Dipstick - oil level B5100

[miro]

I noticed that if I pull out the dipstick , there is only a smidgen of oil showing on the tip of the stick.
I then clean it, then reinsert it, it shows oil level normal.

I discovered this just after I had changed all the fluids etc once I got it home.
So far there my oil light has never come on.

I don't quite understand how this can be. Maybe one of you can shed some light on this.

miro

 

[scdeerslayer]

Maybe there's air locked in the dip stick tube?

I was taught when checking oil to not even look at the dipstick when you first pull it, just wipe it clean, then reinsert, pull, and check.

 

[miro]

That sounds like a plausible explanation -
Frankly it's disconcerting to pull out the dipstick and see almost no oil.
I'll try some way of letting the dipstick "breathe"

miro

 

[D2Cat]

Is the "stopper" on the dipstick that sets on the engine block when the dipstick is in the engine attached firmly? Sometimes they become loose on the dipstick and can slide up or down unknowingly.

 

[miro]

The dipstick is firmly attached , in fact VERY firmly attached.
So firmly that is does form a tight seal.
I eased the stick out ever so gently, until the seal was "broken" , waited , and then pulled it out.
Sure enough, the oil level was OK.

So, yes, - there was ( or is) an air lock in the tube .

Thanks for the insight.

miro

 

[BWXT]

I noticed the exact same thing on my 5100. Has to be from air trapped in the tube.