L1500 dip stick level question

[Serek]

Can someone please tell me the correct oil level on my dipstick? It doesn't have the usual hashed area for acceptable level but rather two lines and a bunch of numbers. Also would I push it all the way in when checking the level or just in to the steel lug? I took it to my local Kubota seller and he wasn't sure either. I've included pictures.

[Michael]

My old Kubota had something similar and I just filled the engine oil until it was slightly above half way between the lines right in the middle someplace. To check the engine oil I pushed the stick in firmly until it bottomed out and then pulled it out and looked at it. By not going in fully how accurate is the check you just made? Fully in and then pull out and check.

[SpudHauler]

Engine shut off for at least 5 minutes and tractor sitting on level ground the oil should be to the top mark when dipstick inserted all the way in.

That's my guess. :) But then I'm not a tractor guy, just a back yard joe.

[rowboat]

B7100 manual says the oil is "appropriate" when between the two marks. suspect it would be similar for your tractor...

[SpudHauler]

Another fact about oil levels. The companies give a range of high and low with the idea being that after a oil/filter change you should fill to the top line. Then, between that time and the next oil/filter change the hope is that your machine is not burning or using that much oil that it is still above the lower line. So they suggest you check the level from time to time between oil/filter changes to be on the save side. So, if you only fill half way after an oil/filter change, you could run low before the next change. Oil is the life blood of an engine. Engine parts are very expensive. Everything I ever owned I always keep the oil level to the high mark. :D

[DsBota]

I also think the top mark is a high mark and the lower mark is a low oil mark.

[Lucky]

Never thought about this before, but I always fill to the top line. When changing the oil, the total capacity recommended always brings it to the top. I'm sure someone will have more insight.

[ValveJob]

I'm above the line on a L3400DT after an oil change. I'm guessing I might have a half quart too much. I'm sure too much can be a problem with rods and pistons slamming on it.

How much is too much? I'm up and down hills a lot. Anybody have thoughts on this?

[DsBota]

My car has the two marks and in the manual it says to make sure the oil is between the marks and add if below the bottom mark. If this is the case with kubota's dip sticks then Valvejob I would remove a little oil to get it between the marks.

[Serek]

Thanks everyone. I'll fill to the top mark and take her from there. O....does anyone know why or what the numbers on the dipstick mean?

[SpudHauler]

Looks like the dipstick has the engine model D1100, but that is just a guess.

Overfilling often means the oil gets slammed by the crankshaft as it turns and this can cause the oil to degrade faster and become aerated, both of which are never good for an engine.:eek:

[Service Dept Vic]

The dip stick cn be used to dip the level in any of those Lubota engine model numbers listed on the stick. Operating range is anywhere in the hash marks, I usually fill to just below upper line.

Watch that stick design, the stopper with the rubber O ring has been known to detach from the stick allowing it to slid up or down giving you an incorrect oil level reading.