just below the top dot on the dipstick, this morning it was just above the dot. Most of the time it's just above the dot.

What are some of the things that might cause this minor fluctuation? BTW, I always make sure the dipstick is pushed all the way in.

 

[buster]

It's important to always be as consistent as possible and also to follow the method in your owners manual. Keep the car in the same exact spot and check the oil level either cold or hot (manual will state this). For my car, it states to check the oil level after the car reached operating temperature and has sat for at least 5 minutes.

Heavy fuel dilution from short trips can cause an oil level to rise over the top fill hole.

 

[Shel_B]

It's important to always be as consistent as possible and also to follow the method in your owners manual. Keep the car in the same exact spot and check the oil level either cold or hot (manual will state this). For my car, it states to check the oil level after the car reached operating temperature and has sat for at least 5 minutes.

Heavy fuel dilution from short trips can cause an oil level to rise over the top fill hole.

The car is always parked in the same spot. Thought about dilution, although the level showed an increase after a long drive which should have eliminated any dilution. The previous lower level manifested itself after several days of short trip use, which should have increased the dilution. It's just an odd little observation, but still, I'm curious ...

 

[radiometer]

I'm reminded about it being from fuel dilution because I've seen it mentioned a number of times. I suppose there could be other causes but I don't what they would be.

 

[buster]

Are you always checking the way your manual says to? Hot and cold will give you a different reading.

 

[Bowtieluvr]

Over the past week or so, I've noticed that the oil level varies a bit when I check it first thing in the morning, after sitting all night. I'm not concerned about it, just curious. For example, yesterday the level was just below the top dot on the dipstick, this morning it was just above the dot. Most of the time it's just above the dot.

What are some of the things that might cause this minor fluctuation? BTW, I always make sure the dipstick is pushed all the way in.

I had a 2017 Camry with the same engine as yours. I experienced the same fluctuation that you are describing. It was always parked in the same spot in the garage so, that was not the issue. I no longer have the car but, I never came to understand the fluctuation.

 

[AutoMechanic]

Don’t know why that would be. What kind of car is it?

 

[Shel_B]

I had a 2017 Camry with the same engine as yours. I experienced the same fluctuation that you are describing. It was always parked in the same spot in the garage so, that was not the issue. I no longer have the car but, I never came to understand the fluctuation.

OK, thanks. Nice to know I'm not hallucinating.

 

[OilUzer]

Maybe the area where the dipstick is dipping into is kind of narrow and fluctuations due to temp, viscosity , the walls, etc. are magnified ... just a guess.

 

[TheLawnRanger]

Barometric Pressure

 

[ka9mnx]

You check your oil several times a week?

 

[mahanddeem]

I'd check oil first thing in the morning on a flat ground. If it's good, I leave it there and check again in 2 weeks.

 

[Shel_B]

Barometric Pressure

That sounds like it's worth looking into.

 

[Ride_Red]

Pull the dipstick and let the engine sit a while before inserting it back. My 4Runner collects oil in the dipstick tube that causes incorrect readings.
Now, I pull and wipe the dipstick. Then check other things around the truck and such. Then after about 5-10 minutes, I insert the dipstick to check the oil. Consistent reading every time. This is the first vehicle that I had with this type of problem. Once I figured out the 'trick', it's not an issue anymore.

 

[tmorris1]

Check when cold. Hot oil expands, so the level will be higher when hot and lower when cold. Nothing wrong, just physics.

 

[dbias]

My Transit connect always shows low the first time I pull the dipstick. Wipe clean and reinsert and it will always show full. Idk if there is a vacuum created when the oil cools and is released when i check it but i know its full

 

[AmirKhat007]

In what orientation is the oil filter mounted, is it sideways.. if this is the case you may be having oil draining back out of the filter while the car sets. I've heard of this happening when there's a defective oil filter, basically the drain back valve is allowing just that, the oil to drain back. Now that I think about it, almost regardless of the orientation if the oil filter is defective you'll notice some sort of variation in the oil level (to a lesser degree if the oil filter is mounted vertically) and it could very well be consistent with what you're seeing with the intermittent change in oil level, the silicon/rubber valve is probably only sealing some of the time.

 

[Shel_B]

Check when cold. Hot oil expands, so the level will be higher when hot and lower when cold. Nothing wrong, just physics.

As I said in my original post, the oil is checked in the morning, after the car has sit over night ... the engine, and the oil, is always cold when checked.

 

[CR94]

How 'bout an intermittently leaky ADBV in the filter? That would do it, if it's a real thing.

 

[ZeeOSix]

In what orientation is the oil filter mounted, is it sideways.. if this is the case you may be having oil draining back out of the filter while the car sets. I've heard of this happening when there's a defective oil filter, basically the drain back valve is allowing just that, the oil to drain back. Now that I think about it, almost regardless of the orientation if the oil filter is defective you'll notice some sort of variation in the oil level (to a lesser degree if the oil filter is mounted vertically) and it could very well be consistent with what you're seeing with the intermittent change in oil level, the silicon/rubber valve is probably only sealing some of the time.

Bingo ... this is the most likely cause.

Even if an oil filter is mounted vertical with base up, a bad ADBV can cause the oil above the filter in the galleries to drain down and go into the sump.