TM 5-3810-300-24&P-3
4.6
Maintain the oil level between the full and low marks on
the dipstick and never allow it to drop below the low
mark. No advantage is gained by having the oil level
above the full mark. Overfilling will cause the oil to be
churned by the crankshaft throws causing foaming or
aereation of the oil. Operation below the low mark will
expose the pump pick-up causing aereation and/or loss
of pressure.
Check the oil level after the engine has been stopped for
a minimum of twenty minutes to permit oil in the various
parts of the engine to drain back into the oil pan.
Dipsticks are normally marked for use only when the
vehicle is on a level surface. Improper oil levels can
result if the oil level is checked with the equipment on a
grade.
Fig. 1 - Typical Dipstick Mounting
Fill the crankcase with oil as follows:
1. Fill the oil pan to the full mark on the dipstick.
A steel ribbon-type oil level dipstick is used to check the
2. Start and run the engine for approximately ten
quantity of oil in the engine oil pan. The dipstick is
minutes.
located in an adaptor attached, by means of a guide, to
3. Stop the engine and wait a minimum of twenty
an opening in the cylinder block or the oil pan.
minutes. Then add the required amount of oil to reach
the full mark on the dipstick.
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