embarrassing dipstick question

[blackmold]

1980 datsun 720 4x4. whenever i check the oil the different sides of the dipstick seemingly show different levels, the pictures here are from the same "dip", i rotated it slowly and kept pretty level so its not just the oil dripping down. what gives? which is correct??

[Crashtd420]

7 minutes ago, blackmold said:

1980 datsun 720 4x4. whenever i check the oil the different sides of the dipstick seemingly show different levels, the pictures here are from the same "dip", i rotated it slowly and kept pretty level so its not just the oil dripping down. what gives? which is correct??

I know the side with the L and H is the correct side....

My guess is the crisscross pattern is what hold the oil on the dipstick as your removing it from the engine ... never really looked at the back side and compared....

[datzenmike]

Probably the L and H side. Next time you change the oil pour in the correct amount and take a reading. Then start and fill up the new filter (always a new filter) check and top up the oil.

 

44W00 is the correct stick. Must be on a bad angle to read high and low on different sides like that. Again refill with correct amount of oil and see.

[blackmold]

ok rad thanks yall, its parked on level ground no hills here in southeast Louisiana. just wanted to be sure bc i definitely burn some oil but dont wanna over fill it too much!

[datzenmike]

Always carry spare oil. Check it every day till you know that you can check it every week. Keep an L series full of oil and water, don't over heat them and you can't hurt them

[Charlie69]

I run Shell Rotella TA 15W/40 in all my Datsuns/Nissans, high zinc oil.

 

Shell Rotella T4 Sae 15W-40

Edited June 25, 2021 by Charlie69

[henry]

What oil filter would you recommend to use with that diesel oil?   Shell Rotella T4 Sae 15W-40

   Thanks,

 Henry

[datzenmike]

I recommend NOT using anything FRAM. Fram are what you spin onto a bare block so you can paint it.

 

I like NAPA Gold or WIX

[henry]

Gracias!

[Charlie69]

On 1/22/2021 at 4:14 PM, blackmold said:

1980 datsun 720 4x4. whenever i check the oil the different sides of the dipstick seemingly show different levels, the pictures here are from the same "dip", i rotated it slowly and kept pretty level so its not just the oil dripping down. what gives? which is correct??

The L and H are dead give aways, Low and High.  Low needs approximately a quart, High is full.

[Stinky]

I'll also use Motocraft...1 Qt.  I can't remember the # at the moment.  The Fram # is PH8a, and as mentioned, generally regarded as 2nd rate.  But, you can cross that over to get the MC #.  It was used on all their motors, for the most part, up to 1990-2000.

[Stinky]

THE MC # is FL-1A

[datzenmike]

Fram is a lot closer the 8th rate. It exists on it's reputation from the 50s and 60s. Meanwhile it's a money maker and has been bought and sold more times than a 14 year old at a biker party. To keep making money the things that go into it get thinner and cheaper quality.

 

I stopped using the local Canadian Tire filters when they started making them in China.

 

 

If still not sure, the next oil change put in the exact amount recommended and read the stick.