Hi guys,
came to service the van today, dropped the filter, went to take the sump plug out and noticed the sump was quite dented, but no leaks. Took out the sump plug, drained the oil and only got 2.5 litres out. According to the book it takes 6.5.
Replaced the filter and put 6 litres back in, ran it for 30 secs, turned off and dipped again and it's about 2 inches past max on the dipstick.
The dent in the sump would probably account for 1/2 a litre or so I would say.
I bought the van about 9k miles ago and it had been serviced, I've kept an eye on levels since and had no warning lights.
Now I don't know what to do, should I leave the 6 litres in or trust the dipstick?

Any help or advice greatly appreciated.

Cheers

spadders

Mine is a 2011 with the 120 multijet engine. If anyone knows how long the dipstick should be, that may be useful, as it's possible the wrong one could be i n the van I guess

Was it hot and level when you drained it. Overfilling can cause catastrophic failure what reason do you have to believe the dip stick has been changed? If the drain plug is in the dented part you'll never drain it fully and you new oil will be contaminated with a significant percentage crap oil at every fill.

Hi, I dipped the oil before draining and it was on max according to the dipstick. The dent in the sump would account for maybe 1/2 litre. When I drained it 2.5l came out, including what was in the filter and what came out of the filter housing.
The handbook states 6.5l capacity, and there's no possible way that the dent could account for a 4l difference, hence me wondering if the dipstick could be wrong. Either way, 2.5l is nowhere near enough, my motorbike takes 4 litres.
I'm most worried that I've done nearly 10k miles on 2.5l of oil.
I agree that there would be some residue left in the dented part, but in the short term, I can service it more often so there is "fresher" oil in anyway.

You were concerned about the dipstick length; my 2.3JTD is 2010 reg, so probably 2009 build and the inserted length of the dipstick is 78cms, sorry forgot to measure the markings but from memory the max is about 7/8cms from the bottom end

Measure out the amount stated in the manual and pour it in. Look at the dipstick to see if it reaches on or near the full mark. Allow for the dent, which I would fix quickly by removing the oil pan and carefully beating it straight. If you think the dipstick is wrong then get another.

I sometimes change my dipstick if it is one of the stupid new black ones that does not show the oil level clearly. I got a steel spring one with a blade end for my Jeep for this reason, and marked it with a file for the 2 levels, full and add oil.