TM 5-3895-359-14&P
OIL LEVEL DIPSTICK
A steel ribbon-type oil level dipstick is used to check the
quantity of oil in the engine oil pan. The dipstick is
located in an adaptor attached, by means of a guide, to
an opening in the cylinder block. The current engines
include a 3/4" long rubber oil seal which prevents the
escape of vapors carrying oil from the dipstick tube.
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
Figure 1. Typical Dipstick Mounting
equipment the engine powers is on a level surface.
Improper oil levels can result if the oil level is checked
2.
Start and run the engine for approximately ten
with the equipment on a grade.
minutes.
Fill the crankcase with oil as follows:
3.
Stop the engine and wait a minimum of twenty
minutes. Then add the required amount of oil to reach
1.
Fill the oil pan to the full mark on the dipstick.
the full mark on the dipstick.
10-5-20
