Dip Stick Oil Level Slight Increase Paranoia?

[taffy1967]

I decided to check the air pressure in my tyres, top up the washer bottle and check the oil.

But I was a bit surprised to see the oil level sitting slightly above the 'MAX' level on the dip stick. Okay I haven't used the Mini much for the past month and so it's just been resting in the garage.

It's also only done a little over 1,000 miles since it's last oil change and service (it's due another now, so I'll be ordering the oil and stuff tomorrow).

So I was a bit concerned that the oil level was a tiny bit higher than before. So I started inhaling the fumes from the oil on the dipstick (yes so I'm now slightly high and tripping at the moment), just in case petrol was mixing with the oil.

But it just smells like used oil should smell like and the oil colour is still pretty clean too (well far from black anyway). So should I worry?

I'll be keeping a check on the oil level now and my fuel gauge too as I don't want my Minis engine turning into a potential incendiary device.



Oh and today for the first time we tried fitting Evie's new pink baby seat in the back of our Mini and it fits a treat. The fixed seat belts even hold it more securely than the rear inertia belts in the family hack.

We even tried fitting her 'Quinny' pushchair in the boot of our Mini and that also fits a treat too, plus there's still room for some shopping.

[taffy1967]

I'm still paranoid now though as I'm sure I could smell a slight whiff of petrol outside the car, well via the fumes coming from the exhaust anyway whilst it was idling in our lane (outside the garage) after a long run yesterday.

Okay it was a very hot day and yet my Mini ran beautifully as ever anyway.

So I'm going to check the oil level again later just in case.

[taffy1967]

Here's a snap of my Mini with the baby seat fitted in place (not that you can see it though): -

[dai9fxey]

This may sound twp, but check the oil on a flat surface.
If the Mini is pointing nose down the dipstick reading will be more.
Oh, and is the water coolant level correct.

[taffy1967]

Well I always check the oil when the Minis in the garage and it's very much on the flat then.

The radiator coolant level hasn't altered at all. Thanks for the reply too Dai.

[dai9fxey]

I wouldn't worry about having too much oil in the sump.
A little bit over is ok, but not well over the mark.

[taffy1967]

It's not well over the mark, it just surprised me that it was a little though.

I'm going to be giving it a service very soon and I'm having problems getting Duckhams Q Classic 20W/50 oil as Mini Spares no longer sends it by mail order and the company I got if from last time (4 Wheel Play) are out of stock.

So I'm going to give 'Wilco' a try, although I wouldn't mind getting some of that Halfords classic oil with the picture of a Mini on the can.

[irish]

i use the halfords classic oil, it stays clean on the dipstick, and quality too!
its not cheap, but by the time you pay the postage on other oil, theres not much diffrence mate,

[taffy1967]

Jun 6, 2009 14:25:21 GMT 1 irish said:

i use the halfords classic oil, it stays clean on the dipstick, and quality too!
its not cheap, but by the time you pay the postage on other oil, theres not much diffrence mate,

It's about the same price as the Duckhams Q Classic which is also superb.

So I'll probably toss a coin and see. Although I would like that Mini fronted tin.

[irish]

i last serviced the red hot before l2b last year, 3000 miles since then, and the oil is still clean, green not black! ;D

[taffy1967]

Well I've serviced mine since the L2BR last year and mine is still pretty clean too.

Although I try to change the oil every 6 months or 6,000 miles anyway.

Even though I've only done just over 1,000 miles since the last service.

Either way I'm not doing any harm since I was told my engine was in pretty good shape at the rolling road shoot-out day at Willfields.

[irish]

all my vehicles get serviced every 3000 miles religiously, even the transit, which i neglect terribly, lol..
better to keep on top of services tho, it dosent do any harm looking after them,

[taffy1967]

That's true and if you look after them then they'll generally look after you.

So I was very pleased that mine didn't need any further tuning or adjusting even though it's just about to go around the clock.

[jjitaljob]

has anyone tryed the castrol rr i think is it.

[taffy1967]

Jun 6, 2009 15:28:43 GMT 1 @jjitaljob said:

has anyone tryed the castrol rr i think is it.

No, because it's racing oil isn't it? Plus I think it needs changing after every run or something?

[jjitaljob]

ive heard its s**t hot and lasts twice as long??

[taffy1967]

Well it's either damned expensive (probably so), or not really suitable for road going cars?

Or I'm talking complete boxxocks as usual.

;D

[jjitaljob]

haha.. ill see what few other people think.. im using millers racing oil at the mo..

[coedy]

I use Asda's own at the Moment (20w50 Mineral so perfect for a Mini!!!!)
However when/if I get a new cam I will be using the Halfords Classic stuff in the metal can... apparently its got some additives designed specifically for higher mileage engines!

Sorry to go off topic Taffy

[taffy1967]

Don't apologize, feel free to spam away.

;D