Oil stratification on dipstick?

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Sat Dec 10, 2011 2:10 am

Not sure if this is something to worry about or not, but this morning I pulled the dipstick with the engine cold and saw two distinct "bands" of oil. About way up was dirtier looking, and then above that was a layer of newer looking oil.All I can guess is that there are two types of oil in there, the shop I have change it told me they use Valvoline MaxLife 5w30 in the red bottle, so that''s what I buy to top if off between changes. (at 122k that's starting to get more frequent.)They're closed today so I can't call and ask, but I assume they switched oils on me for some reason. Question is, is the stratification I see more likely due to a different viscosity? Like using 10 or 15w? Or is it more likely to be from a mix of full syn and conventional? And should I worry at all, since it mixes up when you turn the key anyway?

star_deceiver · Post by **star_deceiver** » Sat Dec 10, 2011 2:52 am

I get this after I change my oil because I haven't cleaned the dipstick off and the old oil is still on there.After a short drive it's all clear.

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Sat Dec 10, 2011 3:07 am

No, this is after sitting over night. Oil was changed about 3000 miles ago, and I've added ~1 to 1.5 qts since then.I check it once a week or so, but usually only when it's warmed up and then sits for 5-10 min. This time I pulled the stick when it had been sitting for 12-15 hours. Two distinct bands of oil on the stick.

Zimm · Post by **Zimm** » Sat Dec 10, 2011 5:08 am

my dipstick produces 2 distinct bands of oil, every time, regardless if the oil has been in it for a while or if i am checking it as i change it. i don't get a separation of clean and dirty as you report-just a heavy and light band. you'd think toyota could design a functional dipstick, but i guess i'll settle for one that gives me a +-1 quart accuracy at all times...

jake75 · Post by **jake75** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 1:41 am

Sort of like that "black and tan" beer?

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Tue Dec 13, 2011 10:14 am

Quote, originally posted by jake75 Â»Sort of like that "black and tan" beer?yeah, sort of like that. I called the shop that services it, they use the same oil I put in - Valvoline 5w-30 MaxLife conventional. I'm going try and get a pic one of these mornings, but I leave for work most days around 5:45, so I don't really feel like screwing around with it. So probably Saturday. It just looked really weird is all.

djkeev · Post by **djkeev** » Tue Dec 13, 2011 8:02 pm

If you've too much oil in an engine the oil gets "whipped" by the spinning of the crankshaft. Not too unlike beating egg whites in a bowl. The whipping of the oil will create a lighter "frothy" oil. This should settle out over night but then again..... maybe not!!?? Whipped oil will appear lighter due to the air in the oil "foam".These dipsticks are not known for incredible accuracy. Make sure you install the proper quantity of oil as recommended by the owners manual or the service bulletin and check you oil after a brief idle period (to fill the new oil filter). Wherever the oil level shows on your dipstick, THAT is the proper oil level for YOUR car. You might want to take a file and make a notch on the stick if your level is significantly different than the factory marks on the stick. Dirt should NOT settle out of oil overnight. IF it is doing this, I'd switch oil brands!Dave

Oil stratification on dipstick?

Oil stratification on dipstick?

Re: Oil stratification on dipstick? (Mark)

Re: (Zimm)

Re: (jake75)

Re: Oil stratification on dipstick? (Mark)