This issue was discussed in length in the past, summary of complaints: This 0W20 oil is so clear and transparent when new that I cannot see the level on the dipstick. There are smears on the dipstick so I cannot determine the level. The border between “wet” and “dry” zone is not a clear-cut with new oil. And so on. Some users (including some PCs) simply fill-up by the quantity ignoring the dipstick, some are filling 4 quarts some 4.2 and some 4.4 quarts. Problem is even more severe with the PIP as the oil stays clear for longer (time and distance), this is the reason I am posting this thread in this forum. And what about those (me included) who do not change oil by themselves but let the dealer do it? Problem in Israel is that not only dealers are filling from bulk containers (in many cases this means overfilling) the 0W20 oil is scares here and Toyota dealers are using 5W30 instead, claiming Toyota approved it. This, of course, is not approved by me… Here is my iteration: Take about 40-50” long ¼” tube with rigid wall (like those that are used in pneumatic installations), this tube can be inserted into the dipstick housing (tube). Measure the distance on the dipstick between the full dimple and the stopper on the handle and the distance between the full and low dimples. Mark the “full” and the “low” marks on the tube according to the measurements you took – and you have a “tubular” dipstick. Insert the tubular dipstick into the dipstick housing up to somewhere above the “full” mark, suck air from the other end, if it is easy – you are above the oil level. Insert a ¼” more (or whatever increment you want to go) and repeat. When the tube is dipped into the oil – you will notice it, it will be harder to suck and you feel creating vacuum. When being just at the oil surface you can even feel bubbling. Caution – do not blow air into the tube at any stage! Your breath is very humid! Even when the tube is out, do not clean it from oil by blowing air from your mouth. This way, I can get an accurate reading (say, within 1/16”). So, I am giving the dealer my oil to fill. There are 2 stockists I know stocking Mobil 0W20 green label. I am giving him 4 bottles of 1 quart knowing this will bring the level to about half way between the two dimples (filter replaced). Going home, I switch to HV for a while to circulate oil and at home, after waiting several hours, I am bringing the level to where I want it to be very accurately. Below, is a photo showing the tube (black) alongside the dipstick checking the position of the “low” mark.
I have found an alternate method that works for me. I remove the dipstick and clean it briskly with a paper towel and Simple Green. You might even want to put a finger nail edge into the scraping. Then wipe off with another paper towel wet with water. It takes the shine out of the metal pretty good. You still might get some edge contamination when inserting/removing, but a quick look on either side might reveal a low point (sort of like a meniscus) in the indicated level. That 0W20 is practically invisible.
Toyota dealers in Israel are using 5W-30 in this engine?!? Worth an email or letter to your local Toyota distributor. Seems like there will be a lot of engine problems/potential warranty claims. Don't you have a warm climate? Shouldn't they be using xx-20W ?
I was always wondering if scoring ( with sandpaper) the dipstick would make it easier to see the oil level. Can anybody comment in that? Thanks. Alex
If I'm standing at the left fender corner and pull out the dipstick with my right hand, the top face as I look at it is typically pretty badly smeared. When I flip it over and look closely in good light, there's always a distinct junction discernible. It's still not super-clear, and there's still lots of smearing above that mark, but it's good enough. When changing the oil, I just slam in 4.2 liters, take a cursory look at the dipstick to make sure there's something showing, then wait a few days for it to settle down. Right after a fill it always seems to read low (if you can read it). I can see this as being one reason the dealerships are prone to overfill: their mechanics are dealing with every model in the Toyota line, and are trying to get the oil on the full mark, maybe relying less on the measured amount they put in?
1. Warm weather may direct to higher viscosity oil, not lower. 2. In Israel, all dealers are Toyota distributors and they have Toyota approval for what they claim (hopefully). 3. The European manual is not clear at the engine oil selection. 0W-20 is stated as best choice for good fuel economy, on the other hand 5W-20 5W-30 and 10W-30 are also listed as approved. It also says that 0W-20 was the oil filled at the factory. It further says that in extremely low temp do not use 10W-30, use 5W-30 instead. Go figure. They also have a page in the manual for Australia and New Zealand and there they don't even mention what oil was poured-in at the factory.
I don't know. That method sounds nearly pornographic. As well as complicated. I think I'll just stick with the dipstick, two marks, and squinting and imagining where the level "might: be. Worse case scenario, even with the clear 0W oil I think I can determine an egregious overfill.
Once or twice a year is not complicated to me, the tubular dipstick is sitting ready with the marks on it...as for the other term: no comment.
