(G) Checking oil level in Abarth

Erm, how do you do it?

I can't seem to get a decent reading from the dipstick, one side of it is at the maximum and the other side is about halfway down.

I've tried turning the dipstick while it's in the engine but still get the same

Ummm... are you parked on level ground? Have you tried cleaning and drying the dispstick while removed so the oil shows up more clearly?

-Alex

What I'd do Dan is take it to JCS and use their service managers head as a dipstick. If you still don't get a reading, then beat said manager's head bit a large sturdy item, say, a leg off a pool table.

I'm guessing that JCS Kegworth would be one of your local dealers Dan, and if you've used them you'll know why all the animosity (SP?!)

I know what you mean car's goin in there tomorrow to have ABS sensor and new paddleshift.

Don't forget to petrol-bomb the place on my behalf

in some motors i have driven if theres oil on the dipstick, thats enough for me!

Yes but you know how the Abarth likes to drink oil as much as it does petrol.

I've been told that 1litre every 1000 miles is normal useage! if driven hard, like an Abarth should

jeesus creast- my 1.2 hardly touches it- as in can go between services without a top up and is still goldeny coloured after 12 months!

Well the car is being serviced at a local garage on Saturday anyway so I'll see how they get on.

Chris - the service manager hid from me today in his office

I honestly don't think they'd let me in the door

To be honest I don't think they ever got over the 500 quid they gave me PX for my £150 Punto

any more news on this one, as im having the same problem at the moment. can not get a proper reading from the dip stick. its worrying, that much so that im not driving her at the moment in fear of damaging the engine..

I have checked the level after a very short drive and there is oil on there as expected. but if i leave it to cool off i get a reading the first time i pull the dip stick out but once cleaning it off and placing it in again i dont get any reading or if i do it is a very small amount. So confusing, that much so that im thinking a full oil change is required...

any luck dan after your service the other week?>?

Would i need a new sump plug "seal" if i do empty the engine of it oil?

Sounds to me like your oil level really is low

You SHOULD get the highest reading when the engine is cold (remove dipstick, clean, insert, remove, read level)

Well i filled her up with roughly 1.6 litres of oil, now sitting perfecting between the min and max mark.. Scary stuff i only checked the oil a few days before. no obvious leaks anywhere.

Now that i have done the oil i seem to have a miss-fire at low revs, possible coil or spark plug on the way out. She is still running the original Sagem coils so probably due an upgraded to 5 new champion units...

I pull out the dipstick once a fortnight, and check what is on there before wiping it.

I then wipe it, and put it back, then wait 10-15 secs, and then turn the dipstick around by 180 degrees. then you should get the same reading on both sides.

Thats my method anyhow.

Oh, and sometimes if its low, and im travelling quite quickly, or sideways round a roundabout, i got a pressure warning. But if it gets to that point you aint being very kind to your cams!!!

Ah the wonders of the 4pot ..one less coil to purchase