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How to read Universal M25 dipstick

Amontyg

Member I
Recently did an oil change on my M25 and was once again frustrated by this dipstick and not knowing how to read it. I did a search of other threads, but was unable to find a definitive answer. Does anyone know how to read this? What is considered full and/or low?
 

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footrope

Contributing Partner
Blogs Author
The mark near the bottom is the low mark, probably a quart low. The top mark is the full mark and it is right below where the stick changes to round from flat.

In the middle is the serial number of the engine, 15841. You should be able to find a sticker or plate on the engine with that number on it, if the stick and the engine are matched.
 

Loren Beach

O34 - Portland, OR
Senior Moderator
Blogs Author
And.... when you want to read the level, pull out the stick and wipe it off, then insert it and remove it again to read it. When you pull it out the first time it will sometimes show no oil on it. That's because of the way the sump pulls down the oil level while the engine is running and after shut down the tube with the stick will not allow oil to rise it it again until you pull it up a ways which will break the seal at the top.
"Universal diesel trivia." (actually, Kubota engine trivia....)
 

Chris Mc.

Member III
Also, taking note to the oil capacity of the engine will give a very close indication of the proper level on the dipstick. Will change slightly from before first new oil start-up and after.
As for the full mark on the dipstick, I’d use the hash mark right below the number “5” for the full mark.
It’s always better to be a little low on oil than too much.
 

saphira36

Member II
It’s always better to be a little low on oil than too much.
But why is it better? (yes, I'm one of those people)

The answer I've always heard is that too much oil will let the crank shaft hit the oil effectively whipping it like you would eggs. This lowers the viscosity of the oil preventing it from being able to protect the surfaces it's supposed to. Is this correct or is there another reason?
 

Chris Mc.

Member III
Whipping it like eggs becomes frothy, which might make a good start to a delicious omelette, but not so much for viscosity. When too much oil is added, the level in the oil pan becomes too high. That allows a fast-moving lobed rod called the crankshaft to come into contact with the oil and essentially aerate it. The result is a foamy, frothy substance that cannot properly lubricate the engine.
Specifically for a diesel, however, excess oil in the crankcase can cause it to be forced up past the piston rings and into the combustion chamber.
This is just a sample. A short cursory google will give examples from people smarter than me on the subject.
 
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