sleeper

Very interesting Donbrew- my '08 OM (which is in my ride) says to check oil when you get gas. Nothing about waiting..

I'll have to get the OM out & post that part..

donbrew

There is something in there about checking at fill-up. My real point is that the lines are really "too much" and "not enough" as opposed to "full" and "add a qt.". Anywhere between the lines is good, so even when you just turn it off and it registers "almost at the bottom" that's OK. Don't agonize over the exact fill level.

firemangeorge

Not trying to jack your discussion, but here is what I copied from my desktop OM(2010).
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each
fuel fill. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-16 for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done, the
oil dipstick might not show the actual level.

firemangeorge

Hmm. Looked at the '06,'07 manuals and they're worded the same as the '10above.('08 wouldn't load)
Here's the '11 with slightly different wording:

It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each
fuel fill. In order to get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be on level ground. The engine oil dipstick handle
is a yellow loop. See Engine Compartment Overview on
page 6‑14 for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
Obtaining an accurate oil level reading is essential:
1. If the engine has been running recently, turn off
the engine and allow several minutes for the oil to
drain back into the oil pan. Checking the oil level
too soon after engine shutoff will not provide an
accurate oil level reading.

sleeper

OK, finally remembered to get my '08 OM out. It does state to wait several minutes.

It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time you get
fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.

The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12 for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.

Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done, the
oil dipstick might not show the actual level.

So parked overnight & morning check on cold engine will read a tad higher.

donbrew

Anyway, when changing your oil don't keep pouring until the dipstick is covered to the top line. Put either 5 Qts or a 5+ jug in. When you check the oil the ONLY important thing is that the level is between the lines. Oh, and in an Ecotec engine the filter only accounts for an ounce or so, not olde fashioned half a Qt.

sleeper

Yes & when you let it sit overnight & check COLD in morning, it IS a tad above the fullest mark..