Can't get a clear reading on oil dipstick

[DSvet]

I have no idea why, but when I check my oil, I can't get a good clear reading. There's oil all over but it doesn't cover 100% of the stick. Going by the highest point, it would be a gallon over lol. Look, I was ASC certified in the 90's, left the automotive world for and admin job, but now I'm back in the mechanic world doing diesel and heavy equipment. While I'm no master mechanic, I do know a thing or two. But for what ever reason, this dipstick just isn't showing the proper level. Guess I'm just going to drop it and the filter and start from scratch. Anyone else have this issue?

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[Larry Arizona]

I have the same issue on my 3.5 and 2.7.

I typically wait until engine is cold to attempt reading the dipstick.

 

[DSvet]

I have the same issue on my 3.5 and 2.7.

I typically wait until engine is cold to attempt reading the dipstick.

Man, my truck has sat for 2 days. I parked it Thursday and haven't started it. I took my chevy to the store and after I got back checked the oil level in the Ford. So it's not that. Maybe I'll pull the dipstick and then let it sit. This way any oil in the tub can drain.

 

[astro_fusion]

There's always a false mark way above the hash marks when I check on my 3.5. I read somewhere there is a windage tray in the bottom end that gives this false reading. I always pour 5qts in and look for the solid height in the hash marked zone then add what's needed after because of this. maybe your 5.0l is similar

 

[Severdog]

Yep, I can't read mine either. I just do six quart oil changes and change it fairly early, so as long as there's some oil on the dipstick (and no obvious leaks) I figure there's enough.

 

[CND Supercrew]

I have no problem reading mine. Park it at work in the AM, go out at lunch, one wipe and i can easily see the level...

 

[Snakebitten]

Just went out at dusk to check the oil after driving 2200 miles spanning 5 days of interstate travel.
Truck has been sitting for a couple of days.
Pulled the dipstick, wiped it, carefully slid it back in smoothly until it seated. Pulled it smoothly out.

(3.5 Ecoboost/Powerboost)

Admittedly there's some oil on the stick after the dry spot that's above the actual oil level. But if you flip the stick over, that oil is not on both sides of the steel.

 

[DSvet]

So I think I know what the issue was. It was SUPER LOW!!!! Guess I'll be sending it in for the oil consumption issue. I have just over 5000 miles. At a little over 3000 I added a quart of oil. It was so low that the oil line was at the very bottom of the stick. I just changed the oil and filter (motorcraft) and after adding the 7.75 quarts it's showing perfect on the stick. I knew it was burning oil just from the spatter on the tailgate, but I didn't think it was that bad. That would be more than 2 quarts low in under 3000, and total 3 quarts in 5000. And I've noticed it sounds like I have a supercharger as it whines as I pull into the garage at home. Do the 5.0 mustangs have the same issue? I may just bite the bullet and get one seeing I got this as an alternative.

 

[SilverPigeon]

To me it's sounding more like a leak issue than a burning issue; have you checked everything for leaks? You may be one of the unlucky ones on this TSB if your build date is in the range:

 

[DSvet]

To me it's sounding more like a leak issue than a burning issue; have you checked everything for leaks? You may be one of the unlucky ones on this TSB if your build date is in the range:

It's burning it. I park in the same spot in the garage and at work, I'd see oil drip. Plus you can see the spackle on the rear of the truck. It's burning or blowing oil out the back. But I'm dropping it off Friday.

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