xviper

WOW! You've crossed paths with a couple of "old wives" to obtain this info, haven't you?
After a 2 block drive, your oil is indeed "pumped" to all parts of the engine, BUT, it has had insufficient time to heat up and consequently, after shut the engine down while you were fueling up, the "coolish" oil does not drain well to return to the oil pan. You want as much oil as possible in the oil pan for a "true" reading as the amount that is "stuck" up in all the engine parts varies considerably with the temp of the engine and the length of time you have given the oil to drain back down. Checking the oil after a cold start and only driving 2 blocks is NOT a good time to check the level. In fact, this may the WORST time to check the oil for the reasons I just gave.
If you are going to start the engine, run it till you can be certain that all the oil has reached operating temp, then give it sufficient time to drain down properly. And, as S2000guy has shown us, 10 minutes standing time is more or less equivalent to letting it stand overnight. However, checking the oil after about 3-4 minutes wait is just fine as the difference will only be no more than 1 "X" if you know how to check the oil correctly. (ie. Pull stick, wipe, leave out, go fuel up, come back and put stick in, pull out, take a read. In the morning before starting engine - pull stick out, wipe, put stick back in, pull out, take read.)

stlvtec

I check her oil with my middle finger

xviper

Do you do it when she's hot or cold? I'm guessing the "lubricating" characteristics are much better when hot, right?

TubeDriver

I don't think anyone mentioned that if using the dipstick you want to be on as level a surface as possible.

xviper

I've always thought this concept was a "given" but you are wise to have brought this up. Just as the occasional person will NOT wipe off the dipstick first when checking oil, I suppose there will be those who will check while the car is parked on the hilly portions of San Francisco.

jojipoji

i dont check her oil cuz i keep her well lubricated =)

stlvtec

[QUOTE]Originally posted by xviper
[B]
Do you do it when she's hot or cold?

xviper

[QUOTE]Originally posted by stlvtec
[B]

Hot of course.

NNY S2k

Because Honda recommends to check the oil when adding gas, I figure they mean checking the oil when warm. I check mine often, both hot & cold, when down a couple x's I add some oil.

Ganthet

[QUOTE]Originally posted by xviper
[B]
WOW!